Still from Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser — Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser (1988) — Charlotte Zwerin

Charlotte Zwerin

Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser

Name: Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser
Genre: Documentary, Music
Released: 1988
Duration: 90 min

Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser

United States / English / 1988 / 1h 30m

Not streamingNot currently on the Criterion Channel.

Documentary Music

Criterion Collection: Spine №1265
Letterboxd: 3.81/5·2.1K ratings·589 reviewson Letterboxd
Connections: View Connections

Synopsis

A documentary film about the life of pianist and jazz great Thelonious Monk. Features live performances by Monk and his band, and interviews with friends and family about the offbeat genius.

Tracy Letts

Oct 2025

Credits

Crew

DirectorCharlotte Zwerin

ProducerBruce Ricker, Charlotte Zwerin

Cast

Jimmy Clevelandas Self

Thelonious Monkas Self (archive footage)

John Coltraneas Self (archive footage)

Nellie Monkas Self

Samuel E. Wrightas Self - Narrator (voice)

Harry Colombyas Self

Nica De Koenigswarteras Self

Double Feature

Streaming now, and why it pairs with this film

Gimme Shelter1970

Both directed by Charlotte Zwerin

Or

Salesman1969Both directed by Charlotte Zwerin
Running Fence1977Both directed by Charlotte Zwerin

Related Films

via Criterion Collection

’Round Midnight

1986

Unavailable

Gimme Shelter

1970

Salesman

1969

Articles

via Criterion Collection

Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser: Thelonious in ActionPaul Grimstad — Jun 17, 2025