Tuesday, August 31, 2010

our Dino bein' inducted into Italian Walk of Fame

Hey pallies, likes I am likes so so pumped likes to be able to share with you that our beloved Dino will soon be gettin' 'nother honor that likes he so richly deserves. Next Monday, September 6th, our King of Cool is bein' paid homage to by bein' inducted into the Italian Walk of Fame in Toronto, Canada.

Turns out that Toronto is "home to the largest community of Italians outside of Italy" and the Italian Walk of Fame was begun last year to pay "tribute to the extraordinary achievements Italians have had, both locally and globally, in all fields." Why our Dino was not part of the initial group of honorees, we will never know, but likes so glad that he is gettin' his due this year.

To read more 'bout Toronto's Walk of Fame and 2010 inductee, our Dino,...just reads on below. To view this in it's original site, just clicks on the tagg of this here Dino-gram. ilovedinomartin will do it best to report more as the day of Dino-homagin' drawth nigh. Dino-delightedly, DMP




Welcome to the Italian Walk of Fame.

From the city that is home to the largest community of Italians outside of Italy comes the world’s first Italian Walk of Fame (IWOF). Located in the heart of Toronto’s famous downtown tourist destination known as “Little Italy,” and co-founded by Jimi Bertucci and Marisa Beaco Lang, the IWOF pays tribute to the extraordinary achievements Italians have had, both locally and globally, in all fields.

The official launch of this historic event took place on Monday September 7th, 2009. Stars, honouring deserving individuals of Italian origin, were placed permanently and prominently in the sidewalk and unveiled during a red carpet ceremony which was followed by a lavish gala awards dinner. First year inductees included international film actor Giancarlo Giannini, famous Italian-American singer Connie Francis and hockey legend, Phil Esposito to name a few.

The first annual Italian Walk of Fame event not only received an enthusiastic response from the community but also garnered overwhelming attention and coverage from the local as well as international media.

2010 Inductee

Dean Martin
Born Dino Paul Crocetti on June 6, 1916 , Dean Martin would later become one of the entertainment world’s biggest superstars. Nicknamed the “King of Cool”, he was one of the members of the “Rat Pack” and a major star in four areas of show business: concert stage/night clubs, recordings, motion pictures, and television. As a singer, Martin recorded countless hits including “Memories Are Made of This”, “That’s Amore”, “Everybody Loves Somebody”, “Mambo Italiano”, “Sway”, “Volare” and “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head?”. As an actor he played straight man to comic genius Jerry Lewis in a highly successful series of films commencing with My Friend Irma going on to later became an impressive dramatic actor. For almost ten years from the mid 1960s he hosted one of the most successful television shows of all time, The Dean Martin Show. Martin passed away on Christmas Day in 1995 leaving a vast legacy through his many recordings, television specials/series and movies.

Monday, August 30, 2010

'The Silencers' is a fun spy spoof.

Hey pallies, though it's been over 40 years since our Dino played spy guy Matt Helm on the big screen, this quartet of Dino-antics continues to gain in popularity as bloggers continue to spread the message of this Dino-series. From the pen of a dude tagged Steve Miller at his web pad, "Watching The Detectives," comes this very Dino-favorable review of Helmer numero uno, "The Silencers."

The title of his post says it all, "'The Silencers' is a fun spy spoof." Loves how Mr. Miller lauds our beloved Dino as "excelling in the part" of Matt Helm. And, of the over-all production Miller enthuses..."You'll enjoy it even more, because in addition to being a fun comedy, it's got a well-crafted script at its core....."

ilovedinomartin sez likes our many Dino-thanks to Mr. Steve Miller for sharin' his delight in our Dino as Matt Helm in "The Silencers." To view this review in it's original format, likes just clicks on the tagg of this Dino-gram. Likes does hopes that Miller will review the other three Dino Helmer epics as well. Dino-enlightened, DMP


Thursday, August 26, 2010
'The Silencers' is a fun spy spoof

The Silencers (1966)
Starring: Dean Martin, Stella Stevens, Daliah Lavi, Victor Buono, and James Gregory
Director: Henry Levin
Rating: Seven of Ten Stars

Retired secret agent turned fashion photographer Matt Helm (Martin) is coaxed out of retirement by his sexy former partner (Lavi) to help find the mole who has been feeding information to the enemy, and to stop a nefarious scheme to start World War III.

"The Silencers" is one of the films that Mike Meyers was trying to copy/spoof with his Austin Powers films, itself a tongue-in-cheek spoof of the James Bond series... as well as Dean Martin's image as a hard drinker and a womanizer. Of course, a sure-fire way to make an inferior picture is to attempt to spoof a spoof, so it's not surprising that this movie is superior to anything Meyers attempted in every way. (Except Dr. Evil and the various characters in his orbit. Dr. Evil is Meyers' singular great creation.)

If you have a high tolerance for slapstick spy antics, a steady stream of off-color jokes and puns, dream sequences narrated by a singing Dean Martin, and 1960s-style sexism and swingin' life styles, you'll enjoy this film. You'll enjoy it even more, because in addition to being a fun comedy, it's got a well-crafted script at its core that offers a few genuinely surprising twists and even more startling and well-timed moments that many serious spy movies can't match.

And then there's the fact that Matt Helm is probably the only spy in the world who has a tricked-out station wagon that converts to a love-nest on wheels, complete with mini-bar.

The cast is also amusing to watch, with Dean Martin excelling in the part of the reluctant hero who would rather be at home enjoying his models, sexy personal assistant, and hi-tech bachelor's pad; Daliah Lavi as a sexy secret agent that gives some of the best Bond Girls a run for their money; and Stella Stevens as the clumsiest femme fatale to ever bumble her way across the screen. Victor Buono also manages to strike a nice balance between creepy and outrageous as an overweight Fu Manchu-style villainous mastermind.

"The Silencers" is available on DVD along with the other three Matt Helm movies from the 1960s. Check them out, in time for the character's return to film in 2011.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Sunday Serenade with Dino: "Somewhere There's A Someone"

Hey pallies, wells dudes likes it's 'nother Sunday at ilovedinomartin and Sunday means 'nother Sunday Serenade with Dino. Today's Dino-tune is a stellar some of amore, "Somewhere There's A Someone."

This vid comes from the much loved DVD, "That's Amore" that is filled with great Dino-performances of great Dino-songs from the Dino-show. There is so much I loves 'bout this particular Dino-rendition. I loves at one point how our Dino looks upward as he sings with such conviction, and I so loves how he makes fun of the recorded back-up singers and likes he pretends that he is clueless 'bout when he is 'posed to come back in singin'.

For all us Dino-holics there true is a someone for us that the someone is only our Dino...'cause truly only Dino matters.... Today's Sunday Serenade is sent out to a new Dino-devotee from down under who has told his mate Levi that this is his fav Dino-tune....so Shaun, this one is for you....and for Levi too who is doin' his Dino-best to spread the Dino-message 'mong his mates at school. Dino-sharin', DMP



Saturday, August 28, 2010

He is obsessed with Dean Martin and we listen to it during every car ride.

Hey pallies, today ilovedinomartin sez a belated Happy Birthday to one of our Dino's youngest, but much devoted fans. From the blog "Hannemaniacs" we learn that yester-Dino-day was William's second birthday and his mommy-o, Lisa, did a stellar trib to her young boy-pallie that includes proudly tellin' the web world how much this tike truly loves our Dino...."He is obsessed with Dean Martin and we listen to it during every car ride."

It is always likes so so refreshin' to find 'nother wee one who is gettin' turned on to our Dino at such a tender tender age...guaranteein' that the message of Dino will never ever stop...and how wonderful is that! Thanks to William's mom for lettin' us all in on Master William's Dino-obsession...and thank to his parents for obviously plantin' the seeds of Dino-devotion in their young boypallie. To partake of the whole birthday trib to William, likes as usual, just clicks on the tagg of this here Dino-message. Dino-obesessed, DMP




William: Age 2
His favorite songs include: Happy Birthday to You, ABC's, Sing a Song, and anything by Dean Martin. He is obsessed with Dean Martin and we listen to it during every car ride. He can sing most of the words to Mambo Italiano.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Yes, I knew Dean Martin.

Hey pallies, likes this here Dino-find comes from the pad "Down River Sunday Times" and features actress Miss Jill Jackson and her feature, "Jill Jackson's Hollywood." Seems that a chick tagged Vivian wanna-to-know if Miss Jackson knew our Dino. In her response Miss Jill speaks of her Dino-connections 'specially havin' our beloved Dino as her "pilot" in the "Airport" flick.

So so delighted likes by the continuous and varied ways that the name of our Dino gets lifted up each and every Dino-day all over the 'net. ilovedinomartin expressed our deepest Dino-thanks to Miss Jill Jackson for likes speakin' of our Dino and helpin' others to come to know, love, and cherish our beloved Dino. As usual, to view this in it's original format, and to read Miss Jackson's entire column, just click on the tagg of this Dino-post. Dino-delightedly, DMP

JILL JACKSON’S HOLLYWOOD
Posted by Times-Herald Newspapers on 8/20/10



Dean Martin

By Jill Jackson
HOLLYWOOD …
Aside to Vivian M. of Hamong, La.: Yes, I knew Dean Martin. We first met when I had radio and TV shows in New Orleans, and he guested. Then I came out here to Hollywood and was in the movie “Airport,” in which he starred. For six weeks I sat in the plane that he “piloted,” and we all chatted during breaks and everyone got to know everyone else pretty well.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Dean Martin will be at my wedding!

Hey pallies, today's Dino-gram is likes more proof of the amazin' ways pallies are introducin' our Dino to their friends and family. From the weddin' pad "Wedding Bee" comes this post 'bout a chick who is thrilled to be partakin' of our Dino on her day of weddin'.

I personally woulda loves to be attendin' and gets an opportunity to gets my pix snapped with our Dino.....likes how cool woulda that's be. Hat's off to "Newbeelaloulee" for sharin' her weddin' Dino-plans. Sure that there will be tons of others who willa likes be invitin' our Dino to their nuptuals as well...after all likes who is more amore then our Dino...No One I Dare Say!

To partake of this in it's original format, just click on the tagg of this Dino-gram. Dino-sharin', DMP



Dean Martin will be at my wedding!

Newbeelaloulee September 5, 2010 saratoga, ny

I really wanted to have a photo booth at the wedding but it just wasn't in the budget. I wasn't searching for it but came across this life size cut out of dean Martin. I am putting up a velvet curtain, with Dean standing in front and give everyone the opportunity to have a photo taken. I'm doing a hollywood theme and think he will fit in perfect. I'm so excited he should arrive by the end of the month!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Go West for Mod Movie Monday - Rio Bravo, 1959

Hey pallies, today's Dino-discovery comes from our groovy pallie "Tiki Chris" Pinto and his regular feature "Mod Movie Monday" at his swingin' pad "Tiki Lounge Talk."

"Tiki Chris" is likes puttin' his readers on to that Dino-classic of classics "Rio Bravo" and shares his review of this stellar flick as only "Tiki Chris" can... creatively hip and totally totally with it!!!!!...includin' suggestions for food and booze as well...

We sez our Dino-thanks to pallie "Tiki Chris" Pinto for liftin' up the name of our Dino and sharin' the wonders of our Dino as the Dude in this classic flick...and likes turnin' his Tiki Lounge readers onto the amazin' pleasures of viewin' our beloved Dino in this historic western. Dino-dude-in', DMP

Go West for Mod Movie Monday - Rio Bravo, 1959

Posted on August 23rd, 2010 "Tiki Chris" Pinto

Ask anyone who digs old movies and old westerns about this flick, and the response will be something around the same as if you ask them if they are hip to Miles or Bird…oh, yeahhhhh!

Rio Bravo, 1959

is a good old-fashioned cowboy movie with a little twist: The cast. Here you have John Wayne leading Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Angie Dickinson,Ward Bond and Walter Brennan (plus Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez for comic relief). Wow. Add to that some really good writing, some intense scenes where predicting the outcome is almost impossible, and plenty of evil bad guys and you’ve got the makings of a classic flick. Even the side romance between the 51-year-old Wayne and 26-year-old Dickinson are believable and fun.

The story is a somewhat typical cowboy job: Wayne, the Sheriff, is trying to keep his dusty frontier town together while fighting against a cattle baron who, as all cattle barons in old westerns tend to be, is an evil, murdering SOB. His brother murders a cowpoke in a saloon in cold blood and is locked up by the Sheriff. Cattle baron brother sends bad guys to get him out. Wayne is helped only by the recovering drunk Dude (Martin), an aging deputy with a bad leg (Brennan), a very young gunslinger (Nelson), a somewhat crazy chick (Dickinson) and a Mexican hotel owner with a funny way of talking. Oh, and Wayne totes a Winchester Saddle Ring Carbine everywhere he goes. Kookie.

By the way, you get a free song too, a duet with Dino and Ricky Nelson. Whoever thought they’d sing together?

Food & Booze: Whisky. Just Whisky. Or Beer. This is what cowboys drink in the movies. No one really eats anything so why not try an easy chili recipe. There’s this thing out there called Wick Fowler’s “2-Alarm Chili Kit”. It won the 1967 Texas Chili Cook-off and has everything in it you need to make a really good chili except beef, beans and stewed tomatoes. Just follow the directions and you can’t miss. I first used this stuff back in 1987 to make Chili for a Halloween party while watching The Texas Chainsaw Massacre II, a really bad movie that had the cannibalistic characters making - you guessed it - chili, with human meat. Funny, huh? Here’s the trailer for Rio Bravo…



-Tiki Chris P. reporting from the Last Chance Saloon, in an oasis somewhere in the middle of cowboy-days Florida

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

"Dean Martin [vintage singer] is awesome."

Hey pallies, likes this is likes so so totally rad...... likes 'nother of today's youthful mod entertainers has boldly proclaimed his desirin' to be like our Dino! From the ultra cool pad, "TeenTelevision" comes an exclusive interview with the Jonas bros: Joe, Kevin, and Nick 'bout their newest Disney Channel flick, "Camp Rock 2" with Demi Lovato.

As you will see below, when bro Kevin was quired 'bout "what actor or musical star would you like to be like?".....he answered proudly...."Dean Martin. Dean Martin [vintage singer] is awesome." How outstandin'ly refreshin' to hear a teen idol speaks so openly of his youthful Dino-devotion to the TeenHollywood reporter. Pallies, likes thinks of the throngs of nouveau hipsters who will read Kev's stellar Dino-remarks and begins there quest to knowin', lovin', and honorin' our beloved Dino......helpin' the Dino-revolution to continues likes to grow and glow!

Thanks to Kevin Jonas for speakin' his Dino-devotion and for the pallies at TeenTelevision for sharin' this interview with the 'net world. To read this interview fully in it's original format, just clicks on the tagg of this Dino-post. Dino-promotin', DMP

TeenHollywood: What actor or musical star would you like to be like?

Joe: As an actor we look up to Daniel Craig [the latest James Bond]. I think he's really a fantastic actor in our own time.


Kevin: Dean Martin. Dean Martin [vintage singer] is awesome. Guys like Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.

Nick: And when you look back at Elvis Presley. He did movies as well as music.
Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas in "Camp Rock 2"
Disney Channel

Kevin: The triple threat is coming back. You couldn't do a movie if you weren't a triple threat way back then. You had to sing, dance and be an incredible actor. You look at musical movies like Singing in the Rain and now look at shows like "Glee". It's the triple threat thing.

Joe: Well, we could be a triple threat but we don't dance.

Kevin: I know so we're lacking in that area.

Nick: Okay, we're a double threat.

Joe: But we can try.

Monday, August 23, 2010

But Deano was a classy operator...........

Hey pallies, likes it takes one Renaissance man to knows 'nother. Today's Dino-post was scribed by Aussie Renaissance man Chris Nyst for the opinion page of "goldcoast.com."

Mr. Nyst is one of those dudes who likes does it all. He is a renowned Australian solicitor and crime fiction writer, as well as an award winnin' writer, producer and director of films. It would appear that whatever likes Nyst puts his hands to becomes likes hugely successful......likes someone whose opinion is truly, truly valued.

Thus, I am deeply moved by and extemely grateful to Mr. Nyst for his editorial "Stars Forfeit Dying Dignity" that speaks so favorably 'bout our Dino and his amazin' career, shows such compassion for our Dino's distressful last days, and talks so so sharply 'bout a member of the paparazzi who did not treat our great man with the dignity he so deserves.

Mr. Chris Nyst is a Renaissance man who deeply respects our Renaissance man, our Dino, and desires others to know, love, and honor our Dino as well. ilovedinomartin is greatly touched by the kindness shown to our Dino by Nyst's movin' words of true Dino-devotion. We sez our grateful appreciation to him for honorin' our beloved Dino in this way. To read this in it's original format, please clicks on the tagg of this Dino-sharin'. In Deep Dino-appreciato, DMP




Stars forfeit dying dignity
Chris Nyst | August 21st, 2010

WHEN I was in high school one of my favourite television programs was the Dean Martin Show.

Martin was a post-war Italian-American crooner born of my parents' generation and he sang the kind of songs and wore the kind of clothes kids of my age were trying hard to leave behind.

But Deano was a classy operator and when he slid down a stairwell railing on to the television set each week at the start of his variety show, flashing his pearly whites and turning on the old Italian charm, there was simply no denying he was the undisputed king of cool.

Playing up his classic 1960s Rat Pack image as the lazy, carefree boozer, Martin would swagger across the stage, resplendent in his crisp tuxedo, a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other, fire off a couple of cheeky wisecracks to the audience, then break into a silky smooth rendition of his signature song Everybody Loves Somebody which brought down the house every time.

The highly successful show had its final season in 1974, but Martin continued his career on stage and screen until the late 1980s when, following the tragic death of his eldest son Dean junior in a plane crash, he largely withdrew from public life.

In addition to never completely recovering from losing his son, he suffered from emphysema and in 1993 he was diagnosed with lung cancer, which ultimately led to his death in 1995, at the age of 78.

Not long before his death, a member of the paparazzi had the fine fortune to catch off-guard a somewhat unkempt, decidedly un-glamorous looking Martin, by then an old and sickly man, walking to a local shop without his dentures in.

The sad photographs of the one-time carefree playboy had a kind of morbid curiosity value, but felt like an obscene betrayal, a cruel and unwarranted defilement not only of an old man's privacy and dignity, but of our own cherished memories.

No doubt the editors who agreed to publish the pictures would tell you that is just the price of fame.

He who seeks the spotlight must suffer its glare. But when is the piper finally paid? When do we permit the curtain to fall on their celebrity?


They were questions that came to mind this week when I saw some of the reporting of the hospitalisation of 93-year-old actress Zsa Zsa Gabor.

The once irrepressibly vivacious Hungarian-born former actress and beauty queen underwent blood clot surgery last weekend -- two days after being released from hospital following complications from a bad fall in which she broke a hip.

No doubt the story was of great interest to the many fans of the flamboyant Zsa Zsa, remembered as much for her nine marriages and her propensity for calling everybody 'darling' as she was for her mediocre film career.

But the photographs that showed the 93-year-old lying in a hospital bed looking gaunt and gravely ill seemed profoundly cruel.

OK, we get it. Even the beautiful people eventually get old and frail. But just because they once courted the warm glow of the spotlight, does that mean they forfeit any right to privacy and dignity?

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Sunday Serenade with Dino: "Blue, Blue Day"

Hey pallies, likes time dudes for 'nother Sunday Serenade with Dino. Today's Dino-pick from the golden vaults of the Dino-show is "Blue, Blue Day." Nows dis is one of those songs that I thinks was meant likes to be sung seriously, but as you will view, our Dino is so much his playful self, that you will be smilin' and grinnin' and laughin' likes all the way through.

Loves so much how our Dino uses his whole body as he croons the tune, and likes that trademark smile and grin means all is well in the Dino-world. And, loves how our Dino mocks the backup singers and pokes fun at himself as well. The song may be tagged "Blue, Blue Day" but all is sunny and bright with this Dino-rendition!!!!!! Dino-grinnin', DMP

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Love is a Muse: Dean Martin "Innamorata"

Hey pallies, today's Dino-adventure takes us to a guy tagged Joel Sharpton and his intriguin' blog "A Rogue's Life." Mr. Sharpton has an on-goin' series of posts reflectin' on love songs. In the post featured below, Mr. Sharpton shares his ruminations on our Dino's amorin' tune "Innamortata," taken from the Dino and the kid classic flick, "Artists And Models."

Loves these particular words of Mr. Joel's: ""Innamorata" has always been one of my favorite songs by Dean Martin (who is definitely one of my favorite artists of all time). It feels good to say. It's sexy, it's short, which adds to its sweetness, I think."

Clear to see that this guy is a true Dinolover. We say our thanks to Mr. Joel Sharpton for liftin'up the name of our Dino in such a scholarly way and helpin' his readers to come to know, love, and honor our beloved Dino. To view this in it's original format, likes just click on the tagg of this Dino-post. Dino-ever, DMP
btw, have included that stellar clip from "Artists and Models" where our Dino sings this amazin' song of amore....


Love is a Muse: Dean Martin "Innamorata"

An (apparently) ongoing series exploring songs about love and the themes behind them.

Love is a Muse

Here are the lyrics for "Innamorata" as sung by Dean Martin:

If our lips should meet Innamorata
Kiss me kiss me sweet Innamorata
Hold me close and say you're mine
With a love as warm as wine
I'm at heaven's door Innamorata
Want you more and more Innamorata
You're a symphony a very beautiful sonanta my Innamorata
Say that you're my sweetheart, my love

You're a symphony the very beautiful sonata my Innamorata
Say that you're my sweetheart, my one and only sweetheart
Say that you're my sweetheart, my love

Innamorata is an Italian word that translates roughly as "soulmate" "sweetheart" or "lover". I like to think that the writer is trying to convey all three at once here. "Innamorata" has always been one of my favorite songs by Dean Martin (who is definitely one of my favorite artists of all time). It feels good to say. It's sexy, it's short, which adds to its sweetness, I think. It's also chaste. There's no explicit descriptions or even any hints that things are going there. The singer speaks of kisses and lips, and that's about it. He's genuinely smitten, and the guys got a way with words about expressing it.

Listening to the song today, in the context of this exercise, the metaphors are what jump out at me. The guy has to stretch to describe his love. "Dear" doesn't cut it. He doesn't call her his "squeeze" or "woman." "Darling" or even "Lover" isn't good enough. He calls her "Innamorata". She is his sweetheart, his soulmate, his love. Oh, isn't that nice?

Her love is wine, she is a sonata and all he wants from her is a sweet kiss. Forget Red Bull, people, love gives you wings.

Key lesson: Foreign language and pillow talk are never strange bedfellows.

Friday, August 20, 2010

On This Day In Dino-history: August 20, 1948

Hey pallies, our faithful pallie Mark over at his "popculturefanboy" blog continues to keeps us posted on significant dates in Dino-history. Sixty-two years ago this very Dino-day our beloved Dino and the jer signed with the folks at Capitol Records as a team. Mark also shares that it was on August 12, 1948...just a few days earlier that our Dino signed his Dean Marti to a personal singin' contract.

How great to be able to honor these important dates in Dino-history and we thanks Mr. Mark for faithfulness is keepin' his readers Dino-edified. To view pallie Mark's cool blog, just clicks on the tagg of this Dino-report. btw, loves the funny pix of our Dino and the kid tha Mark shares with us....what fun these two guys had together. Dino-sharin', DMP


ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY 1948



The comedy team Martin and Lewis (Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis) sign with Capitol Records. Martin had already signed a personal singing contract with Capitol on August 12, 1948.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

TV Week Victoria - July 15, 1967 - Dino Martin

Hey pallies, when I got my first glimmer of today's Dino-discovery, I immediately thoughts likes of our down under pallies Miss Ky and Mr. Levi. From the Aussie version of ebay comes this Dino-treasure of an ol' TV Week Victoria from 1967 that features a groovy pix of our Dino on the front cover.....loves that mod hat that our Dino is wearin'....just wonderin' why they are wishin' our great man a Happy Birthday Dino! in July likes when his date of birth is in June...a true Dino-mystery.

Anyhow thoughts all you Dino-philes woulda loves to see this vintage Dino-pix and 'specially 'cause it comes from the land of Aussies with two of our biggest and brightest Dino-devotees comin' from down under. To view this in it's original source, likes just clicks on the tagg of this Dino-report. In our Dino, DMP


TV Week Victoria - July 15, 1967 - Dino Martin

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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Stax takes an in depth look at Scorsese's DINO project

Hey pallies, likes today's Dino-discovery is an Dino-oldie buts a Dino-goodie....goin' all the way back to Tuesday, April 27, 1999!

Likes pallies, I have been lookin' for likes Dino-ever to find any info on the proposed Dino-pix-bio based on Nick Tosches' amazin' Dino-tome, "DINO: Living High In The Dirty Business Of Dreams." Yeah, yeah, I knows that this pix has been off-again off-again, and may never ever be produced, but likes I still have been so cravin' of partakin' of some deep Dino-info on this proposed project.

Well pallies, let's me tell you how I finally found this cool Dino-expose from a dude tagged Stax who gots his hot little hands on a copy of the Dino-script (clicks on tagg of this Dino-gram to goes to the original postin'). Likes I loves to surf the 'net for undiscovered Dino-treasure, and likes I usually types in Dean Martin and then some other random word to see what will appear.

Recently I have been groovin' on the term partake and have found ways to use it in several recent Dino-posts...what coulda be better then partakin' of some Dino pallies...likes nothin' that I can think of dudes! Anyhow, the other day I typed in Dean Martin partake and likes our Dino directed me to this outstandin' in depth look at Scorsese's DINO project...and likes I was in total total Dino-awe pallies. Likes I have been 'net servin' for years for this sorta Dino-treasure and there it was, likes how good our Dino is to his pallies to help one such as I to uncover this golden trove of Dino-treasure.

Anyway, pallies, this is one of the longer Dino-posts ever at ilovedinomartin...but likes havin' partakin' of it to the full myself, likes I can hugely recommend that likes all you Dino-philes takes the time to read each and every Dino-word...likes it is so so worth you time and energy to learns all 'bout the script...this prose is as deep and dark as Tosches' outstandin' Dino-prose itself.

So, enjoys this Dino-find, and here's hopin' that one day very very Dino-soon we will hear the great Dino-news that this project is back on Dino-track!!!!! Thanks to the "Ain't It Cool.com pad for sharin' this and for Stax for sharin' each and every cool Dino-detail... Dino-partakin', DMP



Stax takes an in depth look at Scorsese's DINO project

Here's an IN DEPTH look at a draft of DINO. I say 'a draft' cause I don't know at what point in the process this script was written. Is it 2 years old, has it been rewritten since HBO's RAT PACK? I don't know. Take this review and look at the project as a point of view on a script that once existed. Because we don't know the current state of the project or this draft... It's a bit ludricous to put a great deal of weight on the statements that Stax makes... Unless it is the current draft, which would then raise some modest concerns. Ultimately Scorsese is a master storyteller and... I trust his hand wielding this (and any other project he chooses to take on). So read this, and wonder... "Where is this now?" I'll try to find out which draft this is, but so far... I have been out of luck. ("well get some"... ahhh shucks Mr Bradley, I'm sorry) Here's Stax...

Stax here. I managed to buy a copy of the screenplay for Martin Scorsese's future project "Dino", written by Nicholas Pileggi (and not by Paul Schrader, as erroneously reported elsewhere) and based on the gritty Nick Tosches bestseller. Now the script only had a card stock cover and not a title page, so I'm not sure what draft it is or when it was dated. Bear that in mind when you read my review of it. I'll give you my reaction to it and then go into a more detailed run down of the story itself. It runs 166 pages and it is an epic. I've been so jazzed about this project since I first heard of it that I guess my expectations were just too high. After all, we have double-Oscar wiiner Tom Hanks as Dino (all but signed by all accounts), Scorsese directing and Pileggi scripting and it's about the wildest nights in 20th Century American History so I guess I was expecting the Phantom Menace of biopics! After reading this draft, I'm going to lower my expectations somewhat. In terms of tone and style, it reminds me of a weird hybrid of King of Comedy and Casino, if you can imagine that. But it also has a lot of "Lenny" in it, too, in the way it uses mock latter-day interviews with the people in the dead entertainer's life to tell you what the good ol' days were like.

The script manages to cram a lot in and is a relatively brisk read but it's pacing reminds me of Casino: there are exciting flourishes throughout but there's a lot of been there-done that wiseguy schtick, too. It employs the multi-narrator voice-overs device used in GoodFellas and Casino but here it just seems tired and expositional and kind of a cheat for not getting to know Dean Martin through his actions, but rather by people TALKING about him. While this V.O. technique worked great in GoodFellas and to a lesser degree with Casino, here it gives the film a bit of an E! True Hollywood Story feel to it with the actual scenes seeming more like re-enactments than genuine drama at times. In fact, I saw the E! True Hollywood Story on Dino and I have to say I learned just as much about the man from watching that as I did from reading this script. Also, the latter part of the film dealing with the Rat Pack, JFK and the Giancana mob also seems tired after HBO put out their "Rat Pack" film last year; indeed, some of the scenes are almost identical to ones portrayed in that film. Yes, these stories are all an unavoidable part of Rat Pack lore now but maybe that's part of the film's problem. We know all of this stuff by osmosis now so the film ends up having an almost Greatest Hits/TV movie feel to its narrative structure that I didn't like.

The relatively plotless, vignette-style of storytelling Scorsese and Pileggi employed twice before worked then because we didn't know anything about these guys or what would happen to them. Their character development was less important because it was an almost anthropoligical study of a lifestyle. DINO has sequences like that that study celebrity lifestyle in the 50s and 60s which are entertaining but, again, in a been there-done that fashion. That's part of the problem Casino had; it fluctuated between being a study of mob practices and a tragic character study. The pace in the film could go from being too jarring to too damn slow. "Dino" is similar but it suffers more because, unlike GoodFellas and Casino where the main characters helped create the dire circumstances by which they would fall from their perch (they're cut down kicking and screaming!), Dean Martin just ... walks away. Zones out. Shuts himself off. (Imagine that very last shot of Casino where DeNiro's blank stare seems to take some of the zing away from it all -- and now imagine that for the last fifteen pages. Kind of frustrating.) Dean didn't create or control the events swirling about him; he just went along for the ride and reacts to it all in the same aloof manner. In fact, Sinatra drives the plot in the latter half of the script. All that JFK-Giancana stuff was Sinatra's bag, baby; he wanted JFK elected and Giancana was his pal. Dino could care less about any of that. In a movie called Dino about Dean Martin, I don't really want to spend an hour caring about what Sinatra wants and worries about. Frankie's had his biopics; if Dino doesn't care what's going on in the film, why the hell should I? It's not like we haven't heard it all before anyway. I'll rent The Rat Pack if I want to see that period recreated.

My biggest problem with the script, though, is how under-developed the characters are. Martin is painted as a contradictory, elusive, flippant PERSONA, not a real person; all the right questions are asked about him but they're not answered. Of course, that's part of Dean's mystique: no one knows for sure what made him tick so he was either this incredible enigma or a completely vacuous and cold as ice playboy. So maybe he was just a persona. This is compelling to muse about but after 2 hours and 45 minutes it is quite frustrating to not feel anything more about Dino, and not know much more about him, than you did at the beginning (or going into the cinema!). It's a fundamentally unsatisfying drama if the main character remains a steady blip on the radar screen throughout, a straight line for nearly 3 hours with no arc whatsoever. Dino's a wise-cracking cypher whom we only learn about through the V.O. and mock interviews of other characters in the film. His nature is blamed on his being Italian more than anything else. And after reading this, there is just no way on God's earth I can buy Tom Hanks as Dino. No way. I don't care how much of a "Hoffa" they pull with the make-up job, Tom ain't Dino! Women don't swoon for him. Men don't want to emulate him. He's not sexy and he's not cool. He'll emasculate Dino. And there's no way I'd by him as the son of Italian immigrants. By casting Hanks, the filmmakers must be attempting to make up for the disagreeable parts of Dino's character: the hurt he caused his family, his playboy antics, his cold and distant SOB nature. It's a cheat: Hanks is a likeable everyman so people will naturally like him as Dino and we're over that dilemma. Uh-huh. You can't make up with casting what isn't there on the page. In fact, the audience may end up resenting Dino MORE if Hanks plays him just because they want him to be Jimmy Stewart. IMHO, I think they need a George Clooney or Nicolas Cage for this (even though I can't imagine ANYONE really being perfect for it). Whoever it is has to be a good light comedian (Hanks is) with sex appeal and machismo (again, NOT Hanks -- sorry, Tom!). Dino didn't give a damn whether you liked him or not; can you believe Tom Hanks in that? If he passed on the Clinton role in Primary Colors because he didn't think he could play a philanderer, then why on earth does he think he can pull this off? I saw him play Dino once on a Saturday Night Live skit; I fear the film would just be damn near 3 hours of the same.

Jerry Lewis? One note portrayal as either a hyper young control freak in awe of his best pal Martin, or as a mellowed, post-rehab telethon king looking back on how obnoxious he was in his youth. I can't see Jim Carrey agreeing to 45 minutes of screen time for this part, even if it is Scorsese directing it. There's nothing there for him, really. Better to give it to a younger comic more in need of a new challenge and not a big star like Carrey (I'm going out on a limb and recommending Adam Sandler for it -- let the hate mail begin!). Dino's second wife Jeanne (mother of his beloved son Dean Paul) is the primary female character but she is nothing more than the suffering wife. Even Dean Paul is shorted here; he's the spirit of youth and freedom cut down in his prime. Since Dino never spent much time with him we don't, either, so his untimely death, and Dino's mourning, lacks the pathos it needs to make us feel anything real for Dino.

Sinatra is, well, exactly what you expect him to be: tough, hot-tempered, seductive, in awe of Giancana and Kennedy, full of love for Dean. But you run the risk of a Phil Hartman impersonation here; like with Lewis, I can't see the ever-mentioned front-runner in this role. Scenery-chewing John Travolta would only add to Sinatra's domination of the latter part of the film; IMHO, cast a recognizable but not overbearing actor like Aidan Quinn as him. Or if you want a star, then Bruce Willis fifteen pounds lighter. I just can't see Travolta in it after reading this script. Not even as the fatter, older Frankie. The rest of the Pack are passersby, really. Forget about Wesley Snipes playing Sammy Davis, Jr.; it would be an insult to him to be in it as Sammy really is nothing more than another hanger-on. Billy Crystal had more of a chance to give Sammy some depth than whoever plays him here. In fact, Joey Bishop has more screen time and dialogue than Sammy (as do Giancana, various mobsters and managers)! Ditto Peter Lawford (unless you knew he was JFK's brother in law going in, the film would never really tell you). Shirley MacLaine has a bit part as the Pack's self-proclaimed mascot early on. There's a funny bit with her and Giancana playing cards. JFK and RFK are throw-away cameos for look-alikes, nothing more, so don't expect any of the depth to their relationship w/the Pack that we saw in HBO's "The Rat Pack". All of these cameos peppered throughout a rushed, highlight-laden latter part of Act 2 may make you feel like you're watching a Legends in Concert show rather than being caught up in a well-developed story. The script takes for granted how much viewers know about the times and the players; Dino and Sinatra fans and older viewers will see it as another re-enactment while younger viewers may just get lost in the shuffle.

SERIOUS SPOILERS! BEWARE! RUNAWAY! SHOO! BAD BOY! BAD GIRL! DON'T READ!
THE STORYLINE:

Act One establishes Dean Martin as the inebriated, affable host of his own hit variety show in the latter 1960's (no mention of Matt Helm in this draft, folks, sorry!). Dino is introduced to us as we watch his TV show: "Ladies and gentlemen, the Dean Martin Show, starring Dean Martin!". These scenes remind me of King of Comedy. It's fitting that this is how we are introduced to Dean as we only know him, as most people do, through what he decided to reveal on TV, which was all a gimmick. They intercut variety show skits of Dean in various buffoonish acts with an "At Home With --" TV special documenting Dean's seemingly placid and perfect home life with 2nd wife Jeanne and their brood of kids. We then get "true" glimpses of the real Martin home, with Dean as aloof and disenchanted and only wanting to stay in and watch the tube. Dean tells her: "I'm Italian. I need a wife. I need kids. I need a home. I may not come home, but I need a home." Dean slips his son Dean Paul with a $20 to not do whatever it was he was doing and to not tell his mother (!); Jeanne admonishes for bribing their child like he's a head waiter. Dino would gladly stay at home all the time but that's not what Jeanne wants or expects; she just wants him to BE there when he is home and not roll over and watch TV. On page 8 Jeanne asks the question/theme of the whole film: "What's the good of being Dean Martin if you don't enjoy it?". I refer you to my prior commentary to see if this script answered it successfully or not. Dino can walk away from all the glitz and glamor and excess and just go home and put on his PJs and the TV and not give a damn. To paraphrase what Dean Paul tells him near the end, if you don't complain about problems then they're not real. Dean realizes at end I think (after Dean Paul dies) that that isn't so. But does he care or change? No. He just withdraws and goes eat pasta by himself.

The first 23 pages establishes Dean's work ethic, or lack thereof; he has audio tapes of his TV rehearsals sent to him and listens to them on the golf course. He then shows up 5 minutes before the final rehearsal and asks: "Which way do you want to point the Italian?" After Dean Paul teases him for not being with the times (he shows him an album cover of Sinatra wearing love beads and nehru and Dino scoffs that he looks like Mahatma Gahndi), Dino effortlessly knocks the Beatles out of the #1 spot on the charts with a failed Sinatra tune, "Everybody Loves Somebody." Dean Paul gives him a gold watch as a present and asks why he can't be reached at home anymore; Dino tells him if he wants to reach him to call his agent and then he'll know to return the call or not! Jeanne tells the off-screen interviewer that she accepts Dean's philandering and says: "There are 2 Dean Martins. The man the public sees on TV and the man I know as a husband and a father. ... I think he's more Italian than anything. ... The reason he doesn't show an interest in almost anything is that he truly is not interested in almost anything. Way deep down, he doesn't give a damn. ... Now after 23 years of marriage with 3 children, i still don't know the first thing about him. There's either nothing there, or too much." When protest groups picket Dean's show because of its sexist and drunken subject matter, Dino shrugs it off with "the guys in Steubenville (Ohio, Martin's hometown) want the broads. Give 'em the broads."

Now it's the mid-70s and Jeanne publicly announces their divorce after 23 years and 3 kids because Dean has fallen for a younger woman. Dean also ends his hit show. He walks away from it saying "I gotta take a leak." Dean's got $50 million, been a star for 30 years -- he could can do whatever he wants. What Dean wants to do is live carefree. As he tells his son Dean Paul: "You gotta have fun, pallie. If not, you may as well lay down and let them throw dirt on you." But Dean's idea of fun, however, seems to be dining alone and going to bed early to watch TV. For all his "gotta love living" attitude, Dino seems to be a pretty solitary man. He is an outcast but one who has cast himself out; everyone else wants him around.

Act 2 begins in 1946 New York City with 29 year old Dean, "an Adonis" (again, I say, Tom Hanks?!), meeting up with 19 year old Jewish comic Jerry Lewis. Jerry, in his "interview", speaks fondly of Dino: "I'm 115 pounds and fighting acne and here's a god. That's the way I saw him. That's the way everybody saw him." Tom Hanks?!! The next 50 pages, the first part of act 2, deals with the successful partnership of Martin & Lewis. It's a mini-TV movie all of its own, following the tried and true and tired rags to riches formula. We get Dean and Jerry wowing 'em at the Copa, on TV, and, of course, as the hottest comedy duo in Hollywood. Early on in their friendship, Dean relates to an awed Jerry his "origin" (shown in flashback with, presumably, a few different actors as young Dean and adolescent Dean): becoming a croupier in a backroom mob gambling joint in Steubenville, OH; a failed boxer who'd bet against himself to make money; an aspiring crooner who learns to sing by watching Bing Crosby films; and a nightclub singer who can nail any woman he wants, including the owner's wife. But the most revealing flashbacks are of Dean's dad Gaetano/"Guy" arriving from the Abruzzi countryside with only his sack full of barber's tools and proudly setting up shop in Ohio. The American Dream. But Gaetano's a tough, wise soul whoi can deftly turn down the mob's "offer" to use his shop as a front. He also teaches his adoring son Dean a harsh lesson. Dean runs up to his dad every day he comes home for work, jumping up into his arms for hugs and kisses. Finally, Guy stands back and lets his boy fall and hurt himself on purpose. When Dean begins to cry, BOTH his parents admonish him: "How many times have I told you never to trust nobody?" and "What's the matter with you? You want to show people that you're hurt? That you're weak? They'll take advantage of you." This mistrusting, immigrant mentality stays with Dean his whole life and seems to be the only reason for his cold, detatched relations with even his own family. He even tells Dean Paul before he dies that the whole world's "a con." Dean Paul tried to show him another aspect of it but Dean wouldn't partake; he'd lose that chance forever when his boy would die.

In 1947 Dean, already married to blink-and you'll miss her-Betty, falls for Orange Bowl queen Jeanne Bieggers. She won't sleep with him until they're married; she doesn't find out until he leaves his wife that he was married with kids! His response: "I wanted to make sure you'd marry me first." 3 years later his divorce comes through. He sends Jeanne a telegram: "I love you. Ticket to follow." Meanwhile, the Martin and Lewis act transforms more into the Jerry Lewis act with Dean being more of a straight man. His songs are cut down, he has less to do in their films, and his frustration grows more and more. He likes Jerry but wants to be a star, too. Again, the presentation of all this is very TV movie-ish and a little too pat. Jerry becomes a control freak with their films but, much to everybody's surprise, he's right more often than not. He even shows up the DP and director by showing them which lens is the best one to use (you know Scorsese must love that moment!). But Jerry never really comes alive here. Reading their comedy act really isn't that funny; I imagine watching the actors improv and play it out should be, depending on who is cast as Jerry. Finally, after their respective entourages of cronies have advised them they can go it alone, Dean and Jerry call it quits on the most successful act in showbiz at that time. After a farewell show at the Copa, a weeping, adoring Jerry hugs his pal good-bye. Dino walks on out with zero fanfare. Jerry: "He walked out on all that success. All the money. All the cheers. All the applause. All that love ... but I don't think he ever needed it. ... And, that was it. We didn't talk again for 20 years." That was 1956.

P. 75, Dean's solo career begins. After a failed attempt at dramatic acting and solo roles, Dean bounces back with a successful nightclub act. He and his writers (incl. Sammy Cahn) come up with his schtick. Like Jack Benny being a cheapskate and Lucille Ball being ditzy, Dean will be an affable drunk. It works. Truth is, he's drinking apple juice. For now -- the real alcoholism begins later. As Dean reveals to a TV interviewer, "I drink I guess because I'm insecure. ... I guess I can't accept the fact that I'm Dean Martin, the movie star and all that stuff. To me, really deep down, I know I'm only Dino Crocetti from Steubenville, Ohio, and I suppose I gotta drink in order to believe I really am Dean Martin. .. without the booze I'm Wayne Newton." But since Dino is always in on the joke and sees the whole world as a con, no one (incl. this reader) knows whether or not to believe him. Jeanne says he couldn't help being the way he was because he "was always on the con, with crooks, cheats and hookers, I don't think he knew any better." As for his philandering, Jeanne accepted it but says Dean may have only felt a little shame but NEVER any guilt.

P. 90 -- we FINALLY meet Frank Sinatra! I won't get into all the Rat Pack antics as they're all pretty familiar by now and I ranted about it at the beginning. For the next 30 pages it's all the glitz and glamor we expect from the Summit. They do Ocean's 11 and do their act at the Sands to help out Sinatra's pal Sam Giancana and the mob, since Vegas is no longer doing the business it once did. Of course, after the Rat Pack arrive, Vegas booms. Dino is able to wisemouth Giancana and the mobsters while no else can; only Dino, Sinatra reveals, could do this. Not even he could get away with it. Why? 'Cause he was Dino. Frank reunites Dino with Jerry Lewis during the telethon but here it's a gaping error; in reality, the reunion happened in 1976 or so. Here, it's like 1960! Jerry says earlier in the film "and we didn't speak for 25 years", yet it's only 5 years later in screen time the way the movie presents it! That blatant goof really irked me; how could Pileggi not catch that?!

P. 120-147 deals with the whole Sinatra-JFK-Giancana-Judith Campbell Exner affair that the HBO film dealt with. Again, it's really Sinatra's plot here with Dino just along for the ride to appease Frank. He knows that the Kennedys will ditch them when the time comes and that they're only a couple of "dagos" to them. They'll invite you to the White House but count the silverware before you leave. JFK and RFK are just talking heads; whoever plays them will just be playing the myth, which curses every actor portraying a Kennedy to turn in a bad performance. Unfortunately, the script gives the characters nothing else to play but that image. The party comes to an abrupt and tragic end when JFK goes to Dallas in 1963 and [MAJOR SPOLIER DELETED :) ] The script implies the mob was behind his death; they openly wish for gangbuster Bobby's death. Pileggi stops the objective viewpoint in his writing when he gives us a full paragraph about what JFK's death means for all involved! Christ, that kind of thing wouldn't get passed a freshman screenwriting class! There is a montage of JFK's motorcade and his funeral procession intercut with a recreation of the closing finale of Ocean's Eleven with Sammy singing the end song.

The last twenty pages brings us back to where we were at the beginning. Dean retiring from his TV show and divorcing Jean for a younger flame. His beloved son Dean Paul is now an adult, dating Dorothy Hamill and a captain the USAF reserves. Dean Paul wants to take his old man flying but Dean won't no matter how liberating his son says it is. Dean thinks his boy's crazy for wanting to serve his country; after all, to Dean, the world is crooked and you gotta fight it alone. Besides, why does his son want to fight to escape -- from Beverly Hills? Dean Paul responds "I can dream, can't I?" But Dino never gets a chance to bond further with his son. Dean Paul's fighter jet crashes into a mountain, ironically the same one Sinatra's mother died hitting. Dino's adherence to his cagey, immigrant-inspired world view has prevented him from growing close to his pride and joy and now it's too late. As I said before, however, this climax lacks the pathos needed because Dean Paul is so under develeoped and seen so little in the film. And when he is he is a symbol not a character. In the end, Dino has completely withdrawn from life. He even drops out of the Rat Pack reunion tour, much to Sinatra's chagrin. The film ends with Dino dining alone in the back room of La Famiglia restaurant in Beverly Hills and being introduced to a young boy named Dominic. Dino adjusts the kid's suit in the mirror, showing up to dress just right, passing on the tips of having a cool image to a new generation. Dino, alone at the table, has a spotlight pointed at him in a surreal moment, as if God is calling him. The script ends with the young cool Dino we all remember and love crooning "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" as the end credits roll.

In closing (yay!!), the script to DINO presents an at times exciting and poignant study of an elusive and entertaining man and of a once-in-a lifetime moment in US pop culture history. It's problems lay with its underdeveloped characterizations and the over-all familiarity of the Rat Pack/JFK/Giancana sequences. Scorsese has said in print and TV interviews his intention with this film is to show how Dean Martin was born Dino Crocetti and stayed that way until he died. This project will allow him many visceral flourishes I'm sure, but I think the plotless-overlong-V.O. narration-wiseguy film this has been done to death by Marty. If Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski can craft poignant, funny, entertaining and enlightening portraits of such larger than life people as ed Wood, Larry Flynt, and Andy Kaufmann, then I don't accept that Scorsese and Pileggi can't do the same with DINO. Maybe those 2 writers can take a stab at rewriting this? Otherwise, DINO may make you enjoy some of the high life sequences but you may, like Dino did with everything in his life, walk away from it and not give a damn despite all the fun. I'm afraid I did against my best wishes. Let's hope that can be changed before this film finally gets made.

STAX

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

"I like Dean Martin's Music and I'm only 15 what do you think about?"

Hey pallies, today's Dino-adventure takes us to the land of yahoo answers....U.K. and Ireland style, where a young 15 year old hipster states his pleasure in partakin' of our Dino's music and then likes quires....
"I like Dean Martin's Music and I'm only 15 what do you think about?"

All you regular ilovedinomartin followers knows likes how much I truly diggs findin' and featurin' 'nother of today's youth who have comes to true Dino-knowledge and pure Dino-devotion. It is so refreshin' to find more and more of today's nouveau youth gettin' likes totally, totally Dino-addicted.

Hats off to Deanager Mr. Vito Corleone for so openly and devotely speakin' of his Dino-delight in partakin' of our great man's tunes. To view Vito's quire in it's original format...and to makes your own Dino-response to him (as you can see that I did), just clicks on the tagg of this here Dino-gram. Dino-sharin', DMP

Vito Corleone

I like Dean Martin's Music and I'm only 15 what do you think about?
Well a cool and classy handsome chap like me enjoys fine arts, fine dining and what I consider fine music is well Dean Martin, Mob Hits.

What are your thoughts on that do you think it's strange for a 15 year old to enjoy Old Music.

Your thoughts in general please.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baRqH3dBmBE

Monday, August 16, 2010

Dean adjusts his cufflinks backstage before a performance in Vegas, 1958.

Hey pallies, likes one woulda thinks that after all these years there woulda likes not be any Dino-treasure yet to be uncovered, but likes the web continues to have on-goin' revelations of cool newly discovered Dino-tiques.

Case in point, pallies: LIFE.com, in honor of the 50th anniversary of "Ocean's 11" released 25 Never-Seen Photos of the Rat Pack. If you clicks on the tagg of this Dino-gram, you will find yourself at the LIFE.com pad where you will be likes able to revel in before un-seen Dino-pixs as well as others in the pack.

I have chosen to share my fav of the Dino-lot below. Our Dino with his ever-present cigarette adjustin' his cufflinks before goin' on stage. Photoed by Mr. Allan Grant of LIFE mag, the pix was shot in 1958 'Vegas baby 'Vegas! And, likes pallies, loves the patter the LIFE folks have chosen to adds Dino-color to the pix.

Am plannin' on sharin' more of these new Dino-discoveries soon, but likes goes on over to LIFE.com to partake of some glorious rediscovered Dino-photos. Dino-delightedly, DMP




"He wears the mask of an armchair philanderer with bottles and broads on his mind and seven kids in his swimming pool — a character with obvious appeal for both sexes. Highball glass in hand, he always looks faintly surprised to find the camera upon him, and his first bleary, self-deprecating crack establishes that neither he nor his audience can be quite sure what he will do next." —From LIFE's review of The Dean Martin Show, 5/26/1967. Pictured: Photographed by LIFE's Allan Grant, Dean adjusts his cufflinks backstage before a performance in Vegas, 1958.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Sunday Serenade with Dino: "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter"

Hey pallies, likes after several serious songs from our Dino on "Sunday Serenade," likes our Dino directed me to share one of his funny tunes. Today's Dino-feature is our great man singin' "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter."

Just loves not only hearin' our Dino croons this tune, but likes totally digs all the marvelous moves he makes with his hands as he sings, his amazin' comical facial expressions, and his likes totally totally playful Dino-nature...and watch how he looks so so lovin'ly at his ever present smoke as well....truly pure Dino-magic! And, when he gets to the end he jokes "That's terrible!!!!"....as only our Dino coulda does it....likes in total total Dino-perfection. Dino-amazed, DMP

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Music for the Writer's Soul: Dean Martin

Hey pallies, likes our Dino is such a wonderful inspiration for so so many of the various artistic forms....art, poetry, drama, and prose among others. And, such is the case with today's Dino-report.

From the self-titled blogg "Shayla Kersten" comes this sharin' of how prose author Miss Kersten received Dino-inspirato from our Dino's swingin' song "Sway." Seems as Miss Shayla recently listened to our Dino croon this tune, Dino-inspiration hit for the plot for a new story that she plans to write...although it sounds that the tale will take some time to be told.

It is so cool to read this report of the amazin' impact that our Dino has on the artistic work of 'nother...in this case Miss Shayla Kersten. To read this in it's original format, likes just clicks on the tagg of this Dino-gram. Thanks to Miss Kerstsen for sharin' her Dino-inspiration with the blogger world...helpin' others to likes come to know, love, and gets Dino-inspired 'emselves!!!! Dino-inspired, DMP


Thursday, August 12, 2010
Music for the Writer's Soul: Dean Martin

Yes, my musical taste are rather varied. *cackle* My momma loves Dean Martin. Always has. I remember his music streaming from the stereo from the time I was very young. And today, I have many of his songs in my collection.

Music can be such an inspiration for my stories. It doesn't have to be much. A mood, a phrase, a tempo...

A few weeks ago I was listening to one of my favorite songs by Dean Martin. Sway is the English version of the Spanish song ¿Quién será? written by Pablo Beltrán Ruiz. ¿Quién será? was originally written as a dance song and even if you can't dance--like me--it has you to swaying to the music. With Dino's melodious voice, he makes the lyrics about as sexy as airplay would allow in 1954.

And the rhythm sent a plot bunny running all over my brain. Gay dance club, hard bodies... You'll have to wait for more. The project is down the list of things to write but it's there.

Friday, August 13, 2010

On This Day In Dino-history: August 13, 1953 "That's Amore"

Hey pallies, likes thanks to our great pallie Mark over at his "popculturefanboy" blogg, we gets 'lerts that it was on this day in Dino-history, August 13, 1953 that our Dino went into the recordin' studio to sings "That's Amore" for the soundtrack to that wonderful Martin and Lewis flick, "The Caddy." Accordin' to Jerry Lewis, he arranged and paid to have the song written for our Dino and made sure that our great man got to sing it in the flick....truly showin' how much the kid loves our beloved Dino!

We thanks Mark for remindin' us of this very important event in the life and time of our Dino. To read this in it's original format, likes as usual, just clicks on the tagg of this here Dino-message. And, btw, pallies for your Dino-listenin' and Dino-viewin' pleasure, the original clip from "The Caddy" with our Dino singin' "That's Amore" is included. Dino-amorin', DMP
AUGUST 13, 2010

ON THIS DAY IN CAPITOL RECORDS HISTORY

1953 - Dean Martin records the tracks "That's Amore" (Session 3098; Master 11694-6), which was used in the soundtrack of Martin and Lewis' Paramount Pictures movie "The Caddy" and "You're The Right One" (Session 3098; Master 11695-5), with an orchestra conducted by Dick Stabile. Both tracks were released on the same single by Capitol Records.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

"I wanted to play Hamlet, but they talked me out of it."

Hey pallies, likes no one ever was, or ever will be as funny as our Dino. Today's Dino-gram puts the accent on 'nother great moment from that stellar Dino-trib from the pallies at E! True Story. Likes at 'bout 1:40, they shows a promotional clip from that outstandin' Matt Helm caper, "The Silencers," that is promotin' the bestest of the best of the Helm quartet, "Murders' Row." Featurin' our Dino on that round bed of his with all the chicks standin' by, our Dino sez, "They wanted me to play Hamlet, but they talked me out of it."

Only Dino coulda makes that like the funniest of the funniest....there he is with all those fab chicks and he's talkin' serious 'bout doin' Shakespere! Loves it pallies, loves it. Gotta 'fess up likes I have never ever seen this Dino-moment before...likes any of you pallies knows if it is on any Dino-treasure besides this E! True Story?

So enjoys this amazin' Dino-moment of pure Dino-pleasure pallie! Dino-inspired, DMP

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Random fact: Dean Martin's voice makes me think of very rich cocoa.



Hey pallies, today pallies likes we return to some more Dino-patter from our pallie, Miss Amanda Cooper from her blogg "Noodle In A Haystack." Likes after postin' Miss Amanda's review on Monday of "Who Was That Lady" I made the Dino-decision to checks out any backposts that mighta be likes Dino-focused and discovered this little Dino-gem from 'bout a year ago.

Herein Miss Cooper shares two of my personal fav Dino-smokin' pixs and how she has become Dino-reliant....."My mind is still reeling a bit after hearing some difficult news, and a little while ago I suddenly felt the need to hear Dean Martin sing."

Likes all us Dino-devotees knows how comfortin' and supportive our Dino can be....'specially in times of distress. And, I also have such Dino-appreciato for how Miss Amanda speaks of our Dino's amazin' voice...."Dean Martin's voice makes me think of very rich cocoa." Indeed our Dino's voice is so very very rich and smooth...and certainly as comfortin' as some hot cocoa durin' a cold spell.

To view this in it's original format, likes just clicks on the tagg of this here Dino-gram. We again say our thanks to ilovedinomartin follower for her sharin' of her Dino-devotion and Dino-dependance...it is pallies likes you Miss Cooper that are helpin' the Dino-message to glow and grow! Dino-dependently, DMP

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

6 Followers & Dean Martin

I am delighted to announce that A Noodle In A Haystack now has six followers! Just wanted to share....

Now on to more interesting things (for you, at least) that are actually pertinent to this site.

My mind is still reeling a bit after hearing some difficult news, and a little while ago I suddenly felt the need to hear Dean Martin sing. This has never happened before. I've never particularly cared for Martin's singing voice until just recently, and I don't know why I wanted so badly to hear him now. I guess I just needed to hear his very solid, very steady voice. Random fact: Dean Martin's voice makes me think of very rich cocoa.





I love this photo. Seriously, smoking has never looked this cool since the 50's/60's.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

"I remember hands, my grandfather's hands......"

Hey pallies, likes how lucky can one gal be....that gal I'm referrin' to is Miss Maria Jensen of Norway. At the tender age of 18 Miss Maria has amassed a trove of Dino-treasure that woulda be likes the totally envy of any Dino-holic of any Dino-age. On youtube alone Miss Jensen has shared several hundred Dino-clips taken from her personal Dino-collection to help pallies 'round the Dino-universe to celebrate the wonder of our beloved Dino....now ain't that a kick in the head.....

One of those Dino-treasures that I likes craves to have so much is the "Dean Martin E! True Story Biography." I have never seen this for sale anywhere, but to this Dino-holic, this is one of the finest, if not the finest of video Dino-bios ever created in honor of our great man. You ask the reason why pallies?.....Likes the E! True folks gathered massive numbers of pallies who knew our Dino when he walked the earth and they share some outstandin' memories of their Dino-connections...likes totally totally just Dino-fabulous!

Today's Dino-post is the first segment as shared by Miss Jensen on youtube. There are many outstandin' moments in these first 10 minutes, but the one that likes totally captured my Dino-imagination is the short trib given by our Dino's grandboy pallie Alexander, boy-pallie of Dino Martin Jr.

I have done my best to scribe Alexander's comments word for word below, and you also will find 'em startin' at about 3:25 on the clip.

I loves the way that Alexander speaks of his granddaddy-o...'bout his "all encompassing" hands, 'bout his "gorgous" watch, 'bout his "Dunhill lighter"......

Gotta 'fess up pallies likes I never knew the brand of lighter that our Dino had...but certainly don't surprise me that our Dino has the primo lighter of lighters to light his ever-present Kent smoke. Likes I loves to learn each and every new Dino-detail that I cans....

So, thanks to youthful Dino-devotee Miss Maria Jensen for sharin' this vid and so so many more for our Dino-pleasure and our Dino-edification. And, thanks 'Xander Martin for sharin' such lovin' memories of his granddaddy-o, our beloved Dino! Dino-enchanted, DMP


I remember hands, my grandfather's hands, which were these all encompassing---I remember that he had this watch that was this tiny, I don't know what it was, but it was this gold chain and it was gorgous, and his lighter, his Dunhill lighter..And, when he would light a cigarette, the lighter would disappear in his hands. I had no idea who he was. I had no idea what he meant to people.





Dean Martin E! True Story Biography part 1

Monday, August 09, 2010

Sunday in the '60s: Who Was That Lady? (1960)

Hey pallies, likes I can't begin to tells you the immense pleasure it is when likes I gets to share some pure Dino-devotion written by a follower of ilovedinomartin right here at our humble little Dino-blog. Today's Dino-devotion comes from our pallie Miss Amanda Copper and her blog "Noodle In A Haystack" (clicks on tagg of this Dino-post to goes there.

Miss Cooper has chosen a Dino-classic flick, "Who Was That Lady" do a review on for her "Sunday in the 60's" blogg feature. Miss Cooper's passion for our Dino openly expressed in these Dino-thoughts....

"Dean Martin is awesome. I seriously need to see more of his movies (I always say that don't I?). He's a brilliant comedian, and he steals a bunch of scenes right out from under Tony Curtis' feet. That's quite an accomplishment, you know. So let's just get it out there and all agree that Dino is one cool specimen of the star species. Granted, his character seems to know only one song (the title tune), but who's complaining? It doesn't get old, it's catchy (it was running through my head all of yesterday), and Martin is too cool to give anyone a chance to get tired of it."

It is so refreshin' to encounter such unbridled words of Dino-love from the lovely Miss Amanda. We does likes to say words of Dino-appreciato to Miss Amanda Cooper for liftin' up the name of our Dino through her review of "Who Was That Lady." And likes we totally totally agree with her thoughts..."I seriously need to see more of his movies." Indeed all lovers of our Dino need to continue to immerse themselves in all thin's Dino. Dino-devotedly, DMP



Sunday, August 8, 2010

Sunday in the '60s: Who Was That Lady? (1960)


First off: Apologies for not posting last Sunday, but, hey, it's been five weeks since I announced this new series and I've only missed once? I call that a pretty good record (for me anyway). Besides, I have a good excuse. Moving on to the review.



There are so many things I want to say about Who Was That Lady? Where oh where to begin? Well, I guess I should start with the most obvious: the cast.

Dean Martin is awesome. I seriously need to see more of his movies (I always say that don't I?). He's a brilliant comedian, and he steals a bunch of scenes right out from under Tony Curtis' feet. That's quite an accomplishment, you know. So let's just get it out there and all agree that Dino is one cool specimen of the star species. Granted, his character seems to know only one song (the title tune), but who's complaining? It doesn't get old, it's catchy (it was running through my head all of yesterday), and Martin is too cool to give anyone a chance to get tired of it.

As you should know by now (and if you don't, it's about time you found out), Tony Curtis is one of my favorite actors. I think I like him even better than Gary Cooper. Curtis and Martin make a great comedy duo: they seem to feed off each other's energy. The scene when they're trying to sink the Empire State Building is too hilarious to describe. You really have to see it to believe it.

Janet Leigh: another favorite I need to see more of. Her character: how could anyone possibly be that dumb? Oh well, it makes for good comedy. By the way, I'm truly envious of one of her dresses in this film: the black one that she's wearing when Curtis gives her the pearl necklace is gorgeous. G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S. Gorgeous. That dress is really something else.



Okay, maybe I should say something about the story because, after all, this is supposed to be a movie review, not a fashion show. The movie starts out when Ann Wilson (Leigh) walks in on her husband, David (Curtis), as he's being kissed by a foreign exchange student. (He's a professor at Columbia University.) Next thing you know, she's packing for Reno. And really, who can blame her? Well, David panics (again, who can blame him?) and calls his best friend, Mike Haney (Martin), looking for help. After some pleading and not-so-subtle flattery by David, Mike (who is a screenwriter for CBS) helps him work up a story meant to keep Ann from learning the truth: David is an FBI agent. Mike supplies the gun and FBI ID card via the prop department. From there, the film keeps a steady pace of excitement and comedy as the boys get mixed up with real spies and FBI agents.

Final note: the photography. Oh my. I can't begin to tell you how much I adore the '60s in black and white. It's so very... '60s gorgeous. Beyond cool. I think the first time I really noticed it (and started to fall in love) is when I saw part of Goodbye Again (1961) on TV. Since then, other movies have just fed the obsession. Love With the Proper Stranger takes it to a whole new level. Mmh. Yup. Gorgeous. Like the dress!

Who Was That Lady? is a good movie that I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes '60s comedies, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, and, of course, Dean Martin.

Sunday, August 08, 2010

Sunday Serenade with Dino: "As Time Goes By"

Hey pallies, wells pallies likes it's 'nother Sunday, so it's likes time for 'nother Sunday Serenade with Dino. Today's Dino-clip has our Dino in top form and more serious in Dino-nature croonin' the classic tune "As Time Goes By."

Gotta 'fess up pallies that indeed as more and more time goes by from the days that our Dino walked the earth...my appreciation, my devotion, my love of our Dino just continues to grow and grow....and likes I am sure that musta be true for all us Dino-holics....I simply crave more and more Dino each and every Dino-day and songs likes "As Times Goes By" does much to gives me the Dino-fix that I needs for all my Dino-cravin's... Enjoys this great moment from the Dino-show...loves all the groovy clocks they put together to makes this a very very special Dino-moment for Dino-sure.... Dino-addictedly, DMP