Bix

Bix

Year: 1991

Runtime: 111 mins

Language: English

Director: Pupi Avati

Drama

Biopic of troubled jazz musician/composer Bix Beiderbecke (1903-1931), who played with the Paul Whiteman band, among others.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Bix yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Bix (1991)

Trace every key event in Bix (1991) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Opening in New York City after Bix's death

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.

October 1931 New York City
2

Burnie begins his search in the city

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.

October 1931 New York City
3

Venuti joins the investigation and reaches out to Liza

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.

October 1931 New York City (initial contact)
4

Liza and Venuti embark on a train journey to Davenport

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.

1931 Train to Davenport
5

Arrival in Davenport and the mother's wish

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.

1931 Davenport, Iowa
6

Bix Beiderbecke's beginnings: reading music vs ear

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.

1920s
7

Bix joins Frank Trumbauer's orchestra

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.

Early 1920s Chicago
8

Recording and rising fame with Trumbauer

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.

1920s
9

Chance meeting with Jean Goldkette and the road to gigs

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.

1920s
10

Collaborations with Hoagy Carmichael and fellow jazz greats

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.

1920s
11

Family conflicts with Bix's rise

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.

1920s–1931 Beiderbecke family circle
12

Bix Beiderbecke's death in New York City

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.

1931 New York City
13

Closing credits montage

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.

Post-1931 Beiderbecke family home

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:53

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Bix Summary

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Bix Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Bix

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