Film and Discussion: “Satchmo the Great”

For this 1956 film by Edward R. Murrow, the broadcaster followed Louis Armstrong around the world, filming him in Paris, Sweden, Switzerland, England, and Africa, before returning to New York for an unforgettable performance of “St. Louis Blues” with the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Leonard Bernstein. This film captures “Ambassador Satch” at his 1950s peak, entertaining 100,000 fans in the Gold Coast of Africa, playing his big hit “Mack the Knife” in London, and humorously explaining the definition of a “cat” in a rollicking Paris interview with Murrow.

Ricky Riccardi, director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, will introduce the film, which has not been commercially available since its original theatrical release. Part of Jazz Appreciation Month. Community Room

Co-sponsored by the library and the Arts Council of Princeton.

Presented with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this programming do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities