The first time I saw this film was when it came out in 1961. I didn't care then one iota that it was a modern day 'take' on Shakespeare's play: "Othello" What
grabbed me then was that it featured jazz musicians like Mingus, Brubeck, and Tubby Hayes, in a feature film. On a second viewing recently on late night T.V., I now believe the producers of this film should have left Shakespearian drama to Shakespearian actors. Though it was terrific to see and hear musicians like
Hayes and Brubeck (man! those pearly whites he flashes at every available
opportunity!), I think it was a shame that a man like Charles Mingus (a musical genius and bass player without peer), was not featured more often.
grabbed me then was that it featured jazz musicians like Mingus, Brubeck, and Tubby Hayes, in a feature film. On a second viewing recently on late night T.V., I now believe the producers of this film should have left Shakespearian drama to Shakespearian actors. Though it was terrific to see and hear musicians like
Hayes and Brubeck (man! those pearly whites he flashes at every available
opportunity!), I think it was a shame that a man like Charles Mingus (a musical genius and bass player without peer), was not featured more often.