Paris Blues

The June 19 screening will be followed by a conversation with Louis Armstrong House Museum Historian Hyland Harris about Louis Armstrong’s film performances, featuring a presentation of archival materials. 

Dir. Martin Ritt. 1961, 98 mins. U.S. 35mm. With Paul Newman, Sidney Poitier, Louis Armstrong, Diahann Carroll, Joanne Woodward. Set amidst the jazz scene in 1960s Paris, Paris Blues follows two musicians—trombonist and aspiring composer Ram Bowen (Paul Newman) and saxophonist Eddie Scott (Sidney Poitier)—who dream of success as they play nightclubs and hone their craft. While on his way to seek the advice of trumpeter Wild Man Moore (Louis Armstrong), Ram makes the acquaintance of two tourist schoolteachers, played by Carroll and Woodward, leading to unexpected romance. Featuring an Oscar- and Grammy-nominated soundtrack by Duke Ellington, Paris Blues, from director Ritt (Sounder, Norma Rae), is a landmark film, featuring rare screen jazz performances from Satchmo himself. Recommended for ages 13 and up; includes themes of drug use.

This film program is presented as part of MoMI’s Celebrate Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a holiday which commemorates the official end of slavery in the U.S. During a period of legal segregation, jazz was an important form of resistance and expression, originating in Black communities of New Orleans where Louis Armstrong was born. 

Photo credit:

Photographer: Sam Shaw / Copyright: Shaw Family Archives Ltd

Tickets: $17.50 / $12 senior and students / $10 youth (ages 3–17) / discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). There is a $1.50 transaction fee per ticket for all online purchases. The cost of admission may be applied toward a same-day purchase of a membership. 

Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission.