The Cry of Jazz
Synopsis
Filmed in Chicago & finished in 1959, The Cry of Jazz is filmmaker, composer and arranger Edward O. Bland's polemical essay on the politics of music and race - a forecast of what he called "the death of jazz." A landmark moment in black film, foreseeing the civil unrest of subsequent decades, it also features the only known footage of visionary pianist Sun Ra from his beloved Chicago period. Featured are ample images of tenor saxophonist John Gilmore and the rest of Ra's Arkestra in Windy City nightclubs, all shot in glorious black & white.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
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"The Cry of Jazz" (1959) on C-SPAN3's Reel America
Type: Clip • Published 2021-05-17
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Release History & Theatrical Window
March 22, 1959
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Edward Bland
- Original Score
- Sun Ra
- Original Title
- The Cry of Jazz
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 34m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Edward Bland
Sun Ra
Department Leadership Roster
Edward Bland
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cry of Jazz
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Cry of Jazz about?
Filmed in Chicago & finished in 1959, The Cry of Jazz is filmmaker, composer and arranger Edward O. Bland's polemical essay on the politics of music and race - a forecast of what he called "the death of jazz." A landmark moment in black film, foreseeing the civil unrest of subsequent decades, it also features the only known footage of visionary pianist Sun Ra from his beloved Chicago period. Featured are ample images of tenor saxophonist John Gilmore and the rest of Ra's Arkestra in Windy City nightclubs, all shot in glorious black & white.
Who directed The Cry of Jazz?
The Cry of Jazz was directed by Edward Bland.
Who stars in The Cry of Jazz?
The principal cast of The Cry of Jazz includes George Waller, Dorothea Horton, Melinda Dillon, Andrew Duncan, Leroy Inman.
When was The Cry of Jazz released and how long is it?
The Cry of Jazz was released in 1959 with a total runtime of 34m.
Who composed the musical score for The Cry of Jazz?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Cry of Jazz was composed by Sun Ra.