Cast: Dizzy Gillespie

Top movies, series, and documentaries starring Dizzy Gillespie. Uncover the most acclaimed works, loved by fans and praised by critics.


Soundtrack to a Coup d'Etat

2024 · Documentary · 150 min. · Belgium

Direction Johan Grimonprez

Cast Louis Armstrong · Miles Davis · Nina Simone · Dizzy Gillespie

Synopsis Jazz and decolonization are entwined in this historical rollercoaster that rewrites the Cold War episode that led musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach to crash the UN Security Council in protest against the murder of Patrice Lumumba.

7.7

404 votes

7.7

404 votes

Art Blakey: The Jazz Messenger

1988 · Documentary · 78 min. · United States

Direction Dick Fontaine · Pat Hartley

Cast Art Blakey · Dizzy Gillespie · Roy Haynes · Wynton Marsalis

Synopsis A portrait of inspirational jazz drummer and teacher Art Blakey with Dizzy Gillespie, many pupils including Wayne Shorter, the Marsalis brothers, and a surprising new generation of musicians and dancers.

6.9

39 votes

6.9

39 votes

Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things

2019 · Documentary · 89 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Leslie Woodhead

Cast Sophie Okonedo · Sharon D. Clark · Ella Fitzgerald · Norma Miller

Synopsis The times and life of the unique Ella Fitzgerald.

6.7

35 votes

6.7

35 votes

The Winter in Lisbon

1991 · Movie · 100 min. · Spain

Direction José Antonio Zorrilla

Cast Christian Vadim · Hélène de Saint-Père · Dizzy Gillespie · Eusebio Poncela

Synopsis Jim is the drummer for a black musician of great prestige, Billy Swann. With him, he plays in a club called San Sebastián, owned by his friend Floro, every summer. That club is where he meets a woman, the wife...

3.9

144 votes

3.9

144 votes

Direction Tony Kysh

Cast Richard Hunt · Karen Prell · Louise Gold · Mak Wilson

Synopsis An interesting, educational show that encourages children to appreciate different musical styles through the insights and antics of the harmonious haunts of an enchanted Music Conservatory and their musical guests.

Not rated

Not rated

Dizzy Gillespie (S)

1965 · Documentary · 22 min. · United States

Direction Les Blank

Cast Dizzy Gillespie

Synopsis Recorded at a time when Diz was fronting his fabled post-war big band featuring jazz greats such as pianist John Lewis, vibraphonist Milt Jackson or bassist Ray Brown, this concert film catches the irrepressible trumpeter in top artistic form. In...

Not rated

Not rated

Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes

2023 · Documentary · 82 min. · United States

Direction Samuel D. Pollard · Ben Shapiro

Cast Max Roach · Maya Angelou · Harry Belafonte · Art Blakey

Synopsis The Drum Waltzes explores the life and music of legendary drummer, activist Max Roach, his creative peaks, personal struggles and re-inventions from the Jim Crow to Civil Rights eras, from heady days of post-war jazz to hip hop and beyond.

Not rated

Not rated

Jivin' in Be-Bop

1946 · Movie · 59 min. · United States

Direction Leonard Anderson · Spencer Williams

Cast Dizzy Gillespie · Ray Brown

Synopsis A filmed variety show featuring the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra with special guests.

Not rated

Not rated

Not rated

A Night in Havana: Dizzy Gillespie in Cuba

1989 · Documentary · 84 min. · United States

Direction John Holland

Cast Dizzy Gillespie · Allen Honigberg

Synopsis A documentary on Dizzy Gillespie at the Fifth International Jazz Festival in Havana, Cuba.

Not rated

Not rated

Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones

1990 · Documentary · 115 min. · United States

Direction Ellen Weissbrod

Cast Clarence Avant · George Benson · Big Daddy Kane · Richard Brooks

Synopsis A unique look at the legendary musician, arranger, composer and producer offers a collage of memories, sounds and intimate interviews with musical greats in a rousing showcase.

Not rated

Not rated

Ronnie's

2020 · Documentary · 106 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Oliver Murray

Cast Mel Brooks · Quincy Jones · Kyle Eastwood · Jimi Hendrix

Synopsis A chronicle of the life of saxophonist Ronnie Scott and his world famous London jazz club.

Not rated

Not rated

Direction Howard Dratch · Gene Rosow

Cast Harry Belafonte · Desi Arnaz · Rubén Blades · Celia Cruz

Synopsis A three-part historical survey of the African musical roots of Latin Jazz, Salsa, and popular genres. Featuring narration by Harry Belafonte, this documentary traces the evolution of Latin Music from Africa itself into the twentieth century with the advent of...

Not rated

Not rated