'Round Midnight (1986)

A troubled, but talented musician flees the US to escape his problems, finding refuge and support in Paris.

Director:

Bertrand Tavernier

Writers:

David Rayfiel (screenplay), Bertrand Tavernier (screenplay)

Stars:

Dexter Gordon, François Cluzet, Gabrielle Haker

Won 1 Oscar. Another 10 wins & 12 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dexter Gordon	...	Dale Turner
François Cluzet	...	Francis Borler
Gabrielle Haker	...	Berangere
Sandra Reaves-Phillips	...	Buttercup
Lonette McKee	...	Darcey Leigh
Christine Pascal	...	Sylvie
Herbie Hancock	...	Eddie Wayne
Bobby Hutcherson	...	Ace
Pierre Trabaud	...	Francis's Father
Frédérique Meininger	...	Francis's Mother
Hart Leroy Bibbs	...	Hershell
Liliane Rovère	...	Madame Queen
Ged Marlon	...	Beau
Benoît Régent	...	Psychiatrist
Victoria Gabrielle Platt	...	Chan Turner

Storyline

In 'Round Midnight, real-life jazz legend Dexter Gordon brilliantly portrays the fictional tenor sax player Dale Turner, a musician slowly losing the battle with alcoholism, estranged from his family, and hanging on by a thread in the 1950's New York jazz world. Dale gets an offer to play in Paris, where, like many other black American musicians at the time, he enjoys a respect for his humanity that is not based upon the color of his skin. A Parisian man who is obsessed with Turner's music befriends him and attempts to save Turner from himself. Although for Dale the damage is already done, his poignant relationship with the man and his young daughter re-kindles his spirit and his music as the end draws near.

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Plot Keywords:

jazz | musician | alcoholism | jazz score | jazz music | 

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Taglines:

The music and the magic come together...

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Genres:

Drama | Music

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dexter Gordon became the first Jazz Musician to earn a Best Actor Academy Award Nomination for this film.

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Goofs

Although the film takes place in the 50s, one shot of New York near the end shows several mid 1980s Chevrolet Caprice Taxis, along with some cars from the late 1960s and 1970s.

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Quotes

Hershell: You know who's going to be waiting for you at the airfield in Paris, don't you?... You.

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Connections

Referenced in At the Movies: The Marrying Man/Career Opportunities/The Five Heartbeats/The Object of Beauty/Daddy Nostalgia (1991)

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Soundtracks

It's Only A Paper Moon
Written by Billy Rose, E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen

User Reviews

Great Movie with Great Jazz

Dexter Gordon plays Dale Turner, an aging tenor sax player at the end of his days. Beaten but unbowed by years of drug and alcohol abuse Turner arrives in Paris (1959) for a gig at a small, smoky, jazz club. Acknowledged as one of the greats he is joined by other stellar musicians as he quietly struggles to quell his demons and make great music. For a while, at least, he succeeds at both. Gently constructed without much plot this movie is a treat for all, and a grand slam home run for jazz fans.

Details

Country:

USA France

Language:

English French

Release Date:

3 October 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

'Round Midnight

Filming Locations:

Lyon, Rhône, Rhône-Alpes, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$25,384, 5 October 1986

Gross USA:

$3,272,593

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$3,272,593

Company Credits

Production Co:

Little Bear, PECF

Technical Specs

Runtime:

133 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1