Filmmaker Bruce Ricker couldn't believe his luck. Michael and Christian Blackwood's extensive 1968 footage of the groundbreaking modern jazz pianist and composer Thelonious Monk, including the only footage of the very private Monk off stage was in excellent condition. Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser combines Blackwood's rare footage of Monk in studio, on tour, and behind the scenes with new interviews, archival photos and more to create a landmark aural and visual treat.

Admired and praised by the likes of Irving Berlin and Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer has been described as "one of our great folk poets" and "the most perfect American lyricist." Throughout his extraordinary career, he collaborated with hundreds of composers to write legendary movie songs such as "Hooray for Hollywood," "Jeepers Creepers" and "Moon River." Mercer then went on to co-found Capitol Records in 1942 and became a successful Broadway producer of St. Louis Woman and Li'l Abner. Because his music continues to speak to us even today, the story of Johnny Mercer's life and work has widespread appeal. To mark the 100th anniversary of his birth in 1909, this documentary will present the life and work of Johnny Mercer through the storytelling eyes of Clint Eastwood with new performances and interviews by: Tony Bennett, John Williams, Julie Andrews, Dr. John, Michael Feinstein, Blake Edwards, Jamie Cullum, Audra McDonald, André Previn and Stephen Holden.

Veteran and contemporary jazz greats gather for a select soiree on the stage of New York's Carnegie Hall, saluting a guy more noted for making popular films than for making sweet music.

Actor/director Clint Eastwood tells his life story--from his childhood in Depression-era California to his astonishing rise to superstardom. Each major period of Eastwood's life is juxtaposed with a corresponding phase in the thematic development of his work.