The Fabulous Dorseys is a 1947 fictionalized biographical film which tells the story of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, from their boyhood in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania through their rise, their breakup, and their personal reunion. The film is inevitably a musical, but has many comic overtones.

The Dorsey Brothers starred as themselves. Other actors include Janet Blair, William Lundigan, Sara Allgood and Arthur Shields. Janet Blair demonstrates that she is a highly competent singer.

The “side plot” focuses upon a romance between Jane and Bob. Bob strives to improve himself, and rather than playing support music in the cinema, strives to write a concerto.

There are also cameo appearances by other musicians of the period: Paul Whiteman, Charlie Barnet, Henry Busse, Bob Eberly, Helen O’Connell and Art Tatum. Pianist Tatum “is shown playing in a night club with the piano surrounded by the Dorsey brothers and other well-known musicians, who finally join him in an ensemble blues.”

The Jimmy Dorsey composition and theme song “Contrasts” is played in the movie. “Green Eyes”, “Tangerine”, “I’ll Never Smile Again”, “Marie”, and “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” are also featured in the movie, along with “To Me” and “Dorsey Concerto”. Paul Whiteman and the Orchestra perform “At Sundown”.

The film was written by Art Arthur, Richard English and Curtis Kenyon. It was directed by Alfred E. Green.

Cast
Tommy Dorsey as Himself (Jimmy’s Brother)
Jimmy Dorsey as Himself (Tommy’s Brother)
Janet Blair as Jane Howard
Paul Whiteman as Bandleader
William Lundigan as Robert Burton (Bob)
Sara Allgood as Mrs. Dorsey
Arthur Shields as Mr. Dorsey
Dave Willock as Foggy
William Bakewell as Eddie
James Flavin as Gorman
Charlie Barnet as Bandleader
Bob Eberly as Band Vocalist
Henry Busse as Bandleader
Helen O’Connell as Band Vocalist
Mike Pingitore as Musician
Art Tatum as Himself