Search Results for: blog robin and the 7 hoods 1964

Showdown (1973)

“Showdown” is a movie I watched in my attempt to expand my repertoire. It’s a western-gunslinger-love triangle, and I enjoyed it despite the fact I didn’t think I would. Rock Hudson is Chuck Jarvis, the sheriff in town. His best friend is Billy Massey (Dean Martin) and they’ve known each other just about their entire lives. They both fell in love with the same girl, Kate (Susan Clark) and they went into partnership on a ranch. When Kate chose Chuck, it was hard on Billy and he decided to sell Chuck his share of the ranch. Billy rode off for … Continue reading →

Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964)

“Robin and the 7 Hoods” is one of those movies that you just don’t expect to be what it turns out to be. I knew it would be a musical; with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra both in starring roles, that was a given, but beyond that, I was clueless going in. The underworld of Chicago is shaken when crime boss Big Jim is taken out by an assassin at his birthday party. The hit was arranged by Guy Gisborne (Peter Falk) who has always wanted to run the organization his own way. Robbo (Frank Sinatra) was Big Jim’s friend … Continue reading →

Peter Falk Dies at 83

Television lost another legend this week. Actor Peter Falk, best known as television’s “Columbo,” died today at age 83. Although a cause of death was not listed, he had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Falk was born in New York City and had his right eye removed due to retinoblastoma when he was only three years old. After graduating from high school, he briefly attended college then served in the United States Merchant Marine. Falk eventually returned to college to receive both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. He was rejected for a job with the CIA and eventually became … Continue reading →

The End of an Era: Joey Bishop Dies

I like to pride myself on keeping up to date on the news. After all, I am constantly online. But somehow, I missed this story until today! Joey Bishop, the last official member of the Rat Pack, died Wednesday at the age of 89. With the last Rat Packer dead, it is truly the end of one cool era. The Rat Pack – Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Joey Bishop (with unofficial female member Shirley Maclaine) – ruled Las Vegas during the 60s. They also ruled the big screen, appearing together in films such as … Continue reading →

The Rat Pack, the Brat Pack, the Frat Pack?

I will admit that I only vaguely remember the Rat Pack. In fact, it is the most vague of memories and most don’t include all four members of the Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop), but rather the members of the Rat Pack in separate endeavors. But, that doesn’t mean that I cannot appreciate the ultimate coolness of the Rat Pack. When I’ve seen television footage of their Vegas show, they always seem like they are having such a great time together. And each person in the audience must have felt as … Continue reading →

Oscar (1991)

In the movie “Oscar,” Angelo “Snaps” Provolone (Sylvester Stallone) is a New York City mobster, much along the lines of Al Capone. He has built his business to the point that he can afford a lovely home, nice clothing, and the respect/fear of all the other gangsters in town, but his father is on his deathbed, begging Snaps to go straight. Snaps doesn’t want to, but you can hardly deny a dying man his final wish. Snaps gives himself a few weeks to tie up loose ends, and sets a date on which he is going to turn honest by … Continue reading →