I Called Him Morgan | Trailer | New Release

On the night of February 19, 1972, Helen Morgan walked into the East Village bar Slug’s Saloon with a gun in her handbag. She came to see her common-law husband, the great jazz trumpeter Lee Morgan, whom she had nursed through heroin addiction. They fought, he literally threw her out; then she walked back in and shot him, handed over her gun and waited for the police to arrive. Many years later, Helen was interviewed about her life with the brilliant but erratic musician, and the tapes of that interview are the backbone of this beautifully crafted and deeply affecting film from Kasper Collin (My Name Is Albert Ayler). An NYFF54 selection. A Submarine Entertainment release.

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The Film Society of Lincoln Center is devoted to supporting the art and elevating the craft of cinema. The only branch of the world-renowned arts complex Lincoln Center to shine a light on the everlasting yet evolving importance of the moving image, this nonprofit organization was founded in 1969 to celebrate American and international film. Via year-round programming and discussions; its annual New York Film Festival; and its publications, including Film Comment, the U.S.’s premier magazine about films and film culture, the Film Society endeavors to make the discussion and appreciation of cinema accessible to a broader audience, as well as to ensure that it will remain an essential art form for years to come.

[MansuribnZachariah]

My father named me after this man! It is truly amazing how much my father and Mr. Morgan resembled each other. My father told me that he attended his funeral and cried. My father died in 2013. Seeing this documentary really made me feel close to my dad again.

[evanginzburg]

In this masterful documentary, you not only see what made Morgan a brilliant Artist but hear his wife's side of the tragic story, and you may shockingly even empathize with her.
Powerful, heart-wrenching, and featuring some of the greatest jazz ever captured on screen, this is an all-time classic music documentary and a must-see for jazz fans in particular.
Beautiful and horrifying at the same time, the film is a masterpiece and quite haunting. It comes with my absolute highest recommendation.

[bassbymichele]

One of the best documentaries I've ever seen.. Rest in Peace, Lee..

[EmmaYaBasta]

Priceless documentary. Tells a superfine story, just as Morgan does in those classic solos.

[maximbelmont]

I just saw this film earlier today. I strongly recommend it to any lover of great documentary. it was truly great l. must admit you'll probably feel down after seeing it but you won't regret it.

[shadowfangempire]

Great documentary and a must-watch for every jazz enthusiast .

[michaelguzelian]

This is the first footage I've ever seen of Wayne opening up about Lee. Those two delivered amazing music together for years on the frontline under different legendary groups. I would pay any amount for an extended interview of Wayne's feelings and emotions about Morgan.

[VoodooDewey]

A trumpet legend who's passionate style inspired many young trumpet players and will continue to Inspire many for generations to come .

[jazzwessem]

An absolutely perfect documentary! A must for everyone interested in Lee Morgan and/or his music and musical colleagues.

[maximbelmont]

I just discovered the greatness of Lee Morgan's music a few years ago. I can't wait to see this documentary this Friday.

[RandomPersonette]

watched this documentary on a whim and although I have respect for Jazz I am hardly an aficionado and had no idea who Lee Morgan compelling! a warm atmospheric telling of this great musicians life and death. bravo. a must watch.

[Nedwin]

He was the top player in Blue Note. Many of jazz musicians, artists, and music teachers, knew that Lee Morgan was the one who put the fundamental hardbop that inspires us today. RIP Lee Morgan. You'll be remembered.

[rolandahines]

In seeing this film, I could see the greatness in Lee and Helen! Many people from 'all walks of life" can relate to their relationship; their camraderie; and the empire that they built in such a short period of time. May their eternal lives be endowed with elevation, reujuvenation, happiness, joy, creativity, and heightened humanism. Beautiful people! Someone stated in an earlier comment that she would blow up that picture (of the two) and stare at it. I'moh do the same thing! That kind of brilliance is the kind that I could meditate and

[djcutlas]

Just watched! Great view.... Thank you!

[fosbury]

A very touching film. I came away thinking of this question: If you unquestionably save someone's life - what do they owe you in return?
Some folks will never forgive Helen yet none of those folks loved and nurtured Lee as much as she did.

[Isab]

Je viens de regarder ce documentaire. J'ai découvert cet artiste que je ne connaissais pas. J'ai été très émue par cette histoire.

[gettinoveritgettinoverit]

The part where she talks about meeting Miles D. & what he called her had me lol!!! M.D. was a "cold note" dude that's forsho!!!Born To Be Blue(2015)///Chico & Rita(2010)///Toronto Jazz Fest.2017

[stevewertz]

It will be a good spend of my evening watching this gorgeous movie, using boxxy software sure. Morgan were the best.

[seekingjustthefacts]

I will never forget the night my cousin entered my room to inform me that my most cherished jazz musician "Lee Morgan" was shot dead. This appears to be a decent expose about his life. However, I am always reserved and skeptical when outsiders write about Black life. They rarely include how the deeply destructive twin social forces of Jim Crow racism and poverty impacted such geniuses. This often led to their drug abuse, hopelessness and despair. It was central and should never be written out of the script, or future generations will only get part of the story.

[WindDancer]

I had never heard of him until two seconds ago when I stumbled across something on Yahoo about people who dropped dead on stage. What a great talent, but I can tell he was abusive to his lover. There is only so much mess any heart can take and then BOOM!