John Cassavetes's great second feature (bankrolled by Paramount Pictures) stars Bobby Darin as a very self-righteous pianist in a jazz band who falls hard for good time girl/singer Stella Stevens. After an eye-opening bar fight in which Darin fails to defend Stevens, their relationship collapses. Darin gives what is probably his finest performance, trying mightily to keep his self-respect as an artist and as a man and failing at both. He's well-matched with Stevens (an actress given very few real chances to shine during her career). Her performance here is astounding. Cassavetes is clearly saying a lot about what it means to maintain integrity in one's professional life as well as in one's personal life. Despite the studio backing, this is a very noncommercial film. Way ahead of its time in 1961, it's also not an easy movie to watch. The supporting cast is peppered with Cassavetes regulars Seymour Cassel, Val Avery and, in a very odd cameo, Rupert Crosse as "Baby" Jackson.
Review of Too Late Blues
