Acting
Duke Ellington
Born April 29, 1899 · Washington, District of Columbia, USA
Died May 24, 1974 · aged 75
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and leader of a jazz orchestra from 1923 through the rest of his life. Born in Washington, D.C., Ellington was based in New York City from the mid-1920s and gained a national profile through his orchestra's appearances at the Cotton Club in Harlem.
Known For
Only the Dead Know Brooklyn · 2026Only the Dead Know Brooklyn
2026
MovieComedy
An adaptation of Thomas Wolfe's timeless 1935 short story where a man tries to direct a drunk to his train
Paris Blues · 1961Paris Blues
★ 6.51961
MovieRomanceDrama
During the 1960s, two American jazz musicians living in Paris meet and fall in love with two American tourist girls and must decide between music and love.
Piano Blues · 2003Piano Blues
★ 6.52003
MovieMusicDocumentary
Director — and piano player — Clint Eastwood explores his life-long passion for piano blues, using a treasure trove of rare historical footage in addition to interviews and performances by such living legends as Pinetop Perkins and Jay McShann, as well as Dave Brubeck and Marcia Ball.
Anatomy of a Murder · 1959Anatomy of a Murder
★ 7.81959
MovieCrimeDrama
Semi-retired Michigan lawyer Paul Biegler takes the case of Army Lt. Manion, who murdered a local innkeeper after his wife claimed that he raped her. Over the course of an extensive trial, Biegler parries with District Attorney Lodwick and out-of-town prosecutor Claude Dancer to set his client free, but his case rests on the victim's mysterious business partner, who's hiding a dark secret.
Jazz Evolution · 2008Jazz Evolution
★ 6.02008
MovieMusic
The Intimate Duke Ellington · 2003The Intimate Duke Ellington
2003
MovieMusic
Duke Ellington's fifty year career was full of accomplishments as a highly original pianist, arranger, prolific composer and leader of a timeless orchestra. On occasion he recorded with a small group from his orchestra or as a piano soloist, but Duke was rarely filmed in that capacity... with a few exceptions. On January 23, 1967, Ellington filmed two programs for Danish television. The first has him jamming with an octet taken from his orchestra, including such greats as altoist Johnny Hodges, tenor-saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, baritonist Harry Carney and trumpeter Cat Anderson. Highlights include "The Jeep Is Jumpin'," "Sophisitcated Lady" and "Jam with Sam." The second program puts the focus on Ellington's piano, in solo and trio performances that include "Lotus Blossom," "Mood Indigo," and a definitive version of "Take the 'A' Train." Always a modern and distinctive soloist, Ellington is seen creating brilliant improvisations full of strong melodies, subtle surprises and sly wit.
The War of the Infras · 1978The War of the Infras
★ 8.01978
MovieScience FictionAction
A new team of Infra Supermen are created to stop the Brotherhood of Satan from controlling the world. Released as an unofficial sequel to Inframan.
Alice Babs - Swing It! · 2007Alice Babs - Swing It!
2007
MovieDocumentary
This documentary film features plenty of archival material, also showing Alice Babs from her private side: as a vivacious lady who has held on to her happy and "up-beat" nature into old age.
Movies
Only the Dead Know Brooklyn · 2026Only the Dead Know Brooklyn
2026
MovieComedy
An adaptation of Thomas Wolfe's timeless 1935 short story where a man tries to direct a drunk to his train
Paris Blues · 1961Paris Blues
★ 6.51961
MovieRomanceDrama
During the 1960s, two American jazz musicians living in Paris meet and fall in love with two American tourist girls and must decide between music and love.
Piano Blues · 2003Piano Blues
★ 6.52003
MovieMusicDocumentary
Director — and piano player — Clint Eastwood explores his life-long passion for piano blues, using a treasure trove of rare historical footage in addition to interviews and performances by such living legends as Pinetop Perkins and Jay McShann, as well as Dave Brubeck and Marcia Ball.
Anatomy of a Murder · 1959Anatomy of a Murder
★ 7.81959
MovieCrimeDrama
Semi-retired Michigan lawyer Paul Biegler takes the case of Army Lt. Manion, who murdered a local innkeeper after his wife claimed that he raped her. Over the course of an extensive trial, Biegler parries with District Attorney Lodwick and out-of-town prosecutor Claude Dancer to set his client free, but his case rests on the victim's mysterious business partner, who's hiding a dark secret.
Jazz Evolution · 2008Jazz Evolution
★ 6.02008
MovieMusic
The Intimate Duke Ellington · 2003The Intimate Duke Ellington
2003
MovieMusic
Duke Ellington's fifty year career was full of accomplishments as a highly original pianist, arranger, prolific composer and leader of a timeless orchestra. On occasion he recorded with a small group from his orchestra or as a piano soloist, but Duke was rarely filmed in that capacity... with a few exceptions. On January 23, 1967, Ellington filmed two programs for Danish television. The first has him jamming with an octet taken from his orchestra, including such greats as altoist Johnny Hodges, tenor-saxophonist Paul Gonsalves, baritonist Harry Carney and trumpeter Cat Anderson. Highlights include "The Jeep Is Jumpin'," "Sophisitcated Lady" and "Jam with Sam." The second program puts the focus on Ellington's piano, in solo and trio performances that include "Lotus Blossom," "Mood Indigo," and a definitive version of "Take the 'A' Train." Always a modern and distinctive soloist, Ellington is seen creating brilliant improvisations full of strong melodies, subtle surprises and sly wit.
The War of the Infras · 1978The War of the Infras
★ 8.01978
MovieScience FictionAction
A new team of Infra Supermen are created to stop the Brotherhood of Satan from controlling the world. Released as an unofficial sequel to Inframan.
Alice Babs - Swing It! · 2007Alice Babs - Swing It!
2007
MovieDocumentary
This documentary film features plenty of archival material, also showing Alice Babs from her private side: as a vivacious lady who has held on to her happy and "up-beat" nature into old age.
Jam Session · 1942Jam Session
★ 6.31942
MovieMusic
Duke Ellington and Orchestra perform 'C Jam Blues'.
Improvisation · 2004Improvisation
2004
MovieMusicDocumentary
Improvisational jazz performance filmed in 1950 by Gjon Mili plus Duke Ellington Trio filmed in July 1966, Count Basie at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1977, Joe Pass 1979, Ella Fitzgerald 1979, and Oscar Peterson at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1977.
Hot Chocolate · 1941Hot Chocolate
★ 7.61941
MovieMusic
Whitey's Lindy Hoppers at their best along with Duke Ellington and his Orchestra performing for this "Hot Chocolate" musical short.
The Turning Point · 1977The Turning Point
★ 6.61977
MovieDramaRomance
As young dancers, they were best friends and fierce rivals. Deedee left the stage for marriage and motherhood, while Emma would become an international ballet icon. But when Deedee's teenage daughter is invited to join Emma's dance company and begins an affair with a young Russian star, the two women are forced to confront the choices they've made, the resentments they've hidden and the emotional truths they must face at the turning point.
Nutcracker Sweeties · 1997Nutcracker Sweeties
★ 7.01997
MovieMusic
Nutcracker Sweeties is Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington’s big band take on the Tchaikovsky classic—The Nutcracker as you've never seen or heard it before! It portrays Broadway and America in the 1940s: full of humor, irony, commentary, swing, and blues. The cast, dressed in an array of glamorous Jasper Conran costumes, includes pom-pom girls, drum majorettes, sailors, GIs and Candy Kane. David Bintley’s choreography is a catwalk of jazz styles. With its eye-catching clothes and flashing neon sets, Nutcracker Sweeties is imaginative, funny and visually irresistible.
Misanthrope · 1987Misanthrope
1987
MovieDramaTV Movie
A performance by the Taganka Theatre based on a play by Molière. The last work of Anatoly Efros. The production features music by Duke Ellington.
Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat · 2024Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat
★ 7.72024
MovieDocumentaryHistory
Jazz and decolonization are intertwined in a powerful narrative that recounts one of the tensest episodes of the Cold War.
Hollywood on Parade No. B-10 · 1934Hollywood on Parade No. B-10
1934
MovieDocumentary
Essentially an advertisement for Murder at the Vanities (1934). Features Chico Marx, W.C. Fields, Duke Ellington and many others.
Cabin in the Sky · 1943Cabin in the Sky
★ 6.51943
MovieMusicFantasy
When compulsive gambler Little Joe Jackson dies in a drunken fight, he awakens in purgatory, where he learns that he will be sent back to Earth for six months to prove that he deserves to be in heaven. He awakens, remembering nothing and struggles to do right by his devout wife, Petunia, while an angel known as the General and the devil's son, Lucifer Jr., fight for his soul.
Belle of the Nineties · 1934Belle of the Nineties
★ 6.11934
MovieComedyDrama
Nightclub entertainer Ruby Carter moves from St. Louis to New Orleans to escape Tiger Kid. At Ace Lamont's club, she gains fame but faces drama with Ace's ex Molly. A jewel theft and fixed fight lead to confrontations.
Bli-Blip · 1942Bli-Blip
★ 8.01942
MovieMusic
Duke Ellington and His Orchestra perform "Bli-Blip" with Marie Bryant and Paul White
Check and Double Check · 1930Check and Double Check
★ 5.71930
MovieComedy
Amos and Andy trying to make a go of their "open-air" taxi business while they get caught up in a society hassle, involving driving musicians to a fancy party.
Daybreak Express · 1957Daybreak Express
★ 7.21957
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Set to a classic Duke Ellington recording "Daybreak Express", this is a five-minute short of the soon-to-be-demolished Third Avenue elevated subway station in New York City.
So Long · 2012So Long
★ 7.02012
MovieAnimationMusic
The life of two characters who follow each other beyond the walls.
The Very Best of The Ed Sullivan Show (Vol. 1) · 1991The Very Best of The Ed Sullivan Show (Vol. 1)
1991
MovieComedyMusic
Carol Burnett hosts a look back at the storied Ed Sullivan Show, featuring reminiscences and legendary performances by stars from music and comedy.
Charlie Parker: Bird Songs · 2022Charlie Parker: Bird Songs
★ 6.82022
MovieDocumentaryMusic
In 1955, on his report, a medical examiner wrote in the box: age, “about 53 years”. Charlie Parker nicknamed Bird just died, at 34. His death will be the ransom of a life that was not denied to the excesses or the consuming flame of genius. His wildest improvisations will open the door to future jazzmen. Between shadow and light this film will pay tribute to one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.
TV Shows
The Mike Douglas Show · 1961The Mike Douglas Show
★ 5.81961
SeriesComedy
The Mike Douglas Show is an American daytime television talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that originally aired only in the Cleveland area during much of its first two years on the air. It then went into syndication in 1963 and remained on television until 1982. It was distributed by Westinghouse Broadcasting and for much of its run, originated from studios of two of the company's TV stations in Cleveland and Philadelphia.
The Merv Griffin Show · 1962The Merv Griffin Show
★ 6.61962
Series
What's My Line? · 1950What's My Line?
★ 7.01950
SeriesFamilyComedy
Four panelists must determine guests' occupations - and, in the case of famous guests, while blindfolded, their identity - by asking only "yes" or "no" questions.
The Dick Cavett Show · 1968The Dick Cavett Show
★ 6.81968
Series
The Dick Cavett Show has been the title of several talk shows hosted by Dick Cavett on various television networks.
Bambi · 1948Bambi
★ 9.01948
Series
The Bambi, often called the Bambi Award and stylised as BAMBI, is a German award presented annually by Hubert Burda Media to recognize excellence in international media and television to personalities in the media, arts, culture, sports, and other fields "with vision and creativity who affected and inspired the German public that year", both domestic and foreign. First held in 1948, it is the oldest media award in Germany. The trophy is named after Felix Salten's book Bambi, A Life in the Woods and its statuettes are in the shape of the novel's titular fawn character. They were originally made of porcelain until 1958, when the organizers switched to using gold, with the casting done by the art casting workshop of Ernst Strassacker in Süßen.
The Ed Sullivan Show · 1948The Ed Sullivan Show
★ 6.81948
SeriesComedy
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan. It was replaced in September 1971 by the CBS Sunday Night Movie, which ran only one season and was eventually replaced by other shows.
In 2002, The Ed Sullivan Show was ranked #15 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.
Le Grand Échiquier · 1972Le Grand Échiquier
★ 8.01972
Series
Le Grand Échiquier is a French variety television program created and presented by Jacques Chancel. It aired at 8:30 pm on the first channel of the ORTF from January 12, 1972 to July 12, 1972, then on the second color channel of the ORTF from September 1972 to December 1974, and finally on Antenne 2 from January 1975 to December 21, 1989. The program returned to France 2 on December 20, 2018 and is hosted by Anne-Sophie Lapix.
Discorama · 1959Discorama
★ 8.01959
Series
Jazz · 2001Jazz
★ 7.52001
SeriesDocumentary
Jazz is a ten part series that explores the evolution – and the genius – of America’s greatest original art form, focusing on the extraordinary men and women who could do something remarkable – create art on the spot. Jazz celebrates their profoundly enduring, endlessly varied, and infinitely alluring music in the context of the complicated country that gave birth to and influenced it, and was in turn transformed by it.
The Steve Allen Show · 1956The Steve Allen Show
★ 6.21956
SeriesComedy
The Bell Telephone Hour · 1959The Bell Telephone Hour
★ 8.01959
Series
“The Bell Telephone Hour” was a musical variety show that aired on “NBC” TV from 12 January 1959 to 14 June 1968 that showcased the best in Broadway, Classical, Concert, Jazz and Popular music each week. The series had its’ own house band appropriately named the “Bell Telephone Orchestra”. The show also had its’ own theme song being the “Bell Waltz” composed by “Donald Voorhees” who was also the show's Orchestra conductor. Some of the greatest violinists of the 1960’s performed on this show that aired in the old “Black & White” format. Some of these great violinists included “Erica Mornin”, “Isaac Stern", "Michael Rabin", "Ruggiero Ricci", "Yehudi Menuhin" and "Zino Francesacatti". From time to time some of the great singers and bandleaders of the 1960’s would perform on the show as well. Some of these were “Bing Crosby”, “Gordon MacRae”, “John Gary”, “Leslie Uggams”, “Mary Martin”, “Nelson Eddy”, “Patti Page” and “Roy Rogers”. The TV show followed on the heels of its’ predecessor with the same name on “NBC” radio that aired from 29 April 1940 to 1958 on Monday nights at 8 PM. The name of the show was derived from its’ Major sponsor “Bell Telephone Laboratories”. The TV version began airing on Friday nights at 8:30 PM once a month. It later was given it’s same time slot now airing every other week alternating with another show on the other weeks such as News shows and specials. The show time slot changed quite often over the years. In September 1960 it aired at 9 PM and in September 1961 it moved to 9:30 PM. In October 1963 it moved to Tuesday nights at 10 PM, September 1965 it moved to Sunday night at 6:30 PM and in September 1967 it made its' final move back to Friday night at 10 PM.
Aktuelle Schaubude · 1957Aktuelle Schaubude
★ 8.01957
Series
NET Playhouse · 1966NET Playhouse
★ 7.31966
SeriesDramaFamily
NET Playhouse is an American dramatic television anthology series produced by National Educational Television. NET subsequently merged with WNDT Newark, New Jersey to form WNET and was superseded by the Public Broadcasting Service. American television anthology series of wide range of genres, from history and drama, to fantasy, and science fiction. Fiction novels, stories, stage plays, fairytales, and historic events are dramatized in each episode.
The Asphalt Jungle · 1961The Asphalt Jungle
★ 5.01961
Series
Police adventure series set in a modern American metropolis, concerning the problems of a special police group formed to fight high echelon crime. The series is a TV projection of the 1950 MGM motion picture based on the novel of the same title by W. R. Burnett.
What's HappeningWhat's Happening
Series
A weekly investigative public affairs show that began in 1969, produced by WTIC television in Hartford, CT.