The Cry of Jazz
1959, English. Directed by Edward Bland.
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.
- Runtime
- 0h 34m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The Cry of Jazz
The Cry of Jazz is streaming on Criterion Channel in India.
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Criterion ChannelAvailability in India as of 13 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
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Details
- Released
- 22 March 1959
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News & fan talk
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The Cry of Jazz: quick answers
Is The Cry of Jazz worth watching?
The Cry of Jazz doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Cry of Jazz?
The Cry of Jazz runs 34 minutes (0h 34m).
Does The Cry of Jazz have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Cry of Jazz. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Cry of Jazz parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Cry of Jazz yet.
Which OTT platform is The Cry of Jazz on?
The Cry of Jazz is streaming on Criterion Channel in India. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Cry of Jazz?
If you liked The Cry of Jazz, try I Called Him Morgan, Quincy, John & Yoko: Above Us Only Sky.
Who directed The Cry of Jazz?
The Cry of Jazz (1959) was directed by Edward Bland and stars George Waller, Dorothea Horton, Melinda Dillon.