John Cassavetes' Films

Cassavetes' jazz-scored improvisational film explores interracial friendships and relationships in Beat-Era (1950s) New York City.

Johnny Staccato tracks down the killer of a bandleader who is being poisoned.

Johnny investigates the popular new preacher at the mission who's taken the life savings of at least one elderly local woman.

Johnny helps his ex jockey friend who has been accused of killing a dance hall hostess.

A big time counterfeiter believes Johnny has his engraving plates. When he and Waldo are threatened Johnny is given 2 hours to find them.

High-profile attorney Solomon Bradshaw is desperate for a defense of his wealthy client Jessica Winthrop who is charged with murdering her husband. Bradshaw is utterly convinced of her innocence, yet Mrs. Winthrop refuses to answer any questions in her own defense, maintaining that it would violate her self-avowed pacifist ideals. Bradshaw intends to hire private detective Johnny Staccato to commit perjury in court and provide an alibi for Mrs. Winthrop. Johnny agrees on the condition that he is given the opportunity to meet Mrs. Winthrop first. In her holding cell, Johnny interrogates her and many shocking revelations are exposed.

Ghost is an ideological musician who would rather play his blues in the park to the birds than compromise himself. However, when he meets and falls in love with beautiful singer Jess Polanski, she comes between him and his band members, and he leaves his dreams behind in search of fame.

A teacher and a psychologist work with children at an institute for the mentally-imparied.

Adam Shepherd visits a Civil War museum commemorating the Centennial and is attracted to one of its artifacts, a pair of old boots. He imagines what the man who wore them felt during the battle. In his vision, he becomes a Confederate sergeant for a ceasefire with Union soldiers after a bloody battle to treat their wounded and bury their dead. The truce is violated by a Confederate private who covets a pair of boots worn by a Union soldier. The rebel sneaks into enemy lines, kills the Yankee and steals the boots only to discover the footwear of huge holes in their soles. Furious over the violation, the Yankees hurl themselves against the Confederate lines resulting in massive casualties for both sides.

An aging boxing champ is challenged to a title fight by his own son whom he hates.

A college athlete, with a high scholastic average, discovers he is unable to keep up the hectic pace of school life.

A middle-aged man leaves his wife for another woman. Shortly after, his ex-wife also begins a relationship with a younger partner. The film follows their struggles to find love amongst each other.

After the death of a common friend, three married men leave their lives together, seeking pleasure and freedom and ultimately leaving for London.

A museum curator falls in love with a crazy parking attendant.

A ruthless conductor murders the gifted pianist with whom he is having an affair. Lt. Columbo is on the case.

Although wife and mother Mabel is loved by her husband Nick, her mental illness places a strain on the marriage.

A proud strip club owner is forced to come to terms with himself as a man when his gambling addiction gets him in hot water with the mob, who offer him only one alternative.

A renowned actress teeters on the edge of a breakdown as she counts down the days toward a big Broadway opening.

When a young boy's family is killed by the mob, their tough neighbor Gloria becomes his reluctant guardian. In possession of a book that the gangsters want, the pair go on the run in New York.

Two closely bound, emotionally wounded souls reunite after years apart.

Insurance agent plots with client to kill her nutty husband.