The Legend of 1900

Max Tooney enters a quaint music shop, setting the stage for the story to unfold. He reflects on his past and desires to play one last melody on his cherished Conn trumpet, showcasing his connection to music and nostalgia.

In the year 1900, a coal man named Danny Boodman discovers an abandoned infant in the first-class dining room of the SS Virginian. He names the child Danny Boodman T. D. Lemon 1900, marking the beginning of an extraordinary life filled with music.

Danny Boodman meets an untimely death in a workplace accident, leaving the infant orphaned. Despite the authorities attempting to take the child away, 1900 manages to evade them, hinting at his unique and extraordinary nature.

As days pass, 1900 reemerges with an inexplicable talent for playing the piano, a gift he has miraculously acquired alone. His self-taught skills soon captivate all who hear him, marking the start of his legendary story.

By 1927, Max joins the ship's orchestra, and a deep friendship develops between him and 1900. Together, they share the joy of music, with Max bringing fresh stories of the outside world to inspire 1900’s creativity.

The renowned jazz musician Jelly Roll Morton boards the ship to challenge 1900 to a spectacular piano duel. Their confrontation highlights 1900's brilliance as he showcases his unique musical prowess, a defining moment in his career.

As the duel intensifies, 1900 begins with 'Silent Night,' leaving Morton momentarily disarmed. The emotional depth of their competition is palpable as both performers lay bare their talents and vulnerabilities.

In a stunning turn, 1900 performs an original piece that is so intense it ignites the metal piano strings. This extraordinary display not only claims victory over Morton but symbolizes 1900’s complete mastery of his art.

A record producer arrives with a groundbreaking recording device, eager to capture 1900's unique musical skills. Despite the allure of recording, 1900 feels a deep conflict, torn between the art of live performance and the permanence of a recording.

1900 becomes infatuated with a young woman who expresses interest in his music. In a moment of artistic inspiration, he creates a demo reflecting her presence, but this newfound desire for permanence drives him into a rage.

In a fit of fury, 1900 destroys the master disc that could have immortalized his music. For him, performing live is intrinsically connected to his identity as an artist, emphasizing that he values the ephemeral nature of music over its recording.

Fast forward to the mid-1940s, Max returns to the now derelict SS Virginian, searching for his long-lost friend 1900. Armed with a recording from their past, he attempts to summon 1900 from the ship's depths as it faces its watery demise.

As Max plays the recording into the wind, a poignant reunion occurs between him and 1900. This moment is a touching reminder of their enduring friendship and the unwavering dedication that 1900 has to the ship, his true home.

Max leaves the music shop, reflecting on the stories shared and memories forged. The shopkeeper reminds him of the value of stories, highlighting that some tales are eternal and transcend across time and space.