A tribute to the fabled jazz scene of L.A.'s Central Avenue during the 1930s and '40s, Stanley's Gig opens on a Hawaiian cruise ship where charismatic waster Stanley Myer (
William Sanderson) has gotten a gig playing his ukulele for a group of filthy rich businessmen. The gig, arranged by his friend Leila (
Faye Dunaway) helps to stem Stanley's overriding debt, but after it ends, he's desperate for another job. He finds one as a recreational therapist at a nursing home, where he wins the affections of all of its residents save for Eleanor Whitney (Marla Gibbs), a faded jazz great who now lives in self-imposed emotional exile. Eventually, a friendship forms between Stanley and Eleanor, and Stanley becomes determined to arrange a return performance for his friend at Honey Brown, the jazz club she used to headline. ~ Rebecca Flint, All Movie Guide