The Unanswered Ives is the first film about Charles Ives (1874-1954), an American modernist composer, one of the first American composers of international renown. The 60-minute documentary sheds light on Ives' life and work in all its facets and inconsistencies. American singer and composer Frank Zappa included Charles Ives in a list of influences that he presented in the liner notes of his debut album Freak Out! (1966). Ives continues to influence contemporary composers, arrangers and musicians. Planet Arts Records released Mists: Charles Ives for Jazz Orchestra. Ives befriended and encouraged a young Elliott Carter. In addition, Phil Lesh, bassist of the Grateful Dead, has described Ives as one of his two musical heroes.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 John AdamsNot listed | Not listed |
| FFrank ArnoldCharles Ives (voice) | Charles Ives (voice) |
| MMark D. BoughtonNot listed | Not listed |
| JJack CooperNot listed | Not listed |
| SStephen DruryNot listed | Not listed |
| CCharron FullertonNot listed | Not listed |
| JJames SinclairNot listed | Not listed |
| NNancy SudikeNot listed | Not listed |
| JJan SwoffordNot listed | Not listed |
| CCharles TylerNot listed | Not listed |
| SSarane WilkesA relative | A relative |