Cast
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Bobby Darin
as John 'Ghost' Wakefield
Stella Stevens
as Jess Polanski
Everett Chambers
as Benny Flowers
Nick Dennis
as Nick Bubalinas
Vince Edwards
as Tommy Sheehan
Val Avery
as Milt Frielobe
Marilyn Clark
as Countess
James Joyce
as Reno Vitelli
Rupert Crosse
as Baby Jackson
Mario Gallo
as Recording Engineer
Alan Hopkins
as Skipper Camez
Cliff Carnell
as Charlie
Richard Chambers
as Pete
Seymour Cassel
as Red
Dan Stafford
as Shelley
Crew
Director
- John Cassavetes
Writer
- John Cassavetes
- Richard Carr
Producer
- John Cassavetes
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Too Late Blues examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director John Cassavetes brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1961, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Too Late Blues took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.4 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 163 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1961, when this film was released:
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Too Late Blues shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Anatomy of a Murder, which focuses more on action than character development, Too Late Blues subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Ray and Liberty's Secret explore similar territory, Too Late Blues stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 1, 1961
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Budget: $375,000
