After his pioneering independent film Shadows (1960), actor/writer/director John Cassavetes made his major studio directorial debut with this gritty, low-key drama about jazz musicians. Bobby Darin plays John "Ghost" Walefield, a pianist who scuffles from gig to gig with his band, trying to keep body and soul together without betraying his muse. Ghost's agent Benny (Everett Chambers) introduces him to Jess (Stella Stevens), a would-be singer who looks beautiful, even though her voice is fair at best. Ghost falls hard for her and agrees to put her in the band, though it's hard to say if he believes in her musical talent or just wants her companionship. Ghost and his band score a record deal thanks to Jess' presence, but after a humiliating fight in a pool hall and Ghost's discovery that Jess occasionally turns tricks to pay the rent, he puts his integrity up for sale, fires his band, and starts spending his time with a rich woman who likes to hang out with musicians -- and is willing to pay for the privilege. A number of real-life jazz greats appear onscreen and on the soundtrack, including Slim Gaillard, Benny Carter, and Shelly Manne\; the role of Ghost was originally written for Montgomery Clift, who was forced to back out at the last minute, leading to Bobby Darin's casting. (Synopsis courtesy of AllMovie.com)
Cast Bobby Darin ... John 'Ghost' Wakefield
Stella Stevens ... Jess Polanski
Everett Chambers ... Benny Flowers
Nick Dennis ... Nick
Vince Edwards ... Tommy
Val Avery ... Frielobe
Marilyn Clark ... Countess
James Joyce ... Reno
Rupert Crosse ... Baby Jackson
Cliff Carnell ... Charlie, the saxophonist
Richard Chambers ... Pete, the trumpeter
Seymour Cassel ... Red, the bassist
Dan Stafford ... Shelley, the drummer
Allyson Ames ... (uncredited)
John Cassavetes ... On-Screen Trailer Host & Narrator (uncredited)
Slim Gaillard ... Party singer (uncredited)
Mario Gallo ... Bit Part (uncredited)
Alan Hopkins ... Skipper (uncredited)
June Wilkinson ... Girl at Bar (uncredited)
Release Dates France 7 November 1961
USA January 1962
USA 28 February 1962 (New York City, New York)
France 28 March 1962
Finland 8 June 1962
Denmark 23 August 1962
Portugal 7 November 1962
Turkey 14 June 1965
Argentina 7 April 2000
Portugal 29 December 2009
Directed by
John Cassavetes
Writing credits
(in alphabetical order)
Richard Carr
John Cassavetes
Produced by
John Cassavetes
Original Music by
David Raksin
Cinematography by
Lionel Lindon
Film Editing by
Frank Bracht
Production Design by
Hal Pereira
Art Direction by
Tambi Larsen
Costume Design by
Edith Head
Visual Effects by
John P. Fulton .... special photographic effects
Music Department
Milt Bernhart .... musician: trombone
Benny Carter .... musician: saxophone
Shelly Manne .... musician: drums
Red Mitchell .... musician: bass
Uan Rasey .... musician: trumpet
Jimmy Rowles .... musician: piano
Tommy Tedesco .... musician: guitar (uncredited)
