Introduced by guest curator Peter Lucas

Director Martin Ritt’s Paris Blues stars Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier as American jazz musicians living in Paris. The arrival of Diahann Carroll and Joanne Woodward sparks romance, but also brings to the surface issues of race, freedom, relationships, and dedication to one’s art. Seeing these actors in early roles and the city of Paris beautifully lensed by legendary French cinematographer Christian Matras are real treats. However, the real star here is the music, with an unforgettable performance by Louis Armstrong and an Oscar-nominated score by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. One of only three film scores composed by Sir Duke, it’s regarded as his best, and one of the best jazz film scores ever. 

Peter Lucas is an independent film/video curator and arts organizer based in Houston. He has created exhibitions, film screening series, and public programs in association with the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, The Menil Collection, Aurora Picture Show, Northwest Film Forum, Seattle International Film Festival, Experience Music Project, Earshot Jazz Festival, Sound Unseen, and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. Lucas was named “Best Curator, 2012” by Houston Press, and was recently profiled in their “100 Creatives” series. He has been a guest speaker at Rice University, University of Houston, and Cornish College of the Arts, and is also a regular contributor to Glasstire online arts journal.