BERTRAND Tavernier’s ‘Round Midnight’ pays tribute Tuesday to American jazz greats in Classic Tuesdays billed as usual for the National Gallery, Castellani House.

In the movie, real-life jazz great, tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon plays Dale Turner, an American musician leaving the neglect of his homeland to find renewed appreciation in Paris in this prize-winning film, ‘Round Midnight’ (1986), directed by the much-lauded French film director, critic and screenwriter, Bertrand Tavernier.

Named after the jazz standard by another jazz legend, the pianist and composer Thelonius Monk, the film charts the relationship between Turner and an avid young French fan, Francis, who, separated from his wife, persuades Turner to move into his flat with him and his young daughter where he feels he can best look after the musician and keep him from his self-destructive ways.

This simple story-line is the starting point for a warmly atmospheric exploration of the world of jazz musicians, filled with brilliant playing and some singing of jazz classics, in particular in the Blue Note club where Turner plays, in studios where he records, and on the streets of Paris which he explores.

Contemporary jazz great, Herbie Hancock, and other musicians perform the role of members of the band accompanying Turner at the Blue Note Club. Hancock was also responsible for the musical direction of the film, which won him a French Cinema Academy Award, and an Academy Award for Best Score.

Gordon was also nominated for Best Actor at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards in 1986. Of note, additionally is American director Martin Scorsese’s cameo role as a New York club owner.

Gordon was considered a spectacular virtuoso, playing from his teenage years with leading names of his day such as Lionel Hampton, and later Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie. Though his distinctive sound and technique influenced the succeeding generation of tenor saxophone players, in particular John Coltrane, he moved to Europe for 15 years in the early 60s, echoing in part the plot line of the film, which is nevertheless documented as inspired by the life of American pianist Bud Powell, a colleague and friend of Gordon’s, who was one of many American musicians living in Paris during this period.

The film’s running time is 2 hours 10 minutes, with English and French dialogue. Show-time is 6pm. The public is cordially invited to attend this event, and admission is free.