TOO LATE BLUES (1961) Cassavetes hits the right note

At the time his sudden death at 57, John Cassavetes held a unique position in American film - successful as a highly regarded actor in popular movies (ROSEMARY’S BABY) and as a director of independent films, some of which themselves explored the art of acting (FACES). His struggle to balance the commercial and artistic sides of filmmaking is clearly etched in the intense TOO LATE BLUES, about a young jazz pianist named Ghost Wakefield (well played by Bobby Darin) who, after years of struggling on the fringes of Los Angeles' jazz scene, abandons his artistic aspirations and sells out for commercial success. (Trivia note: The role of Ghost was originally written for Montgomery Clift, who at the last minute was forced to back out.)