Rarely broadcast curio, not available on DVD in Region One:
On this particular film (whose named was soon changed to A Man Called Adam), Lawford amusingly had his own sign made for dressing room and chair: “White Actor.” This designation for the British-born actor was a lighthearted reference to the film’s impressive cast predominantly comprised of notable African-American musicians and thespians …
The film’s supporting cast is heavily stacked with diverse music talent of the period, too, including Frank Sinatra, Jr. (of course), Mel Torm, Benny Carter, Johnny Brown, and Kai Winding, with famed jazz cornet and trumpet player Nat Adderley providing the music for Davis’s nimble on-camera music performances. …
[W]hile the film remains unavailable on commercial home video in America, it has remained far more popular in England where it not only remains in circulation on DVD but inspired the name of an influential British electronic/acid jazz outfit, whose name is often referred to by the acronym AMCA. In one form or another, it’s clear that Davis’s jazz-fueled labor of love will endure far longer than the main character’s ill-fated final note on his trumpet.
