Scott Joplin
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Jeremy Kagan
Billy Dee Williams
David Raynr
Spo De Odee
Marcus J. Grapes
Clifton Davis
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
The life story of famed ragtime composer and pianist Scott Joplin is told. Born in the 19th century, racism had kept the brilliant African American in the lower echelons of show business, but when he introduced his composition "The Maple Leaf Rag" in a musical competition, he gained the attention of a Caucasian music publisher. Joplin agreed to sell the piece for a low price, hoping that it would lead to success upon publication. In fact, it did result in Ragtime music becoming an American craze and made him a rich man. Unhappy that the genre was not considered to be respectable, Joplin longed to write a concerto or opera, but his talents began to wane along with his health at the age of 49.
Director
Jeremy Kagan
Cast
Billy Dee Williams
David Raynr
Spo De Odee
Marcus J. Grapes
Clifton Davis
Dewayne Jessie
Dick Hyman
Godfrey Cambridge
Eubie Blake
Samuel Fuller
Art Carney
Mabel King
Rita Ross
Taj Mahal
David Healy
Leon Charles
Margaret Avery
Seymour Cassel
Fred Pinkard
Delos W Smith Jr.
Denise Gordy
Crew
Jon Andersen
Rob Cohen
Bill Hiney
Stan Hough
Robert L Hoyt
Dick Hyman
Bernard Johnson
Harold Johnson
Scott Joplin
Patrick Kennedy
Christopher Knopf
James W. Payne
David Ronne
David M. Walsh
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
I was remembering the time we said we'd marry. Does it embarass you so much to talk about it?- Belle
Ultimately, you'll see that I was wise not to talk about it.- Scott
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.- Belle
You were overpowered by the extravagance of sound, the sheer weight of volume. Your music was never meant to compete at that level. It was just never heard.- John
Well, it will be heard! If volume is what they want, volume is what they'll get!- Scott
What are you talking about?- John
I'm going to write an opera.- Scott
An opera?- John
Get up from the piano, boy. You're hurting its feelings.- Man at Audition
Where'd you get the mattress?- Scott
Stole it.- Louis
Steal another.- Scott
Trivia
Miscellaneous Notes
Released in United States Winter February 1, 1977
Released in United States Winter February 1, 1977
