Racism and music clash in 1960’s America as Studiocanal announce they are set to release a brand-new restoration of A Man Called Adam. A musical drama – a fascinating and important example of black film history and an evocative celebration of the 60s jazz era, which tackles racism in 1960s America.
Directed by Leo Penn and produced by Ike Jones (the first African American to produce a Hollywood film) the film features a largely all-black cast led by Sammy Davis Jr. with Louis Armstrong, Cicely Tyson and Ossie Davis with Mel Tormé, Frank Sinatra Jr. and Peter Lawford. Morgan Freeman is also featured as an uncredited extra.
Next to has been fully restored and features a dazzling score including Louis Armstrong performing “Back O’ Town Blues”, Mel Tormé performing “All That Jazz”, and Sammy Davis Jr. performing “Whisper to One”.
Studiocanal haven’t released a new trailer or promo to push the release. Below is clip from the film which is full of intensity and a few well known faces…
Talented jazz musician Adam (Sammy Davis Jr.) appears to have it all, but an inner anger and a tormented past threaten to destroy his career. When he meets jazz legend Willie Ferguson (Louis Armstrong) and falls in love with his granddaughter (Cicely Tyson), a straight-talking civil rights activist, Adam begins to question his lifestyle, and resolves to tame his drinking and wild behaviour. But despite his new-found love, Adam is haunted by the shadows of his past. Can he escape his demons, before they destroy him entirely?
INCLUDED WITH THE FILM:
New: Interview with Radio 3 broadcaster and jazz expert Jumoké Fashola
New: Audio commentary by film historian and critic Sergio Mims
A Man Called Adam will be screened at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (18th – 25th August) and the Cinema Rediscovered Festival (28th July – 1st August) at Bristol’s Watershed and is available to buy on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital from 16Th August and is available to pre-order HERE.
