The Legend Of 1900

Synopsis: On the 1st of January in 1900, Danny Boodmann (Bill Nunn), the mechanic of the transatlantic liner Virginian bound for America, finds an abandoned baby on board and decides to keep him. Nicknamed Novecento (1900), the boy grows up on the ship hidden from everyone. His presence is revealed when Danny dies in an accident. The young '1900' manages to hide again despite threats from the captain. Discovering a passion for music, he teaches himself to play the piano without being able to read the notes, and he soon becomes a virtuoso whose reputation spreads beyond the confines of the ship. Even the famous jazz piano player, Jelly Roll Morton (Clarence Williams III), gets on board for a challenge because he has heard rumors about the greatest piano player in the world living on a ship. The story is told by Max Tooney, Novocento's old trumpeter friend, who reminisces about the incredible pianist who never set foot on land.

Starring:  Tim Roth, Pruitt Taylor Vince

Director:  Giuseppe Tornatore

Writer:
Giuseppe Tornatore 
Alessandro Baricco (monologue Novecento) 

Released:  1998 (theater)

Rating:   for language

Country:  Italy

Language:  English

AKA: 
Leggenda del pianista sull'oceano, La (original title)
Legend of 1900, The (USA)
Legend of the Pianist on the Ocean, The (USA)