Too Late Blues

While he wasn't the first American independent filmmaker, John Cassavetes in many ways paved the way for others, in part because he tried making movies within the studio system before returning to producing on his own. Too Late Blues (1961) was his second feature, developed through collaboration and improvisation with an engaged cast. Bobby Darin stars as John “Ghost” Wakefield, a jazz trumpeter with a struggling combo, and Stella Stevens is Jess Polanski, a troubled singer who joins the band, both professionally and personally. Stevens gives perhaps her finest career performance as the fragile entertainer with no self-esteem, and Cassavetes creates an interesting dynamic within the musical ensemble. But the tensions between his signature loose approach and the neater studio style are apparent throughout, right down to the plot: an independent soul sacrifices his vision for commercial success and finds only dissatisfaction. Too Late Blues never quite finds its balance and is a minor Cassavetes film compared to his more accomplished works (such as Husbands and A Woman Under the Influence). Vince Edwards and future Cassevetes regulars Seymour Cassel and Val Avery costar, and the bluesy instrumental numbers are performed by Benny Carter, Red Mitchell, Jimmy Rowles, Shelly Manne, and others. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)