Not historially accurate, but a great portrayal by Sal Mineo. He worked with Krupa for about 2 years before filming began. The only real flaw is that the music is a 1950's version of 1930's swing/jazz, and none of Krupa's hits of the 40's were really included. Nonetheless, the music is very good, with Mineo mimicing extremely accurately Krups's off screen drumming.