The Cry of Jazz (1959): cast, story & where to watch
1959 · Film · ★ 5.9
Released in 1959, The Cry of Jazz is a music and documentary film directed by Edward Bland, running about 34 minutes.
What it’s 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’s in it. The Cry of Jazz stars George Waller as Alex Johnson, Dorothea Horton as Natalie, Melinda Dillon as Faye and Leroy Inman as Louis, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.9/10, The Cry of Jazz has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Cry of Jazz page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Cry of Jazz tend to enjoy Whiplash, Coco, Green Book and The Legend of 1900.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Cry of Jazz (1959)?
- In US, The Cry of Jazz is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Cry of Jazz worth watching?
- The Cry of Jazz holds an audience score of 5.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy music and documentary. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Cry of Jazz?
- The Cry of Jazz stars George Waller, Dorothea Horton, Melinda Dillon, Leroy Inman and James Miller.
- When was The Cry of Jazz released?
- The Cry of Jazz was released in 1959, with a runtime of about 34 minutes.