Details the life story of Scott Joplin and how he became the greatest ragtime composer of all time.Details the life story of Scott Joplin and how he became the greatest ragtime composer of all time.Details the life story of Scott Joplin and how he became the greatest ragtime composer of all time.
- Awards
- 1 win
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe only other composers mentioned as worthy equals in the film are John Philip Sousa and Ferdinand 'Jelly Roll' Morton.
- GoofsWhen Joplin visits a dying Chauvin in 1908, there is a toggle light switch on the wall, which wasn't invented until 1916.
- Quotes
Belle: I was remembering the time we said we'd marry. Does it embarass you so much to talk about it?
Scott Joplin: Ultimately, you'll see that I was wise not to talk about it.
Belle: You needn't stop talking altogether, you know. I've been made love to before. I know a lot about love. But it wasn't the same with them as it was with you. With you I felt soft and sorry inside. No matter how much you rejected me, I could stand it. Not anymore.
- ConnectionsFeatured in TCM Guest Programmer: Billy Dee Williams (2024)
- SoundtracksHangover Blues
Words & music by Harold Johnson
Featured review
interesting history
Scott Joplin (Billy Dee Williams) grew up in a musical family. After his mother's death, his father kept his music in church and nowhere else. He runs away and starts playing in a bordello. He would become one of the greatest composers during the ragtime era. He would be dead in 1917 at the age of 48 from syphilis.
The movie becomes a long downhill slide after an early run. Billy Dee Williams delivers a reserved performance and then some overdramatic work. Both of which results in a dour-noted tough watch for the second half. It feels rather flat and the pacing becomes slow. I don't know if this is all strictly true. The movie could be well-served with some dramatic fictionalization to make a more compelling film. It is still interesting history and worthwhile material.
The movie becomes a long downhill slide after an early run. Billy Dee Williams delivers a reserved performance and then some overdramatic work. Both of which results in a dour-noted tough watch for the second half. It feels rather flat and the pacing becomes slow. I don't know if this is all strictly true. The movie could be well-served with some dramatic fictionalization to make a more compelling film. It is still interesting history and worthwhile material.
helpful•10
- SnoopyStyle
- Jun 1, 2024
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Details
- Runtime1 hour 36 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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