Erroll Garner, No One Can Hear You Read (First Run Features)
This compact, well-made documentary leaves the viewer a puzzle: only 36 years after his death, how can memories of a stunningly original, universally admired pianist have grown so dim? Many, perhaps most, young listeners don’t know about Garner. The film’s abundant performance clips provide reasons that he should be an icon —his spontaneity, his irresistible swing, the witty deceptiveness of his introductions; the joy he took in playing, which was equal to the joy he gave. Ahmad Jamal, Woody Allen, Dick Hyman, George Avakian and Garner’s sister Ruth are among those who illuminate his life and career, but it’s Garner and his music that light up the screen.