Uncle Joe Shannon

I agree with another reviewer, it is low budget, but it still has that vintage late 1970s warm fuzzy glow around it along witht the waste and the emptiness that gets to the pit of your stomach (remember the scenes, in the long run it'll warm your heart. A few nice props being a NJ boy is that Doug McKeon, the actor who plays the little boy, is from Pompton Plains NJ and Mr. Cassidy is in teh NJ Boxing Hall of Fame.

Oh it was gonna be so obvious this was just some made for TV movie. But it all turns out to be so interesting. And I end up caring so much. And it's just so sweet and so wonderful. Please invest the time. Watch this one you need to feel something or life needs to change. Or watch this when hope is in doubt. This kid is great. Uncle Joe is great. Oh here and there the stories a little implausible but hell. How else do angels get their wings?

My father, who passed away in 2002, was a well-known jazz trumpeter who played with the Maynard Ferguson, Duke Ellington and Woody Herman bands among many others. He was the Technical Adviser on "Uncle Joe Shannon," meaning he taught Burt Young to appear as though he could play the instrument.

He thoroughly enjoyed this gig because Burt is a genuinely nice individual. I remember spending time in Burt's trailer a number of times and appearing as an extra in the orphanage dormitory scene.

The producers offered dad the opportunity to perform the trumpet solos on the soundtrack but my father felt that Maynard's style (the legendary high notes and amazing technical prowess,) would be more appropriate and dramatic for the film and the character of Joe Shannon. My dad's trumpet playing style was more subtle, muted, and lyrical. Additionally, Maynard had a hit with the "Rocky" theme at the time. Chartoff-Winkler produced both the "Rocky" films and "U.J.S." Maynard said his work on this film was the best-paying job he'd ever had, (considering the short amount time he spent in the recording studio.)

"Uncle Joe Shannon" is obviously no "Citizen Kane," but the acting is good, a lot of the first-time crew members got their union cards, and ultimately I doubt the producers lost any significant money. I have fond memories of this period, and of this film.

The score of UJS features the trumpet trumpet playing of the legendary Maynard Ferguson. Ferguson, often described as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century, is simply astounding, so much so that you can easily overlook the movie's flaws.

I am flabbergasted that more people haven't appreciated this movie, out of the 45 who've voted on it. I am a musician, so I am a little biased, but I am giving it a ten also because it ranks as one of few movies that reach a heart wrenching finale that is meaningful and uplifting at the same time. I found it very worthwhile after seeing it to its conclusion. Why the poor scores? I guess those who are looking for something to nitpick over, like the cinematography, the pacing, or any one of a dozen film business quality areas, could certainly find ample points to take issue with. But come on people, this is a drama, not an action movie. It has tremendous heart. Drama's with heart that deliver a punch are not all that abundant, especially in this world of cynics.

The acting is at times, but not always, excellent, and the story delivers and is worth the wait, for those who can endure along with the characters.

If you like jazz, if you are a musician or are interested in a great movie about being one, or if you want to watch a movie that can inspire one to overcome difficulties and helping one another, especially if you or those close to you have mental or physical challenges that set them behind, you will find the triumph explored here is heartwarming indeed.

The movie compares to another one, called The Mighty, who IMDb members rated 7.2. Given the budget of that movie, compared with this one, and the time period difference, I think this is one of the more underrated movies on this web site.

Your patience will pay off!