Sal Mineo (Rebel Without a Cause) steals the screen with his acclaimed portrayal of one of the greatest jazz drummers of all time in this realistic bio-pic. Defying the wishes of his parents, the young Krupa sets out for New York in search of fame and fortune with his musician buddy, Eddie (James Darren, Gidget, the Guns of Navarone), and his small-town sweetheart, Ethel (Susan Kohner, Imitation of Life). After Krupa's incredible talents are discovered, his rocketing career leaves little time for Ethel. Now playing in the fast lane, the hard-hitting drummer falls for a sexy jazz singer, Dorissa (Susan Oliver, the Disorderly Orderly), who introduces him to drugs. But after serving time in jail and losing true love Ethel, Krupa yearns for only one thing: A second chance at life and love. Special appearances by Anita O'Day and Red Nichols, and a superb soundtrack with Krupa on drums, highlight this compelling story of a musical genius who transformed the sound of jazz percussion.