Scott Joplin (1977)
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46% of users liked it
(93 ratings)
Billy Dee Williams stars as legendary ragtime pianist/composer Scott Joplin in this 1977 biopic. Despite his brilliance, Joplin (1868-1917) was confined by the color of his skin to the dregs of show business in the late 19th century. While competing in a musical contest, Joplin introduces his most… More Billy Dee Williams stars as legendary ragtime pianist/composer Scott Joplin in this 1977 biopic. Despite his brilliance, Joplin (1868-1917) was confined by the color of his skin to the dregs of show business in the late 19th century. While competing in a musical contest, Joplin introduces his most famous composition, "The Maple Leaf Rag", thereby commanding the attention of a white music publisher. Offered a ridiculously low price for the song, Joplin nevertheless agrees to sell his composition, figuring that he has a better chance at fame and fortune once he's published. Before long, Ragtime music has become a national craze, and Joplin is rich beyond his wildest dreams. But the composer realizes that his brand of music is not considered respectable, and yearns to write something of more lasting value--a concerto, perhaps, or even an opera. Alas, Joplin's talents begin failing him, and by age 49 he is on the brink of death, a victim of syphilis. Originally made for television by Motown Films, Scott Joplin was released theatrically by Universal Pictures. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Directed By
- Jeremy Paul Kagan, Jeremy Kagan
- Written By
- Christopher Knopf
- Genres
- Drama, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Special Interest
PG,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1977 Wide
- Studio
- Universal Pictures
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Cast
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Billy Dee Williams
as Scott Joplin
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Clifton Davis
as Louis Chauvin
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Margaret Avery
as Belle Joplin
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Eubie Blake
as Will Williams
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Godfrey Cambridge
as Tom Turpin
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Seymour Cassel
as Dr. Jaelki
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DeWayne Jessie
as John The Baptist
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Mabel King
as Madam Amy
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Taj Mahal
as Poor Alfred
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Spo-De-Odee
as Left Hand Of God
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Art Carney
as John Stark
- Delos V. Smith Jr.
- Marcus J. Grapes
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Denise Gordy
as Prostitute
- Rita Ross
- The Commodores
- Leon Charles
- David Healy
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Samuel Fuller
as Theater Impresario
- David Hubbard
- Fred Pinkard
- Delos V. Smith
- Lionel Richie
- Otis Day
