Young Benny Goodman is taught clarinet by a music professor. He is advised to play whichever kind of music he likes best, but to make a living, Benny begins by joining the Ben Pollack traveling band.

Steve Allen
as Benny Goodman

Donna Reed
as Alice Hammond

Berta Gersten
as Mama Goodman

Barry Truex
as Benny Goodman (age 16)

Herbert Anderson
as John Hammond Jr.

Robert F. Simon
as Papa Dave Goodman

Hy Averback
as Willard Alexander - Benny's manager

Sammy Davis Sr.
as Fletcher Henderson

Dick Winslow
as Gil Rodin

Shepard Menken
as Harry Goodman