Bix

The film opens in October 1931 in New York City, about two months after Bix Beiderbecke's death. His brother Burnie arrives in the city to meet Liza, whom Bix had planned to marry. Burnie begins to probe Bix's life, trying to reconstruct where he worked and who knew the truth.

Burnie's investigations lead him to the circles that shaped Bix's career, as he talks to people who knew the trumpeter and his work. He pieces together fragments of Bix's life, preparing the ground for the revelation to come. The search sets the film's investigative mood.

Joe Venuti agrees to help Burnie uncover the truth and contacts Liza. He persuades her to follow him to Davenport, Iowa, so she can learn the real story behind Bix's life. Venuti's involvement links the contemporary investigation to Bix's musical past.

During the long train journey to Davenport, Liza discovers that Bix and Venuti shared a complicated history in jazz. Venuti uses the trip to recount the short but intense life of his friend, revealing how Bix rose from obscurity to fame. The journey marks the transition from investigation to a series of flashbacks.

The group arrives in Davenport, Iowa, where Bix's mother expresses a desire to meet Liza and understand her connection to her son. Venuti's storytelling continues as the truth about Bix's life begins to unfold for the first time. The hometown visit anchors the personal side of Bix's legend.

In flashbacks, we learn that Bix could not read music but played by ear, relying on his instinct and tone. His audacity and natural melodic sense lay the groundwork for his distinctive solo style. These moments explain how his sound captivated audiences despite not reading scores.

A major career breakthrough comes when Bix performs with Frank Trumbauer's orchestra and earns recognition within the jazz community. Trumbauer adopts him as a protegé, guiding his career and sheltering him from the rough edges of the music world. This partnership becomes the nurturing foundation of his early success.

Bix's playing and improvisational skill lead to acclaimed recordings with Trumbauer, cementing his reputation as one of jazz's brightest cornet talents. He climbs the ranks of the 1920s jazz scene, collaborating with leading musicians and bands. The success strengthens the bonds that will shape his brief but influential career.

During his pursuit of a gig with the Jean Goldkette orchestra, Bix meets Venuti and forms a pivotal connection that expands his opportunities. This chance encounter ties him into a broader network of top jazz players. It marks a turning point that fuels his rise.

The film highlights Bix's collaborations with Hoagy Carmichael, Joe Venuti, Pee Wee Russell, Don Murray, and Paul Whiteman. Each association helps define his sound, showcases his versatility, and widens his influence on American jazz. These partnerships illustrate how Bix connected with some of the era's most important musicians.

As he becomes a rising star, Bix contends with conflicts within his family that complicate his life on the road and in the studio. The tensions reveal the personal costs of his intense schedule and dedication to music. The family dynamics mirror the wider pressures that surround his fame.

The film culminates with Bix Beiderbecke's untimely death in 1931 in New York City. His passing marks the end of a brilliant but brief career. His loss reverberates throughout the jazz world and among his friends.

During the closing credits, photos of Bix and Liza appear in the Beiderbecke family home alongside those of his father and mother. The montage serves as a memorial, underscoring the human story behind the music. It ties together the living memory of Bix with the audience's sense of closure.