Scott Joplin
Scott Joplin

Scott Joplin

1977Movie96 minEnglish

The life story of Scott Joplin and how he became the greatest ragtime composer of all time.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Jeremy StanfordGenres: Biography, Music, Drama

Plot Summary

This biographical drama chronicles the life and career of Scott Joplin, the immensely talented African-American composer celebrated as the 'King of Ragtime'. The film explores his journey from his humble beginnings to his rise to prominence, highlighting the challenges he faced due to racial prejudice in early 20th century America. It delves into his struggles to gain recognition for his innovative musical compositions and his personal life, including his relationships and aspirations.

Critical Reception

Scott Joplin received a mixed to positive reception, with many critics praising Billy Dee Williams's performance in the title role and the film's attempt to shed light on the life of a significant but often overlooked composer. However, some reviews noted that the film occasionally struggled with pacing and felt somewhat conventional in its storytelling approach.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its portrayal of Scott Joplin's life and musical legacy.
  • Billy Dee Williams delivers a compelling performance as the legendary ragtime composer.
  • The film's narrative sometimes lacks momentum and feels too formulaic.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

Billy Dee Williams reportedly learned to play the piano for his role as Scott Joplin, although his performance was primarily dubbed by a professional musician.

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