Stop for Bud (1963): Cast

Jørgen Leth’s debut film, created with Ole John, seeks to dismantle cinematic conventions and forge a new visual language. It follows jazz pianist Bud Powell as he roams Copenhagen—from King’s Garden to Kalkbrænderihavnen’s quay and even a waste dump—alone with his music. Dexter Gordon narrates, recalling Powell’s legendary left‑hand technique. Leth’s accompanying obituary notes Powell’s “dual” presence: his fiery, burning touch on the keys contrasted with an absent, almost ghost‑like demeanor when not playing.

• JJ Co-director Jens Jørgen Thorsen
• OJ Co-director Ole John

• BP Bud Powell as themselves
• DG Dexter Gordon as Narrator (voice)
• MB Max Brüel as themselves
• NØ Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen as themselves

• The Return 1992
• Quiet Days in Clichy 1970

• 1952 Austin K2 Loadstar MkII Background role
• 1953 Dodge Coronet Background role
• 1959 Ford Custom 300 Background role
• 1955 Ford Customline Background role