A Man Called Adam (1966)

Sammy Davis Jr.: Adam Johnson

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Quotes 

• Claudia Ferguson : [after their confrontation with two racist policemen]  That's right. Two jerks came up here to do their job to find you, me and a white boy, which they weren't too thrilled about anyway, and you have to give them some lip. Save your heroism for something important.

  Adam Johnson : It was important. Don't you know that, Claudia? Take a piece of you here, a piece of you there, so there's nothing left... except yessah, boss!

• Adam Johnson : You don't know what it's like to sit up and stand and blow your guts out night after night and let some idiot sittin' there sayin,' 'Why don't you play Melancholy Baby' man! Well, I'm finished with it. I don't have to take it anymore. Any musician that's worth anything will tell you I'm right!

• Les : Wait a minute. Hold it. Hold it. Cool it, fellas. Adam, you know... you know I'm sick of you bustin' your own roof. You know something? You came late. You're stoned. I can smell it all over the bandstand. You're evil with all the cats. Look, why don't you go out there and play real pretty for the people, huh? Well, that's it. You got it. I'm gonna split.

  Adam Johnson : Hey, wait a minute, man. Let me tell you something. You don't leave. I leave. You know what that sign says out there? It says 'Adam Johnson' not 'Blindy.' 'Cause I have had you with me for 10 years. You understand that? 10 long years I've had you with me. You should go on a corner some place and have a tin cup and sell pencils. That's what you should be doing.

• Bobby Gales : Take it easy, baby.

  Adam Johnson : Easy don't make it no more, baby.

• Adam Johnson : Man, whether you're white or black, everybody's got soul, right? So, blow your soul.

• Claudia Ferguson : Two jerks come up here to do their job. They find you, me and a white boy - which they weren't too thrilled about anyway - and you have to give them some lip. Save your heroism for something important!

  Adam Johnson : It was important. Don't you know that Claudia? Take a piece of you here. A piece of you there. Suddenly, there ain't nothin' left. Except, "ya sah, boss".

• Adam Johnson : The reason why colored Cats have more soul is that they never took time out to take lessons. They either stole a horn, found a horn, or someone gave 'em a horn - and they had to start from scratch. So, they had no other story to tell but what was inside of 'em - which was their soul.

• Adam Johnson : Don't lie to me Claudia. I can feel your body now and you want me too.

• Claudia Ferguson : Why me?

  Adam Johnson : Maybe I want to spoil you for any other man you might meet.

  Claudia Ferguson : Spoil me? Won't you be surprised if I spoil you. Listen, Mr. Johnson, you start up with me and you're in for some big trouble. Cause I'm more woman than you've ever had.

  Adam Johnson : You know something. You just might be.

  Claudia Ferguson : I know what I am. I know what I've got to give. You don't. I'm not interested in kissing your tears away. And I don't want a seat at your funeral. And I won't let you be any less than what you are. Ever!

  Adam Johnson : For a chick that ain't done nuthin' yet, you sure laid on some strong dues, baby.

  Claudia Ferguson : Don't say I didn't warn you.

• Adam Johnson : Sweet Daddy, it sounds like a swingin' groovy party.

  Willie Ferguson : Oh, people's nice, Adam, here. But, don't stay long. I reckon an old man makes these kids uneasy. Seem like the people don't know what to say to me.

  Adam Johnson : Maybe its just that they don't know what to say to a genius.

• Adam Johnson : Manny, I know you say I have to have discipline. But, why do I have to have it in the South?

  Manny : I didn't mean to make it easy.

  Adam Johnson : You know there are guys down there who know what I think - and would like to kill me.

  Manny : Look, your a musician. You get down there and you blow and then you get in the bus. In the back if necessary! Now, sign these contracts or get out of my life.

  Adam Johnson : You're a nice man Manny. You're really a real nice man. Its too bad you hate musicians - just because you never made it. Tell me, Manny, what about discipline? Huh?

  Manny : I'm not a social worker. I'm an agent.

  Adam Johnson : Yeah, I know. Tell me, what does it mean, you know. Suppose you're me, Manny. You're me and you walk out of one of those places at night after the gig and - there are 10 haters standing there. Huh? And they don't want autographs, Manny. Where's your discipline come then? Huh? Where does it come, Manny? Manny? Answer me, Manny. Damn it, answer me! I want you to tell me! I want to see your discipline, Manny.

• Claudia Ferguson : Why are you always pushing me to put you down? Can't you stand love?

  Adam Johnson : Look, I am what I am, baby. That's it.

• Adam Johnson : So you're Claudia, huh? You know, Nelson has talked about nothin' else but you for the last month. He says you're a - you're a 'fresh wind'. He makes a big thing about you being in jail. He says Martin Luther won't make a move without ya. How long were you in jail?

  Claudia Ferguson : A few weeks.

  [grabs Claudia's arm] 

  Adam Johnson : You cold?

  Claudia Ferguson : No.

  Adam Johnson : Why are you shakin'?

  [forcibly kisses Claudia] 

  Adam Johnson : Slap my face. Come on, slap my face. Passive resistance, huh. The New Negro. Love your enemy.

• Adam Johnson : You'll be okay, Cleo.

  Theo : My name is Theo!

  Adam Johnson : Well, I call you Cleo because you remind me of the Queen of the Nile. Come on. Get your bag. There we go, baby.

  Theo : Is that the chick that let herself be bit by a snake?

  Adam Johnson : Yeah, but, don't worry about it baby.