Kirk Douglas & Frank Sinatra Pairings (1963 & 1966)

Kirk Douglas and Frank Sinatra, another two of Hollywood’s brightest stars from Hollywood’s “Golden Age” also have to be two of the angriest actors ever written about. Douglas admitted to his anger in his book: The Ragman’s Son, while much was made of Sinatra’s temper while he was alive and many years after his death. Despite or rather in spite of their tempers, they managed to be in two films together, though not necessarily sharing many if any scenes. They also managed to be fairly good friends. Enough so that Kirk would go to Sinatra’s house for spaghetti dinners and some light gambling poker games. (If the rich are gambling: how ‘light’ is ‘light’?)

This also extended to their marriages. Douglas claimed to have counseled Ava Gardner during one of her stormy arguments with Sinatra, never telling him about it. And Sinatra in turn was reported to have made homemade chicken soup and spaghetti dinners for Douglas’s second wife any time she was under the weather. Douglas amusingly claims in two of his books that he would ask Frank Sinatra for some meal occasionally and Sinatra would, in polite terms here, tell him to, “go pound sand!”

Regardless for the reasons behind their friendship, however brief or long it may have been (reports vary), two fine films came out of these two wonderful entertainers: The List Of Adrian Messenger (1963) and Cast A Giant Shadow (1966). The latter is a repeat post – sorry! The former is a much scrutinized and analyzed film that can be summed up best in this reviewer’s mind as: a good mystery caper. Below are the reviews for said films.   

The List Of Adrian Messenger (1963)

B&W – 98m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Based On A Story By: Alec Coppel (uncredited) and Philip MacDonald (credited)
Screenplay By: Anthony Veiller
Exec. Prod.: Kirk Douglas (uncredited)
Dir.: John Huston
Starring: Tony Curtis, Kirk Douglas, Burt Lancaster, Robert Mitchum, Frank Sinatra, George C. Scott, Dana Wynter, Clive Brook, Gladys Cooper, Herbert Marshall, Marcel Dalio, Bernard Archard, Tony Huston (as Walter Anthony Huston), Ronald Long (as Roland Long), Alan Caillou (uncredited), Tim Durant (uncredited), Bernard Fox (uncredited), Paul Frees (uncredited), John Huston (uncredited), Delphi Lawrence (uncredited), Jan Merlin (uncredited), Barbara Morrison (uncredited), Richard Peel (uncredited), Noel Purcell (uncredited), Anita Sharp–Bolster (uncredited) and Dave Willock (uncredited).  
Music By: Jerry Goldsmith

A former intelligence officer is tasked by the heir to the Gleneyre estate to investigate the unusual deaths of a disparate group of eleven men on a list. Amusing little caper film is arguably one of the most scrutinized in Hollywood History, thanks in no small part to actor Jan Merlin’s claims (see trivia for details). While “who is under the makeup?” may be up for debate – shot to shot – the fact that this moves along at a good pace and has a decent storyline remains in tact. The cast and director, no matter how much or how little they are in the film, are appealing and in fine form.

Personal note: This reviewer is still impressed with the ending of this film, decades after seeing it at age 8.  

Trivia: In an article for Video Watchdog Magazine actor Jan Merlin claimed that he played the heavily made up parts in the film, mostly standing in for Kirk Douglas. He further claimed that Tony Curtis, Burt Lancaster and Frank Sinatra, doubled by Dave Willock, were never actually in the film and that they only filmed the “reveals” at the end of the film. He claimed to have used his experiences from this film for the reportedly thinly veiled novel: Shooting Montezuma: A Hollywood Monster Story, which he wrote. Elizabeth Taylor was reportedly offered a disguised role as a scruffy sailor named “Chesty” but turned it down known how painful the makeup would be. This film was partially shot on John Huston’s own estate in Ireland.

This was the final film of Clive Brook. John Huston cameos as Lord Ashton in a short dialogue scene in the last hunt. Paul Frees looped most of Jacques Roux’s dialogue in the film like, “thanks” when he accepts a drink from George C. Scott, this is attributed to sound issues on the set. He also provided a word or sentence (source depending) for Herbert Marshall. Frees is best known as the man who dubbed Tony Curtis’ Josephine voice in: Some Like It Hot (1959), since Tony Curtis couldn’t get his voice that high. This was the 4th of 7 films Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster made together. And finally: This film was spoofed in: Get Smart (1965–1970), Season 5, Episode 18: The Mess Of Adrian Listenger (1970).

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Cast A Giant Shadow (1966)

B&W / C – 146m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Book By: Ted Berkman
Writer – Prod. – Dir.: Melville Shavelson
Co–Exec. Prod.s: Kirk Douglas and John Wayne (both uncredited)
Co–Prod.: Michael Wayne
Starring: Kirk Douglas, Senta Berger, Angie Dickinson, James Donald, Stathis Giallelis, Luther Adler, Topol, Ruth White, Gordon Jackson, Michael Hordern, Allan Cuthbertson, Jeremy Kemp, Sean Barrett, Frank Latimore, Frank Sinatra, Yul Brynner, Gary Merrill, Michael Douglas (uncredited), Rudolph Hess (archival footage), Geoffrey Palmer (uncredited), Franklin D. Roosevelt (archival footage), Jimmy Shaw (uncredited) and Joseph Stalin (archival footage).
Music By: Elmer Bernstein

In 1947, following the United Nations’ (U.N.’s) decision to split British Palestine into separate Jewish and Palestinian states, a former U.S. Army officer is recruited by the Jews to reorganize Haganah. Well done if just a tad overlong war drama. It should be noted that many dispute the historical accuracy of this film. However, this reviewer will not do so. Acting is strong and the script adds a few hints of humor: the recruiting of Douglas while he is shopping and Sinatra’s plane come to mind readily. (Seltzer? Really?) While this is not quite the epic that In Harm’s Way (1965) was, it is no less impressively mounted with yet another great cast. Worth a look on a rainy day, or in school towards the end of a school year.

Trivia: During filming John Wayne enraged Director Melville Shavelson with his views on the Watts Riots. Director Melville Shavelson and actor Kirk Douglas fought throughout this filming of this movie. At one point director Shavelson walked off set, leaving his assistant to take over for the day. This was Michael Douglas’ movie debut and Topol’s English film debut. The scene where Frank Sinatra’s spotter plane is attacked by an Arab fighter plane used a brief clip from: 633 Squadron (1964), showing a Nord 2002 (a French built Messerschmitt BF108).

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Ocean’s Films (1960 – Present)

Ocean’s Films (1960 – Present)

After the moderate success of Some Came Running (1958) and the failure of The Thin Man: The Television Show (1957–1959), in 1959, Peter Lawford approached Frank Sinatra with a project about a group of old paratroopers who pull off a big heist in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve. Both Sinatra and Lawford agreed (one of the few times they did) that it would be a good vehicle for “The Summit” (“The Rat Pack”). With five out of the eleven heisters automatically cast, the rest was just phone calls away. The production occurred in Las Vegas, Nevada on sets mostly, but when they could they would shoot in the casinos. At night the Sinatra and the guys (some say, “boys”) would, “play,” at The Sands Hotel and Casino, Sinatra’s favorite place. They would hold court with some booze but mostly props of various kinds and do shows from around 8:00pm or 9:00pm at night and get done around 2:00am or 3:00am in the morning. If Martin or anyone else, who didn’t want to spend the rest of the night awake talking to Frank until production resumed the next morning, were lucky, they would get to bed around that time and get a few hours rest before the events would repeat the next day.

Those shows featured some of the best in the entertainment world, both on the stage and ringside (audience). On a given night, aside from seeing Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford, one could see Milton Berle, Red Skelton, Don Rickles, Buddy Hackett, Shirley MacLaine, Bob Hope, and / or other notables, including the spouses of said performers. Language was sometimes course but the jokes were always funny and the songs were standards for each of the singers. Sometime a novelty song would show up. No one was safe from the barbs and if a known comedian was in the audience, you could bet (it was Las Vegas after all) that he or she would be called to the stage to do a bit of their act or interact with the boys. The shows proved so popular that they became a regular thing over the years both in Vegas and in later years on the road. Some clips of various shows can be found on YouTube (The Summit or The Rat Pack At The Sands or At The Copacabana). There is also a special from the 1960’s that Sinatra and company did for charity with Johnny Carson on closed circuit television. While this would give you a more complete and sanitized version of what a given show would look like, please do not mistake it for what was being done in Vegas at the time of the filming of Ocean’s 11 (1960).

Getting back to that production: The result of the long days during the production schedule is a movie that has painted Las Vegas as an adult’s playground for over 50 years. It was remade in 2001, which then spun off a series, ending in 2007, and that series in turn spun off a all female series starting in 2018. Below are the film reviews and notes accompanying each series.

Ocean’s 11 (1960)

C – 127m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Ocean’s Eleven
Story: George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell
Screenplay: Harry Brown and Charles Lederer
Uncredited Contribution: Billy Wilder
Prod. – Dir.: Lewis Milestone
Assoc. Prod.: Henry W. Sanicola
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Peter Lawford, Angie Dickinson, Richard Conte, Cesar Romero, Patrice Wymore, Joey Bishop, Akim Tamiroff, Henry Silva, Ilka Chase, Buddy Lester, Richard Benedict, Jean Willes, Norman Fell, Clem Harvey, Hank Henry, Red Skelton, George Raft, Robert Brice, John Holland, Murray Alper, Don Anderson, Don “Red” Barry, Majorie Bennett, Richard Boone, Paul Bryar, John Craven, Gregory Gaye, John George, Hoot Gibson, Joe Gray, Brad Harris, Shirley MacLaine, Charles Meredith, Anne Neyland, William H. O’Brien, Steve Pendleton, Jack Perrin, Carmen Phillips, Fred Rapport, Joan Staley and George E. Stone.
Music: Nelson Riddle
Songs: “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head” by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen – Performed by: Dean Martin
“Eee-O-Eleven” – Performed By: Sammy Davis, Jr.

A group of WWII paratroopers join forces to pull of the biggest heist in Las Vegas history: five hotels / casinos in one night – New Year’s Eve! Splendid fun with The Summit / “Rat Pack” offers plenty of laughs and some fun music. Be aware that some of the humor is considered racist by today’s standards but was meant in fun and as social commentary back when the film was made and released. That noted, the film has fine performances, is light fare and has music that will have one bouncing in time with it. Pacing may be slow for kids but teens on should be able to appreciate the film.

Trivia: Sammy Davis, Jr. was not allowed to stay at any of the major hotels / casinos in Vegas until Frank Sinatra and separately Jerry Lewis confronted them (the casinos / hotels) about it, thus breaking the color barrier. Patrice Whymore adlibbed throwing the candy dish during that scene with Sinatra and his friends, hence the genuine look of surprise on their faces. Shirley MacLaine adlibbed her drunk cameo and got a car as compensation from Warner Brothers. Her line, “I’m so drunk I don’t think I lay down without holding on,” was a rehash of a line attributed to Dean Martin that was actually Martin quoting comedian Joe E. Lewis. MacLaine filmed her cameo while on a break from Billy Wilder’s The Apartment (1960). She said she took the job, although compensated as noted with a car, as an excuse to hang out with Sinatra and company and see their Vegas show. Tony Curtis, Jackie Gleason and Milton Berle were all originally offered Cameo roles.

Additional Trivia Note: There were reported high-jinx of firecrackers being set off in one another’s shoes, and other pranks; like locking one another in the bathroom performed by Sinatra, Martin, Davis, Bishop and Lawford during the filming of this movie. Wouldn’t it have been great to have some of that available on the video releases?!  And / or some outtakes?!

Out Of Print on VHS but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

 After the mild success of the Ocean’s 11 film, Frank Sinatra and his group would, in various forms go on to make other films together. Starting from the beginning, just prior to Ocean’s Eleven, they go as follows:

1.) Some Came Running (1958) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine (See review)
2.) The Thin Man: The Television Show (1957–1959) – Peter Lawford – guest star Frank Sinatra (See review)
3.) Ocean’s 11 (1960) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop, Pater Lawford, Henry Silva, Cesar Romero etc. (as noted above). (See above review)
4.) Sergeants 3 (1962) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford – the boys out west ripping off Gunga Din. (See review)
5.) Convicts 4 (1962) featured Ben Gazzara of John Cassavetes’ “Rat Pack” and Sammy Davis, Jr., amongst many notable others.  (See review)
6.) The Road To Hong Kong (1962) – A series entry in the Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour series noted for a huge amount of cameos. Amongst them: Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra (as it pertains to this entry – see other entries for more information). (See review)
7.) The Manchurian Candidate (1962) – Frank Sinatra, and others as noted in the blog about the two titled films, features Henry Silva from Ocean’s 11.
8.) Johnny Cool (1963) – Henry Silva, Sammy Davis, Jr., many other notables and Executive Produced by Peter Lawford. (See review)
9.) Come Blow Your Horn (1963) – Stars Frank Sinatra with a cameo by Dean Martin. (See review)
10.) 4 For Texas (1963) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and others…
11.) Robin And The Seven Hoods (1964) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., others from Ocean’s 11, Bing Crosby from Road To Hong Kong (1962), Peter Falk from John Cassavetes’ “Rat Pack” and several other notable folks.
12.) Marriage On The Rocks (1965) – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Cesar Romero amongst other notables. (See review)
13 & 14.) The Tony Rome films (Tony Rome (1967) and Lady In Cement (1968) – see the blog about them for details) featured “in” jokes by Sinatra about Davis, Martin and some of his (Sinatra’s) romantic history. Actor Richard Conte also starred in the films with Sinatra. (See review)
15 – 19.) The Matt Helm films (1966 – 1968) featured Dean Martin taking joking jabs at Frank Sinatra. (See review)
20 & 21.) And Salt And Pepper (1968) and One More Time (1970) teamed Sammy Davis, Jr. and Peter Lawford, the latter being directed by Jerry Lewis. (See review)
22.) Contract On Cherry Street – Starring Frank Sinatra and Henry Silva, amongst others.
23 & 24.) The Cannonball Run (1981) – A huge cast that included Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr.… & The Cannonball Run II (1984) – In addition to the big cast that features Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra has a cameo. (See review)

None of this includes the numerous television specials and appearances by the various members of the Ocean’s group in which there may be other members or joking references to other members.

Some 40 years after Ocean’s 11 (1960), George Clooney and his, for lack of a better term, “Rat Pack” did a trilogy of Ocean’s films. Below are the reviews.

Ocean’s Eleven (2001)

C – 116m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Ocean’s 11, O11, 11
Original Story: George Clayton Jonson and Jack Golden Russell
Original Screenplay: Harry Brown and Charles Lederer
Original Uncredited Contribution: Billy Wilder
Screenplay: Ted Griffin
Dir.: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: George Clooney, Paul L. Nolan, Bernie Mac, Brad Pitt, Mark Gantt, Tim Perez, Elliott Gould, Frank Patton, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Eddie Jemison, Miguel Perez, Shaobo Qin, Carl Reiner, Lennox Lewis, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Michael DeLano, Julia Roberts, Robin Sachs, J.P. Manoux, Jerry Weintraub, Henry Silva, Eydie Gorme, Angie Dickinson, Steve Lawrence, Wayne Newton, Rusty Meyers, Scott L. Schwartz, Don Cheadle (uncredited), Holly Marie Combs, Jaime Gallagher, Steven Soderbergh, Emanuel Steward, Barry Watson and Shane West.
Cinematography By: Steven Soderbergh

Danny Ocean assembles eleven guys to rob three casinos in Las Vegas simultaneously and tries to win back his ex–wife. Fairly quick paced action thriller that reimagines the, “…11”, story for the modern age comes off well. Almost everything works here, especially the major misdirection of the story. A worthy remake!

Trivia: The script was sent to Julia Roberts with a $20 bill attached with a note from George Clooney saying, “I hear you’re getting 20 a picture now.” This was a joke in reference to Julia Roberts being the highest paid actress at $20 Million per picture at the time. Luke Wilson and Owen Wilson were offered the roles of the brothers Virgil and Turk but they dropped out to make The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). Danny Glover also turned down the role of Frank Catton. Bruce Willis was originally cast as Danny Ocean, the part Clooney plays. Don Cheadle plays a major role but is uncredited. Andy Garcia said it wasn’t easy to do a serious scene with Carl Reiner because Reiner was so funny.

Steven Soderbergh wanted to shoot the film in black and white. Warner Brothers said he could do so only if he drastically reduced the cost of the film, so he changed his mind. Henry Silva and Angie Dickinson, from the original film, make cameos here. This was Silva’s final film as he retired after it. Casey Affleck and Scott Caan adlibbed some of their lines. George Clooney and the other guys would pull pranks on Julia Roberts, like leaving a request for a 5am wakeup call on days when she didn’t need to be on the set until Noon / 12:00pm. Julia Roberts filmed all her scenes in two weeks. Jon Favreau was offered a chance to write the screenplay but turned it down. Alan Arkin was cast as Saul Bloom but dropped out for personal reasons. Don Rickles was also an early choice to play Saul Bloom. Johnny Depp was considered for the role of Linus Caldwell, the part Matt Damon plays. 

Rated: [PG–13] – Some Language & Sexual Content
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Ocean’s Twelve (2004)

C – 125m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Honor Amongst Thieves, Ocean’s 12
Characters Created By: George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell
Screenplay By: George Nolfi
Dir.: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta–Jones, George Clooney, Ed Kross, Julia Roberts, Don Tiffany, Andy Garcia, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Mini Anden, Shaobo Qin, Bernie Mac, Don Cheadle, Jared Harris, Matt Damon, Carl Reiner, Eddie Jemison, Elliott Gould, Nerissa Tedesco, Robbie Coltrane, Vincent Cassel, Eddie Izzard, Michael DeLano, Scott L. Schwartz, Albert Finney and Bruce Willis.
Cinematography By: Steven Soderbergh (as Peter Andrews)

Danny Ocean recruits one more team member so he can pull of three major European heists. While this is an okay sequel, it does drag a bit and the scenes with Zeta–Jones feel a tad too rushed and forced. The subplot with Bruce Willis is amusing though. Solid entertainment but nothing special in this reviewer’s opinion… Others may vary. 

Trivia: It is reported that in the rough draft of the script Clint Eastwood was penciled in for a cameo as Linus’ (Matt Damon) father, Bobby Caldwell. Peter Fonda filmed the cameo as Linus’ father but it didn’t make the final cut of the film. Ricky Gervais turned down the role of Basher’s engineer. Bruce Willis, who was originally cast as Danny Ocean in the first film plays himself here.

Rated: [PG–13] – Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)

C – 122m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Danny Ocean 13, Ocean’s 13
Characters By: George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell
Screenplay: Brian Koppelman and David Levien
Dir.: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Michael Mantell, Elliott Gould, Ray Xifo, Al Pacino, Adam Lazarre–White, Eddie Jemison, Don Cheadle, Shaobo Qin, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Bernie Mac, Carl Reiner, Eddie Izzard, Maggie Rowe, Ellen Barkin, Jerry Weintraub, Steven Lambert, Jon Wellner, David Paymer, Vincent Cassel, Andy Garcia, Bob Einstein, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Harney, James DuMont and Scott L. Schwartz.
Cinematography By: Steven Soderbergh (as Peter Andrews)

Danny Ocean rounds up the boys for a third heist after casino owner Willy Bank double crosses one of the original eleven, Reuben Tishkoff. The third in a trilogy almost never works as well at the first, with few exceptions. This is one of those! The action and suspense are high and the pace is perfect. It hits the ground running and doesn’t let up until the very end of the film. Great use of the Frank Sinatra song: “This Town”! Everyone is in top form here.

Trivia: Matt Damon’s scene was shot in London while he was filming The Bourne Ultimatum (2007). Linus’ fake nose scheme is called, “The Brody,” after actor Adrien Brody. Al Pacino shot all his scenes in three weeks.

Rated: [PG–13] – Brief Sexuality
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy 

A decade after the final Ocean’s outing for Clooney and the boys, the idea of doing an all female Ocean’s film was floated and people liked the idea. This was set to be the start of a series. Below is the review.

Ocean’s Eight (2018)

C – 110m
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Ocean’s 8
Based On The Characters Created By: George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell
Story By: Gary Ross
Screenplay By: Gary Ross and Olivia Milch
Prod.: Steven Soderbergh
Dir.: Gary Ross
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchette, Griffin Dunne, Deidre Goodwin, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Gemma Forbes, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter, Elliot Gould, Richard Armitage, Charlotte Kirk, David Gibson, Dakota Fanning, James Corden, Hailey Baldwin (uncredited), Katie Holmes (uncredited), Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian West (uncredited), Jaime King (uncredited), Olivia Munn (uncredited), Matt Damon (scene deleted) and Carl Reiner (scene deleted).

 Debbie Ocean gathers together a crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s annual Met Gala. Smart spin off of the Clooney remake / series of Ocean’s Eleven (2001–2007). Sandra Bullock plays the late Danny Ocean’s (George Clooney’s) sister who just out of jail puts together a crew of 8 women to pull of a Jewelry heist. There are some nice subtle touches to the film. The presence of “These Boots Are Made For Walking” on the soundtrack is a nod to the fact that Frank Sinatra was in the original Ocean’s 11 (1960), for example. James Corden plays Caesar Romero’s part of insurance investigator to the hilt. The comedy is witty, the acting is good, an attractive cast to be sure, pacing is good and the one–two punch of the real way the heist went down at the end of the film stands up against the Clooney series surprises. Don’t miss this one!   

Trivia: Elliot Gould, Matt Damon and Carl Reiner are the only three of the cast of the Clooney Ocean’s trilogy to appear in the film, though Soderbergh did produce. Elizabeth Banks was approached about a role but dropped out. Sarah Paulson was later cast. Cate Blanchett has the Brad Pitt role in this one. Jennifer Lawrence was offered a role but turned it down due to scheduling conflicts.

Rated: [PG–13] – Language, Drug Use, & Some Suggestive Content
Available on 4K & Regular Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Frank Sinatra Detective Films (1968/1977/1980)

In 1968, after two outings as Tony Rome in: Tony Rome (1967) and Lady In Cement (1968), Frank Sinatra opted out of doing the third book in that series as a movie in favor of doing a film that pitted him against homosexual men: The Detective (1968). 

The Detective (1968)

C – 114m
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 – Widescreen
Novel: The Detective by Roderick Thorp
Screenplay By: Abby Mann
Dir.: Gordon Douglas
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Lee Remick, Ralph Meeker, Jack Klugman, Horace McMahon, Lloyd Bochner, William Windom, Tony Musante, Al Freeman, Jr., Robert Duvall, Pat Henry, Sugar Ray Robinson, Renee Taylor, Tom Atkins, Jacqueline Bisset, Earl Montgomery, George Plimpton, Joe Santos, Diane Sayer, Philip Sterling and Peter York.
Music By: Jerry Goldsmith

A police detective tries to solve the murder of a homosexual man and finds links to corruption in New York City (NYC) and spends time in the world of Sex and Drugs, as he follows the clues. Soap-ish Sinatra film isn’t terrible but isn’t anything special either. Anyone who is a gay rights supporter may be offended by this one. 

Trivia: There was an unconfirmed rumor that Bette Midler was an uncredited Girl At Party in the film. Roderick Thorp wrote a sequel titled, Nothing Lasts Forever. It was later retooled are made into a movie titled, Die Hard (1988). Since Frank Sinatra’s contract for The Detective (1968) gave him first option to play the part in a sequel, he was offered the role in Die Hard despite being 72 at the time. As a bonus: Bruce Willis made his film debut in the Frank Sinatra film, The First Deadly Sin (1980). Sinatra and his then wife Mia Farrow were supposed to star in this film together. When she backed out due to another film she was in being behind schedule in filming, Sinatra cast Jacqueline Bisset instead and served Mia divorce papers on the set of Rosemay’s Baby (1968), after she chose to do that film against his wishes.

Rated: [R] (Original Rating) / [NOT RATED] (Rerated)
Out Of Print on VHS and Laserdisc but Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

Nine years after: The Detective (1968), Frank Sinatra made another cop drama: Contract On Cherry Street (1977).

Contract On Cherry Street (1977)

C – 145m
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 – Fullscreen
A.K.A.: Stakeout On Cherry Street
Written For Television By: Edward Anhalt
Novel By: Philip Rosenberg (as Phillip Rosenberg)
Dir.: William A. Graham
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Martin Balsam, Joe De Santis, Martin Gabel, Harry Guardino, Henry Silva, Richard Ward, Robert Davi, Jimmy Boyd, Randy Jurgensen, Michael Stroka and Jilly Rizzo.
Music By: Jerry Goldsmith

When his partner is killed, a New York City Police Department (NYPD) Detective and his crime squad go after the mob despite the legal restrictions against them and the protests voiced by the detective’s superiors. Solid little made for television police thriller features no nonsense characters and a basic 1970’s plot. Sinatra and the rest of the capable cast are in fine form. The only quibble is slight over–length. It may be by the numbers but it is still slick for its kind.

Trivia: Frank Sinatra made this film because it was one of his late mother’s favorite novels. He produced the film through his production company: Artanis. The film was shot entirely on location in New York City, New York (NYC). As such, it was in production during the New York Blackout on July 13 – 14, 1977. Sinatra was given a round of applause on the set because he walked down 20 floors from his penthouse to shoot a scene, he was 61 at the time. A theatrical release outside of the United States was considered but was abandoned.

Available on DVD & Digital Copy.

Frank Sinatra made one more police detective film: The First Deadly Sin (1980).

The First Deadly Sin (1980)

C – 112m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: The 1st Deadly Sin
Novel: The First Deadly Sin by Lawrence Sanders
Screenplay By: Mann Rubin
Dir.: Brian G. Hutton
Exec. Pro.: Frank Sinatra
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Faye Dunaway, David Dukes, Martin Gabel, James Whitmore, Joe Spinell, Richard Backus and Bruce Willis.
Music By: Gordon Jenkins

A New York City, New York Police Inspector who has a dying wife and is near retirement himself tracks down a killer that is stalking the streets of New York. Morbidly entertaining police detective drama features a fine cast and a wonderful score by Gordon Jenkins. Fairly good suspense is built but one can see where Roman Polanski would have elevated this further.

Personal note: I had the honor and pleasure of meeting actor – writer Richard Backus, his daughter was one of my teachers while I was in school. He was gracious enough to answer all my questions about how Sinatra was to work with, and questions about another film he, Backus, starred in: Deathdream (1974). Although his scene was deleted he gave a very good description of the set and the atmosphere as people readied for Sinatra’s presence.

Trivia: This film was originally announced as a Don Siegal film by Columbia Pictures back in 1974. Roman Polanski was supposed to direct this but after the news of his rape case broke Columbia Pictures dropped him and Brian G. Hutton replaced him. Fay Dunaway previously worked with Polanski on Chinatown (1974). This was the final lead role that Frank Sinatra did in a theatrically released film and is also the final film of actor Martin Gabel. Gabel and Sinatra previously worked together on Lady In Cement (1968) and Contract On Cherry Street (1977). This was also the third and final film of Frank Sinatra’s production company, Artanis Productions Inc. The other two were: None But The Brave (1965) and Contract On Cherry Street (1977). This was also the final musical teaming of Frank Sinatra and Gordon Jenkins. The book’s ending is much more grand and epic than the ending the film has. Marlon Brando was offered the lead role but he rejected it.

Rated: [R]

Available on DVD & Digital Copy through: The Warner Archive Collection.

Suddenly (1954 & 2013)

Suddenly (1954)

B&W / Colorized – 75m
Aspect Ratio: 1.75:1 – Widescreen / 1.33:1 – Fullscreen
Written For The Screen By: Richard Sale
Dir.: Lewis Allen
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Sterling Hayden, James Gleason, Nancy Gates, Willis Bouchey, Paul Frees, James O’Hara, Clark Howat and Charles Smith.

In the town of Suddenly, three gangsters trap a family in their own house with the intention of assassinating the president. The film starts off in a dreamlike state, indicative of a small town in the 1950’s and builds from there. While the film is fine as a character study and does have a fair amount of suspense even today, it does not nearly reach the crescendo of tension that one can find in news broadcasts (as of 2016). The acting is to be admired though.

Trivia: The most commonly found print of this film is the Fullscreen print because it is in Public Domain. Turner Classic Movies (TCM) runs the Widescreen print on television and that format is on disc through The Film Detective Restored Edition. There is also a Colorized version of this film. In the Colorized edition of the film: Frank Sinatra, known as, “Old Blue Eyes,”, has brown eyes. Actor Montgomery Clift turn down the lead role in this film. And finally: This film was shot in just four weeks. An added bonus: It has been widely reported over the years that Frank Sinatra requested that this film be withdrawn from circulation after the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) along with his other political assassination thriller, The Manchurian Candidate (1962). The Sinatra family went through great lengths to make it known that Frank Sinatra made no such request. However, the films were out of circulation for many years. It was discovered in the 1980’s that Sinatra had the legal right to restore them to public circulation (see his interview with Larry King for more details), and they were.  

This film is Available on Blu–ray, only in black and white, but in Widescreen and Fullscreen. It is also Available on DVD in black and white and colorized in Widescreen and Fullscreen. It is further available as a Digital Copy in Widescreen and Fullscreen in black and white only.

Suddenly (2013)

C – 90m
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 – Widescreen
A.K.A.: Code Black – President Down
Code Black: President Down
Operation Olympus
Code Black
Starring: Ray Liotta

Four assassins pose as Secret Service Agents in order to assassinate the president. A loose remake to be sure functions better as an action thriller than a dramatic thriller. The film as a capable actor in Liotta but lacks a justification for the existence of it. Pacing is a bit of an issue too. A trivia note: In addition of this being a remake of a Frank Sinatra film, Ray Liotta previously played Sinatra in the HBO television movie, The Rat Pack (1998).

Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy

The Manchurian Candidate (1962 & 2004)

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

B&W – 126m
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 – Widescreen (MGM Blu–ray) / 1.75:1 – Widescreen (Original Depending on Source & Criterion Collection Format)
Novel By: Richard Condon
Screenplay By: George Axelrod
Dir.: John Frankenheimer
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Angela Lansbury, Henry Silva, James Gregory, Leslie Parrish, John McGiver, Lloyd Corrigan, Paul Frees and Colin Kenny.

A former prisoner of war (POW) is brainwashed to be an unwitting assassination in an international Communist conspiracy. Arguably one of the best political thrillers of all time this film holds up splendidly many years after its original release. The wonderful talent on both sides of the camera, are to be praised for this achievement. The film is haunting and heart racing never letting up.

Trivia: Frank Sinatra broke the little finger of his right hand during a fight scene with Henry Silva. Due to the film schedule he was not able to get it bandaged and allow for time for it to heal. As such it was never set properly and was crooked for the rest of his life, often causing him discomfort. Most of the scenes involving Frank Sinatra are from the first take. Only if there were something that went wrong with a take, would an alternant take be used. And finally: It has been widely reported over the years that Frank Sinatra requested that this film be withdrawn from circulation after the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK) along with his other political assassination thriller, The Manchurian Candidate (1962). The Sinatra family went through great lengths to make it known that Frank Sinatra made no such request. However, the films were out of circulation for many years. It was discovered in the 1980’s that Sinatra had the legal right to restore them to public circulation (see his interview with Larry King for more details), and they were.  

Oscar® nominated for: Best Supporting Actress – Angela Lansbury and Best Film Editing. Angela Lansbury got a Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe for her performance. John Frankenheimer was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Director.

Rated: [NOT RATED] – Original Release
[PG–13] – Rerelease Rating
This is Out Of Print on VHS but available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy through MGM. It is also available on Blu–ray and DVD through The Criterion Collection.

The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

C – 129m
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 – Widescreen
Novel By: Richard Condon
Original Screenplay By: George Axelrod
Screenplay By: Daniel Pyne and Dean Georgaris
Dir.: Jonathan Demme
Producers: Jonathan Demme and Tina Sinatra
Starring: Jeffry Wright, Anthony Mackie, Dorian Missick, Denzel Washington, Live Schreiber, Bill Irwin, Kimberly Elise, Al Franken, Jon Voight, Meryl Streep, Roger Corman, Zeljko Ivanek, Ann Dowd, Obba Babatunde, Harry Northup, Sakina Jaffrey, Simon McBurney, Charles Napier, Vera Farmiga, Dean Stockwell, Miguel Ferrer, Tracey Walter and Sidney Lumet.

In the midst of the Gulf War soldiers are kidnapped and brainwashed via chips in their heads for sinister purposes. This reviewer must admit outright that upon seeing this film in the theater he was repulsed by it. Upon viewing it years later, the film is actually a smart updating of the classic, though it holds no candle to the original. Fine performances by the talents on screen here, and Jonathan Demme was in good form as a director. Worth a look, if only for comparison’s sake…

Trivia: Jane Fonda turned down the role originally played by Angela Lansbury, Meryl Streep here, because she didn’t want her Hollywood comeback to be as a villainess. Though many believe Meryl Streep was playing Hillary Clinton here, she cites: Peggy Noonan, Condoleezza Rice and Dick Cheney. And finally: Brian De Palma was considered as a director for this film. 

Rated: [R] – Violence & Some Language
Available on Blu–ray, DVD & Digital Copy