A Man Called Adam (film)

A Man Called Adam

Company type	Film
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	1966
Founder	Leo Penn (director), Ike Jones (producer)
Headquarters	United States
Products	Drama musical film

A Man Called Adam is a 1966 American drama musical film helmed by director Leo Penn and featuring Sammy Davis Jr. in the lead role. The narrative explores the life of a troubled jazz musician, played by Davis, and delves into his intricate interpersonal dynamics.

Plot

Adam Johnson, an accomplished African-American jazz cornet player, grapples with deteriorating health, racial discrimination, alcoholism, and the heavy burden of guilt following the deaths of his wife and child. His abrasive demeanor creates tension with his close associates, including Nelson and Vincent, a young White trumpeter under his guidance. One evening, after arriving home intoxicated in New York, Adam encounters civil rights advocate Claudia Ferguson along with her grandfather Willie, a celebrated jazz trumpeter. Although initially offensive and inappropriate, Adam soon offers an apology and develops a friendship with them.

Despite Nelson’s cautions, Adam embarks on a romantic relationship with Claudia. This connection positively impacts him, even as he frequently confronts law enforcement and battles his own anger and drinking issues. His agent Manny arranges a tour through the South despite the inherent risks posed by racial hostility. Adam reacts aggressively toward Manny and a jealous former lover.

Adam confides in Claudia that he was responsible for a fatal car accident while drunk; during a period of illness, he invites her to live with him. She encourages him to reconnect with his former bandmates, but police intervention results in a ban from the club. Frustrated by these setbacks, Adam lashes out at those nearest to him.

Throughout the Southern tour, Adam encounters antagonistic crowds but manages to maintain composure. Upon returning home, he proposes marriage to Claudia. After witnessing Vincent suffer a violent assault while Adam remains passive, Claudia contemplates the transformation in him. When Adam returns to the club in declining health, he struggles during a performance before collapsing and dying on stage amid an intense trumpet solo fueled by fever.

Cast

• Sammy Davis Jr. as Adam Johnson
• Louis Armstrong as Willie Ferguson
• Ossie Davis as Nelson Davis
• Cicely Tyson as Claudia Ferguson
• Frank Sinatra Jr. as Vincent
• Mel Tormé as Guest Singer at Party (credited as Mel Torme)
• Peter Lawford as Manny
• Johnny Brown as Blind Les
• George Rhodes as Leroy
• Michael Silva as George
• Kai Winding as Trombonist
• Ja'Net DuBois as Martha (credited as Jeanette Du Bois)
• Michael Lipton as Bobby Gales
• Lola Falana as Theo
• Kenneth Tobey as Club Owner
• Gerald S. O'Loughlin as Red - the Sheriff
• Additional minor roles: Carl Lee, Morris D. Erby, Lester Wilson, Matt Russo, Will Hussung, Ted Beniades, Roy Glenn, Don Crabtree, Elvera Davis, Brunetta Bernstein
• Nathaniel Adderley appears as Trumpet Soloist for Mr. Davis (credited as Nat Adderley)

Production

Originally conceived for Nat King Cole, A Man Called Adam became available to producer Ike Jones after Cole’s passing. Jones collaborated with Joseph E. Levine to initiate a series of productions and made history as the first African American to produce a major American motion picture.

The storyline draws inspiration from several jazz legends, including Miles Davis. The film showcases musical performances by prominent artists such as Louis Armstrong, who performs "Back O' Town Blues," alongside two original compositions by Benny Carter, delivered by both Mel Tormé ("All That Jazz") and Sammy Davis Jr. ("Whisper to One"). Jazz musician Nat Adderley provided the trumpet playing heard for Adam Johnson’s character.

Of particular note is Johnny Brown’s role as the blind pianist within Adam’s quintet; Brown would later gain fame through television shows like Laugh-In and Good Times. Additionally, future co-star Ja’Net DuBois appears portraying Adam’s girlfriend.

Before the film’s release, Signet Books issued a novelization penned by screenwriters Lester and Tina Pine.

Reception

In The New York Times, Bosley Crowther acknowledged the film's thematic depth and varied cast, though he viewed the main character as more of a self-inflicted martyr than someone audiences could easily identify with:

“Despite its earnest efforts, the film does not succeed... Mr. Davis delivers a portrayal of the troubled lead with fierce intensity and profound emotion.”

Kevin Thomas from the Los Angeles Times pointed out the film's inconsistent rhythm and direction but praised Sammy Davis Jr.'s acting:

“This is a thrilling and engaging film... his performance is outstanding... The screen nearly overflows with his powerful talent.”

See also

• List of American films of 1966