Thursday, May 31, 2012

GET A SNEAK PEEK OF COLLECTED COOL

Hey pallies, likes looks what showed up in my overnight email....from the pallies at
Universal Music Companies comes a wee bit of a "sneak peak" at the treasures to be found in the soon to be released "Collected Cool" Box set of 3 CDS and 1 DVD.

If the Dino-photo below is any indication of the quality of the "rare photos from archives," the sixty page booklet will certainly worth the price of admission for this mammoth celebration of our most beloved Dino's career. Likes I'm possible that I ain't never ever seen this Dino-pose before...indeed have seen ones similiar, but truly truly never seen this one in my Dino-memory.

ilovedinomartin sez thanks to the pallies at UMe for sendin' Dino-hearted pallies all over the web this little Dino-preview to whet our Dino-appetites for the real deal on June 12th. Keeps lovin' our Dino! Dino-fixated, DMP

COLLECTED COOL
In Stores 6.12.12

Here is one of the many exclusive images of Dean Martin, part of the Collected Cool Box Set coming just in time for Father's Day.






CONTENTS: 4 Discs Total

2 CDs containing career spanning hits, fan favorites and rarities

1 CD - Live in Lake Tahoe - Never before released in its entirety, this is a LIVE show recorded at the Cal-Neva Lodge in Lake Tahoe, CA in July 1962

1 DVD Live In London - available for the first time in the US since its initial TV broadcast in 1983

60 Page booklet containing extensive liner notes, essay by Jim Ritz & rare photos from archives



This email was sent to kentsmokerguy@yahoo.com by Universal Music Companies. List Manager, Universal Music Companies, 2220 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404

First Ever Career-Defining Box Set for the Legendary Dean Martin

Hey pallies, likes as you dudes knows there is yet 'nother amazin' Dino-release comin' our Dino-way right before Daddy-o Day 2012. On June 12, the pallies at Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) releases DEAN MARTIN - COLLECTED COOL, and likes today's Dino-devotion is one of dem awesomely glossly press releases created by professional writers who know how to spread the Dino-charm on real real Dino-thick..just wishes that I had such a gift as writes my Dino-devotion!

From the professional promotional pallies at "Marketwire" comes a very very cool collection of Dino-patter puttin' the accent on the life and times of our one and only Dino and gettin' us all Dino-holics hyped up 'bout the comin' release of "Collected Cool."

From a absolutely fabulous quotation from The Los Angeles Times to Playboy's pontification of our Dino as "the coolest man who ever lived," to adoration by Elvis and emulation by Don Draper, Tom Cruise, and Robbie Williams, this press release is simply drippin' with the deepest, purest, and truest Dino-devotion possible. Likes can't image any pallie who reads this Dino-poetry won't immmediate go out and reserve their comply of this much anticipated Dino-collection.

Hats off to the folks who are called to promote our Dino's newest treasure trove 'cause they have created an irresistible iconic tribute to our most beloved Dino. To view this in it's original format, at "businessreviewusa.com," likes as usual, just clicks on the tag of this here Dino-report. Dino-always, ever, and only, DMP


First Ever Career-Defining Box Set for the Legendary Dean Martin

29 May 2012 WDM Group PR Network



SANTA MONICA, CA--(Marketwire - May 29, 2012) - "Martin sang the way all men imagine they sound in the shower... He worked that deep, mellifluous voice of his with a casual grace that somehow carried a weight of romantic implication other crooners never quite achieved." -- The Los Angeles Times

There is only one man who Playboy called "the coolest man who ever lived" and who Elvis Presley worshipped and admired. Simply put, that man is Rat Pack legend Dean Martin. He is one of the greatest recording artists of all time with a career spanning almost 50 years. Martin was one of the biggest stars of the 20th century who conquered the four corners of entertainment including film, stage, television and music. He starred in over 50 films, recorded over 30 original albums and earned a long line of hits with a warm, sensual voice that continues to captivate a steady stream of fans each year. His influence resonates today with the biggest stars and shows taking a page directly from Martin's style book -- from the Don Draper character on TV's Mad Men to the top of the fashion world with Gucci's men's line, and from the movies with the pivotal scene from the Tom Cruise blockbuster Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol to the world of song, with the likes of international superstar Robbie Williams.

On June 12, 2012, Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) releases DEAN MARTIN - COLLECTED COOL, the first and only career-defining, four-disc box set that combines his biggest hits and signature tunes from both his Capitol Records and Reprise years. Live rarities and spoken word intros make their CD debut including, in its entirety, the rare and unreleased audio recording of his 1962 Lake Tahoe show capturing Martin's unique vocal styling that cemented his reputation as one of the most revered and emulated artists of all time.

COLLECTED COOL also includes a DVD of a live performance filmed at the London Apollo Victoria Theatre in 1983. This show was only aired on cable in 1983 for a brief time and has never been aired or available since then. Martin commands the stage with his own unique and charismatic presence and that's all captured on this DVD for fans and newcomers alike to experience why Dean Martin still remains a superstar. Musician/Actor Steven Van Zandt commented about Martin, "He was the coolest dude I'd ever seen, period."

Dean Martin's early autobiography is as gritty as that of any hip-hop star: delivering bootleg liquor, serving as a speakeasy croupier and blackjack dealer, working in a steel mill, ruling the ring as boxing phenomenon Kid Crochet, and rubbing elbows with members of the nightclub underworld.

Born Dino Paul Crocetti, he soon christened himself Dean Martin. Martin developed his own style, not content to follow the others. He later paired up with comic Jerry Lewis and the comedy duo became the hottest ticket around and parlayed their onstage success into a string of hit movies and television appearances. But Martin was also a formidable solo artist, scoring such hits as "Memories Are Made of This," "That's Amore" and "Powder Your Face With Sunshine (Smile! Smile! Smile!)" for Capitol Records; all are represented on this box set.

After Martin and Lewis parted ways, Martin continued to wow crowds in Vegas and impress critics with a series of dramatic film roles, successful TV specials and a consistent string of hit singles and albums. Not long after, Martin's affiliation with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and the rest of the fabled Rat Pack became a new chapter in his life. He fueled his image as a boozing playboy through onstage antics with his pals in ensemble films like Ocean's 11 and Robin and His 7 Hoods.

DEAN MARTIN - COLLECTED COOL: Disc one follows Dino's early rise to stardom and features the best of his Capitol Records years, packed with his biggest hits, signature songs, rarities and career-defining recordings. Included are some of Martin's most well-known numbers such as "That's Amore," an instant classic and one of his most beloved songs that reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100; "Return to Me" which hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100; plus Martin's signature tunes "Volare" (peaking at No. 12 in 1958), "If I Could Sing Like Bing" (his homage to vocal great Bing Crosby), the stereo version of "On An Evening In Roma," the ever-popular "Ain't That A Kick In The Head," and the unreleased "Dean's Spoken Word Introductions," taped in 1949.

In early 1962, Dean Martin left Capitol and began to record for Frank Sinatra's newly formed label, Reprise Records. Disc 2 features some of Martin's biggest and most cherished hits from his rich and fruitful Reprise years plus a stripped-down version of the No. 1 hit single "Everybody Loves Somebody," which originally topped the charts and knocked the Beatles from the No. 1 spot. Also included are his No. 1 Adult Contemporary hits "In The Misty Moonlight," "In The Chapel In The Moonlight," "You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You" and the track "The Door Is Still Open To My Heart," which also reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other notable highlights include "Guys and Dolls"(featuring Frank Sinatra), the top-10 hit "I Will," which entered at No. 3 on the Adult Contemporary charts, and his duet with Conway Twitty, "My First Country Song," which reached the top 50 on Billboard's Country & Western chart and earned Dean Martin his first ever country hit.

Disc 3 features a rare, live audio recording of Dino's concert at Cal-Neva Lodge in Lake Tahoe, CA, on July 27, 1962. This show captures Martin at the apex of his career, during his post-Capitol years and extremely prolific tenure at Reprise. This performance has never been released in its entirety -- only a few tracks were available as bonus material -- but it's now available on this box set. Featured are incredible performances of "Volare," "On An Evening In Roma," "It Had To Be You/Nevertheless," "Beautiful Dreamer" and his only recording of Matt Monro's hit "My Kind Of Girl." Dino's quick wit and sense of humor shines bright through his onstage banter and parodies of classics such as "I Love Tahoe (Paris)"and "Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes," all caught on this 51-minute rare recording.

Collected Cool also contains a DVD featuring 60 minutes of live footage from his show at London's Apollo Victoria theatre show in 1983. This performance originally aired only on Showtime and has never been made commercially available until now. This live concert features Dino performing some of his biggest hits and well-known songs including "Everybody Loves Somebody," "That's Amore," "Little Ole Wine Drinker Me" and "Welcome To My World," plus classic Martin parodies of "Pennies From Heaven," "Please Be Kind" and "It's Magic."

Dean Martin's effortless vocalizing has become modern shorthand for cool, as evidenced by the use of his songs in films, television, and ad campaigns, and this box set chronicles one of the most important artists of the 20th century. The Washington Post summed it up by saying, "Somewhere in the public identity of Dean Martin was a kind of essential Everyman of wonder, celebrating the fact that everybody does love somebody sometime, and that we could do worse than raise a glass to joys like that."

Track listing:

Capitol Records Years (CD-1):

1.Dean's Spoken Word Introductions
2.My Own, My Only, My All
3.Powder Your Face With Sunshine (Smile! Smile! Smile!)
4.I Don't Care If The Sun Don't Shine
5.That's Amore
6.If I Could Sing Like Bing
7.Sway
8.Long, Long Ago
9.Memories Are Made Of This
10.Pardners (with Jerry Lewis)
11.Volare
12.Rio Bravo
13.On An Evening In Roma
14.Sleep Warm
15.Ain't That A Kick In The Head
16.Just In Time
17.Arrivederci Roma
18.Return To Me
19.A Hundred Years From Today


Reprise Records Years (CD-2):

1.Tik-A-Tee, Tik-A-Tay
2.Senza Fine
3.Who's Got The Action
4.Guys And Dolls
5.Marina
6.Everybody Loves Somebody (with instrumental quartet)
7.The Door Is Still Open To My Heart
8.You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You
9.In The Misty Moonlight
10.Sophia
11.Send Me The Pillow You Dream On
12.In The Chapel In The Moonlight
13.Welcome To My World
14.Houston
15.I Will
16.Somewhere There's A Someone
17.My First Country Song (featuring Conway Twitty)
18.LA Is My Home


LIVE FROM LAKE TAHOE (CD-3)

1.Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes
2.Almost Like Being In Love
3.I Love Tahoe (Paris)
4.Show Banter #1
5.My Kind Of Girl
6.Show Banter #2
7.Show Banter #3
8.June In January
9.Show Banter #4
10.Break It To Me Gently
11.Show Banter #5
12.Rock-A-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody
13.Instrumental
14.Show Banter #6
15.Primrose Lane/You Are Too Beautiful/Carolina In The Morning/Love Walked In/I Love Being A Girl
16.Beautiful Dreamer
17.You Made Me Love You
18.It Had To Be You/Nevertheless
19.I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter
20.Volare
21.On An Evening In Roma
22.Show Banter #7
23.I Love Paris (Tahoe)
24.Outro


DEAN MARTIN LIVE IN LONDON (DVD):

1.Everybody Loves Somebody
2.Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes
3.When You're Smiling
4.Pennies From Heaven
5.L-O-V-E
6.Everybody Loves Somebody (reprise)
7.Where Or When
8.Welcome To My World
9.Drinking Champagne
10.That's Amore
11.Love Walked In
12.Please Be Kind
13.It's Magic
14.Ken's Noodle
15.Bad, Bad Leroy Brown
16.For The Good Times
17.Here Comes My Baby Back Again
18.Little Ole Wine Drinker Me
19.Bumming Around
20.One Hour With You

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

‘The Dean Martin Variety Show’ is a testament to the early days of television when live programming was truly unpredictable.

Hey pallies, likes dudes I have been searchin' here, there, and everywhere all over the 'net for reviews of the recent release of the first set of "uncut" Dino-episodes.
Pallies likes musta still be soakin' in the Dino-glory of the full Dino-shows likes I 'em before they share their Dino-reflections. Anywho, 'though the followin' review is short in content, does thinks it is worthy of mention here 'cause it comes from our Dino's roots.

From the online presence of "CLEVELAND.COM" comes remuninations of the new Dino-release from Mr. Nathan Paige who scribes for the "poplife" section. 'Though Paige's words are brief, they are none-the-less brimmin' with devotion to our most beloved Dino.

It's so so clear that Nathan digs Martin and truly truly gets our Dino's modus operandi as the host with the most sayin' such insightful thoughts as... "Flexing his comedic timing and abilities to the hilt, Martin made it a habit to try and subtly ruin a comedian’s rehearsed routine, often resulting in unexpected laughter from the guest, as well as the studio audience."

Also, likes very very cool pallies that this Ohioan also gives a perfect plug for Dino-fest 2012 down the road in Stu-ville. Indeed, ilovedinomartin says thanks so so much Mr. Nathan Paige and the folks at "CLEVELAND.COM" for liftin' up Ohio's finest on the issue of "Dean Martin Variety Show - UNCUT." Thanks pallie for doin' your part to gets this thrillin' news out to the masses, helpin' them grow in their devotion to our amazin' man. To read this in it's original format, likes just clicks on the tag of these Dino-words. Deeply Diggin' Dino, DMP




A cavalcade of stars on 'The Dean Martin Variety Show - Uncut' now on DVD

Published: Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 8:55 PM

By Nathan Paige cleveland.com

Just in time for the annual celebration of the Dean Martin Festival in Steubenville, Ohio, TIME LIFE has released the first collection of full classic episodes of ‘The Dean Martin Variety Show – Uncut’ on DVD. The 3-DVD set contains six complete and unedited episodes spanning from 1966-1971 (including the 1960s NBC peacock intro), back when variety shows were truly about talent, and not so much a dazzling stage show or set design.

‘The Dean Martin Variety Show’ is a testament to the early days of television when live programming was truly unpredictable. Cue card flubs (often intentionally misread by Martin); missed cues; going off script for bigger laughs; Dean Martin was quite the prankster on camera, and he thrived on keeping the atmosphere as spontaneous as possible by never having rehearsals. Flexing his comedic timing and abilities to the hilt, Martin made it a habit to try and subtly ruin a comedian’s rehearsed routine, often resulting in unexpected laughter from the guest, as well as the studio audience.

Each episode is jam-packed with appearances by many of the hot celebrities of the day – comedians such as Sid Caesar, Dom DeLuise, Buck Henry, Jackie Mason, and Allen & Rossi; vocal and/or dance performances by Abbe Lane, Leslie Uggams, Cyd Charisse, The Lettermen, Eddie Foy, Buddy Ebsen and many more. And, of course, Martin could break into song at any moment, performing some of his biggest hits.

There are also surprise cameos by guest stars hiding in Dean Martin’s closet – including Pat Boone and Robert Wagner.


Six episodes, 3 DVDs; 309 minutes; Not rated.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Dean Martin and the Buddha Are in Heaven

Hey pallies, likes there is simply no no end to the amazin'ly creative ways that our Dino is bein' lifted up all over the web. Todays we turn to "The Cynic Online Magazine" where we meet up with a proser tagged John F. Miglio who has scribed a great piece of Dino-prose, "Dean Martin and the Buddha Are in Heaven."

This is a delightful piece of Dino-fantasy 'bout meetin' up with our most beloved Dino in the heavenly realms. Readin' this Dino-fun sure does bring the biggest of big Dino-buddha grins to this pallie's face and just had to share this with all you dudes.

ilovedinomartin shouts out our Dino-appreciato to Mr. John F. Miglio and all the pallies at "The Cynic Online Magazine" for spreadin' Dino-devotion is such a fun fun way. To view this in it's original format, just clicks on the tag of this Dino-message. Keeps lovin' our Dino! Dino-funnin', DMP






by John F. Miglio -- Contributing Author

I'm not sure whether I'm dreaming or whether I'm dead, but sure enough, I'm standing at what appears to be the pearly gates of heaven feeling very light and ethereal. And who suddenly materializes from within a large slow-moving white cloud drinking a J & B on ice and dragging on a cigarette but Dean Martin!!

"Hello, Pally," Dino greets me, his trademark baritone oozing cool verve and relaxed confidence.

"Dean Martin?" I say in disbelief.

"He was here a second ago--I'll get ‘em," Dean jokes as he wrinkles his eyebrows and draws on his cigarette.

"What's going on here? I mean . . . am I in heaven?"

"It sure ain't Steubenville, Ohio, Pally."

I remember reading that Dean always used the term "Pally" to refer to friends and associates.

"Well, it certainly looks like the stereotypical view of heaven," I admit, surveying my new celestial surroundings. "Of course I never believed in heaven or hell. Well, maybe hell sometimes, but in any case, I never thought I'd see somebody like you here. I mean with all the drinking and womanizing and everything. I thought heaven was just for purists, you know, like Perry Como or Mother Teresa."

"Oh, they're on the other side of heaven," he says, sipping his scotch. "They come over here once in a while to see a show."

"Jesus . . . " is all I can say, an odd choice of words under the circumstances. The truth is, the whole situation seems quite preposterous and surreal to me, yet oddly--and I don't have a good explanation for it-- I accept the reality of it quite easily, as if Dean Martin is an old friend and I'm hanging out with him on a street corner just shooting the breeze.

"Dean," I say to him, "let me ask you a question."

"Why, am I in town?"

I recognize the line from his act and chuckle. "Are you speaking metaphorically about heaven or do you mean it literally?"

"Does it matter?"

"Well, I . . . "

"You see, Pally, you take things too seriously. That's why you weren't happy back on Earth."

"I was happy some of the time," I say, defending myself.

Dean makes a dyspeptic face, then flips his cigarette butt into a cloud and sticks his fingers in his ears as if the butt is about to explode.

"Come with me." He opens the front gate and we saunter through several large floating clouds until we come to what appears to be a giant nightclub in the sky with a flashing neon sign at the top that says "Transcendental Grand." Under the sign is a marquee that reads: "Now Appearing: Dean Martin."

We walk into the club and I survey the crowd. I immediately recognize several famous dead people, including Pablo Picasso, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Ernest Hemingway.

"Wow!" I say to Dean. "I can't believe all these famous people are here."

"They're not always here, Pally. They came to see the show."

I keep looking throughout the crowd and recognize several more luminaries from Earth, including one patron who resembles the pictures I've seen of the Buddha.

"Dean, is that guy over there . . . the Buddha?"

"Sure, he comes over here all the time. Want to meet him?" He doesn't wait for me to answer. "Hey, Buddy!" Dean calls across the room and waves his hand. "Come on over."

"Buddy?" I look at Dean incredulously as the Buddha walks toward us.

The Buddha observes the shock on my face as he approaches.

"Buddy, I gotta get ready to go on," Dean says to the Buddha. "Take care of this poor soul, will ya?"

"Sure thing, Dino," the Buddha says. Dean leaves us and heads for the hallway by the stage."

"It's an honor to meet you, sir," I say to the Buddha and shake his hand awkwardly. I'm not sure whether this is the right protocol. Maybe I just should have bowed and not touched him, but he doesn't seem to mind.

"Call me Buddy," the Buddha says. "You're a new arrival I take it."

"Yeah, I just got here." I pause and try to think of something profound--or at least insightful-- to say, but nothing comes to mind, so I just stare at him like a dopey teenager out on his first date. Buddy looks at me with bemused detachment. His face has no wrinkles or lines on it, a baby's face really, and he seems totally serene and calm.

"Wait a minute!" I say, thinking I have a flash of brilliance. "I remember studying Buddhism, and as I recall, Buddhists don't believe in heaven. They believe in nirvana, and nirvana is not a place but a state of mind."

"That's correct."

"Well, if that's true, then why are you here?" I say, quite pleased with my logic.

"Heaven is also a state of mind," Buddy replies as he grabs a Ramos Fizz from a waiter's tray and tips the waiter a fin. "And I came here tonight to see Dean's show."

"So none of this is real. This is all imaginary."

"What do you mean by real?"

"You know, something that is physical, something that has substance."

"Everything has substance," Buddy says and sips his drink. "And everything comes from the same substance. If you look at everything in its purest form, there is no difference between the physical and the spiritual, no difference between the subjective and the objective."

"And so-- no difference between metaphorical truth and literal truth," I say, realizing the folly of the question I had asked Dean earlier.

The Buddha smiles and nods his head. "But you knew that all along, didn't you?"

It was true. I had figured that out for myself during an epiphany I had at one point in my life, but I had a hard time believing it as a practical matter. Perhaps that's why I had forgotten it.

"How did you know I understood that?" I ask Buddy.

"You wouldn't be here if you didn't."

"And that's all it takes to get to heaven?"

"You know the answer to that question as well," Buddy says.

"Yeah, I guess so," I reply.

Suddenly a set of overhead lights go on and illuminate the stage, then there's a distinct drum roll followed by a friendly voice that announces: "Ladies and gentlemen, direct from the bar, Mr. Dean Martin!"

A moment later the orchestra strikes a chord and Dean pretends to stagger out on the stage. Then he straightens up, looks quizzically at the audience, and says, "How did everybody get in my room?"

The half-soused crowd roars with laughter and I feel right at home, as if I had never been away and had been here all the time.

"I think it's time for me to get a drink," I say to Buddy.

He points in the direction of the bar and drains his Ramos Fizz. "Get me another one, too," he says handing me his glass. "We're going to have some fun tonight."

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Danny G.'s Sunday Serenade with Dino: "It's Easy to Remember"

Man o man pals, I ab so lute ly & pos i tive ly LOVE these live clips from Dean's variety show! Makes me long for the days when our bestest pal ruled the airwaves with a magic all his own!

  I found this little gem on Dino's 1957 al b um "Pretty Baby". Such a great great song as It's Easy to Remember", definately deserves a great great video like this! Love how Dean cracks up his old pallie, Mr. Ken Lane, with a few playful & sometimes non-politically correct wisecracks! Great comedic chemistry right there, oh pals o' mine! A few jokes...a quick surprise guest...and then it's time for some pure pure Martin magic!

Even with a pretty but sad song as this...Dean still manages to lighten the mood and weave his spell on us. A TRUE artist in every sense of the word...Dean never leaves me feelin' blue & ALWAYS has me cravin' for more!!! Now let's sit back, pour that martini & enjoy the COOLNESS that IS Dean Martin!





Your sweet expression the smile you gave me
The way you looked when we met
It's easy to remember so hard to forget

I hear you whisper I always love you
I know it's over and yet
It's easy to remember but oh so hard to forget
So I must dream to have your hand caress me fingers press me tight
I'd rather dream than have that lonely feeling stealing through the night
Each little moment is clear before me
And though it brings me regret
It's easy to remember but so hard to forget

So I must dream to have your hand caress me fingers press me tight
I'd rather dream than have that lonely old feeling stealing through the night
Each little moment is clear before me
And though it brings me regret
It's easy to remember and so hard to forget           












           

Saturday, May 26, 2012

The Dean Martin Gambit

Hey pallies, likes as we head into a long weekend, thoughts all you dudes woulda digs some Dino-fun. From the blog "Screwy Puppy" comes the post, "The Dean Martin Gambit." Likes I went over to the folks at Merriam-Webster to find an appropriate defintion of a gambit and found a couple that certainly apply to our Dino..."a remark intended to start a conversation or make a telling point, a calculated move : stratagem."

Well our Dino is a master at enigmatically evokin' a swingin' conversation and provokin' such smooth smooth moves....and today's Dino-devotion below is a stellar example of said. the patter between our Dino and the chick certainly is bringin' a huge Dino-buddha grin to this pallie's face!

Thanks to the creator of "Screwy Puppy" for puttin' the accent on our Dino in this fun lovin' way and certainly drawin' other pallies to diggin' our Dino to the max. To view this in it's original format, likes clicks on the tag of this Dino-message. Keeps lovin' our Dino! Dino-always, ever, and only, DMP

The Dean Martin Gambit

Friday, May 25, 2012

Dino-art by Miss Ellie

Hey pallies, likes this is so so cool. Our pallie Miss Ellie just made a comment on a recent Dino-post and that gots me wonderin' if by chance she had posted any new Dino-devotion at her blog pad "Randomness." Well as I mosseyed on over and Dino-low and Dino-behold that our youthful Dino-holic pallie is also an artiste!

And, likes below you will get to view two of her recent Dino-creations. They both are way cool, but the first of the pair is just so so hip, cool, and randy in the Dino-department! Likes I loves to read how Miss Ellie spins the Dino-tunes as she is creatin' her Dino-art!

Kudos to our buddin' artistic Dino-phile Miss Ellie for showin' her deep, pure, and true Dino-devotion with such such Dino-creativity! To view her Dino-efforts as they appear on her blog, likes just clicks on the tag of this Dino-gram. Dino-psyched, DMP


My Artwork

I love art so much! I had a blast creating my favorite celebrities. I love listening to music, when I draw. Of course, when I made my Dino drawings I put on his albums. Dino's voice always puts a smile on my face. I'm no professional, but I enjoy the process of creating art. I found several wallpaper images online for the backgrounds. I'm working on more pieces. Art brings joy to my life.


“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” - Pablo Picasso




Dino



Thursday, May 24, 2012

The way I describe the show is a celebration of Dad’s life.

Hey pallies, likes the place to be on June 20, 2012 will be the Greg Frewin Theatre -Niagara Falls, Ontario. The reason is that our most beloved Dino's boypallie Ricci will be performin' his show, "An Evening Of Dean Martin Music And More" at that venue.

From the on-line news pad, "MetroWNY," that covers news from the western New York area, comes an interview that Miss Melanie Hulick did with Ricci Martin 'bout his upcomin' show, and likes I thoughts all you Dino-philes woulda likes to read. This is one of the funniest interviews that I have ever read that Ricci has done...and Ricci's most charmin' personality shines through...remindin' us more and more of his beloved Daddy-o.

I knows you will enjoy readin' Ricci's patter as learnin' just a bit more 'bout our great man. Digs it mucho when Ricci quotes our Dino sayin' to him 'bout performin'..."Dad always said, 'Pallie, you got to get your marks, you got to know the lyrics, you got to know the lines.'" Obviously our Dino was the bestest of best mentor to his boypallie.

ilovedinomartin salutes Miss Melanie Hulick and the pallies at "metroWNY"....likes just figured out what that tag means.... metro Western New York! Hopes all youse pallies in that part of the Dino-universe make pilgrimage to checks out Ricci's amazin' Dino-celebration. To view this info in it's original format, likes just clicks on the tag of this here Dino-reflection. Dino-reportin', DMP

A Conversation with Ricci Martin

Thursday May 24, 2012 | By:Melanie Hulick



HULICK: This is quite an honor to be able to talk with you. When I started these features in 2004, people would ask me who I would have loved to interview who unfortunately was no longer with us and my answer was and is Dean Martin. So to be able to talk with you and talk about the show you do is a privilege.

MARTIN: Well, thank you, I am flattered. You know, Melanie, in a certain sense I feel the same way in being able to do the show, because the majority of the people I perform for have that same feeling for Dad. After the show I do a meet and greet and, Melanie, the stories I hear… well you wouldn’t believe it. They’re just out of this world! Sometimes the meet and greet will go longer than the actual show. People come with pictures of them with Dad when he was in his late teens.

HULICK: I can’t even imagine that feeling. I mean, I’m sure you knew that your dad was loved, but when you started this show did it blow you away, the reaction that you could really physically see for yourself.

MARTIN: When I originally put it together, no. Now this is going back to the fall of 2002, when I brought my friends here to a club in Utah, where I live, about a half an hour from Park City. It was there that we basically put the show together and rehearsed it a few times before we took it to this little dive at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. The show was put between the fake Elvis and the fake Neil Diamond.

HULICK: (Laughs) Oh no!

MARTIN: (Laughs) Yes! That was six nights a week, 11 p.m. sharp. We might have three people, maybe 20, sometimes 150. We broke it in there, figured out what would work and what wouldn’t. We did that for two months then took the show on the road, and the rest is history. When things started settling down that’s when I started to appreciate everyone’s reaction and the love they had for Dad.

HULICK: Tell our readers what they can expect from the show.

MARTIN: There’s song, some comedy and a Q&A segment, where I go into the audience, which is quite literally the most hysterical part of the show.

HULICK: What question is asked the most?

MARTIN: The most frequently asked question about Dad is about the drinking, of course. My answer is always, “He drank like a fish, lady!” Then I go on and say, “No, actually…” You know, one of Frank Sinatra’s classic lines was, “I spill more than Dean drinks.” Dad always said, “Pallie, you got to get your marks, you got to know the lyrics, you got to know the lines.” You couldn’t get away with what he got away with and have the success he had and drink at the same time. I mean he had a career in stage, recording, television and motion pictures and he was a success in all of them. If someone has success in just one of those areas they’re a big star. Even Frank didn’t cross over into the TV thing that Dad did. The timing for my Dad was incredible. But as far as the questions go they are very, very sincere and I love answering them.

HULICK: I saw some clips of your show and I love the whole tuxedo thing and the old way of entertaining from that era, and you project that so well. The clip that got me was of you doing the song, “Wine Drinker Me.”

MARTIN: Really? Thank you. That’s so interesting. That’s huge in England and it was one of his biggest country hits. You know, Melanie, country and western is something that he really loved and did well with. It’s another part of him crossing over from his pop songs like “Everybody Loves Somebody” to the standards he did to country and western. He really enjoyed not only doing the westerns as far as motion pictures, he loved singing country and western.

HULICK: You know, I’ve found out that a lot of artists like doing country music. Engelbert Humperdinck is one who comes to mind. His forte is really romantic ballads, but he actually loves country music better than any of the other music he does.

MARTIN: That’s funny you should mention him. Dad and Engelbert always got along. They really liked each other. You know, country works for certain people. Frank Sinatra? Forget about it! (Laughs).

HULICK: (Laughs). What? You don’t think Frank would have been good at country?

MARTIN: (Laughs) Not so much. You know my dad didn’t listen to country music around the house. Mother didn’t even listen to my dad’s stuff around the house. When he started his TV show he really only listened to the songs he was going to perform, in the car on the way to the golf course to learn them. He had the old eight-track, then eventually the cassette tapes. Yes, it became highfalutin. (Laughs).

HULICK: (Laughs) This is not your first time playing at the Greg Frewin Theatre. How do you like it there?

MARTIN: We played there last year and we did really well. So they were thrilled and they invited us back. Everybody there is incredible! Greg ended up staying for my show last year and even did the meet and greet afterwards with me, which I really appreciated. So I am thrilled to be coming back to a really nice place like that because they take really good care of you while you are there.

HULICK: They are so “hands on” there. Greg just took the whole idea and built it from the ground up. He’s thought of everything.

MARTIN: He absolutely has. And his whole crew there, Robert Lalonde (his manager) and everybody are all really professional and they can’t do enough for you. It’s top notch.

HULICK: I had a great experience there, as well, when I went to see Greg’s show and interview him afterwards. They are a terrific group.

HULICK: Ricci, what does it feel like to be able to give your dad’s fans this gift? That’s what you are really doing in a sense, along with gaining new fans for him as well as yourself.

MARTIN: That’s true. The way I describe the show is a celebration of Dad’s life. It’s not a tribute. It’s an evening celebrating Dad’s life with his son. But you are right as far as the people who come to the show. There are the ones who knew Dad and his work and then I have the ones who bring their parents to the show to reminisce, and also I have the grandchildren who never saw Dad and the only way they can relate to him live is through me. It is an incredible feeling.

On This Day In Dino-history: May 24, 1974

Hey pallies, likes gots 'nother very very important Dino-date in history to honor this very Dino-day. From the pallies at the historical pad "Famous Daily" comes the reminder that it was on this very day, May 24 in the year of 1974 that the last episode of the Dean Martin Variety Show was broadcast over the peacock network.

From the pen of Mr. Gary Satanovsky comes the remembrance that after a stunnin' 9 year run, with the very impressive number of 264 episodes aired, the greatest show in all of television history came to a close. And, likes how appropriate that just a couple of days ago...just two days shy of the 38th anniversary of the endin' of the Dino-show that a HUGE new beginnin' has begun for our most beloved Dino's most beloved show with the debut of the 3 DVD set of the DEAN MARTIN VARIETY SHOW - UNCUT!

ilovedinomartin appreciates Mr. Gary Satanovsky and the pallies at "Famous Daily" for remindin' all us Dino-holics of this hugely historic day in the life and times of our great man. To view this in it's original format per usual, just clicks on the tag of these Dino-thoughts. Keeps lovin' our Dino! Dino-honorin', DMP


Last episode of Dean Martin show

by Gary Satanovsky on May 24, 2012



Dean Martin’s early performances were decent but not great, his crooner style singing unable to escape the shadows of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. So Martin decided to turn to comedy. His first show, teaming up with a young comic, Jerry Lewis, ran through a series of completely improvised routines. Some were vaudeville classics, some taken out of thin air, and all had the audience howling in laughter. Martin made a name for himself with Lewis, but always thought of himself as a solo actor, and parlayed his considerable fame into a fruitful career in television.

On this day, May 24, 1974, after a nine-year and 264-episode run the hugely popular Dean Martin Show broadcast its last episode.

Of all the acts hosted by Dean Martin, perhaps the most enduring was of the singing and dancing troupe The Goldiggers. Martin’s show was their first television appearance, and he liked them well enough to work their routines into this Vegas stage acts and give them his television spot during his the summer recess months. The Goldiggers were one of the acts that appeared on his last episode, paying their respects to the man that got them into showbusiness.

Update on Dino-fest 2012 in Stu-ville

Hey pallies, likes today's Dino-gram is an update on Dino-fest 2012 to be held in our most beloved Dino's hometown of Stuebenville, Ohio on June 14-16. From the on-line presense of Stu-ville's news, "The Herald-Star," comes the low down on all the Dino-happenin's durin' this annual weekend of Dino-homagin'.

From the pen of The Herald-Star's staff writer Mr. Mark J. Miller comes commentary from Spot Bar's owner, JoJo DiAlbert, notin' that..."Tom Stevens is back by popular demand," said DiAlbert of the Dino impersonator. "He hasn't been to the festival in three years."

The Sunday of the fest has been declared "The Dean Martin Hometown Celebration Day,"
with highlights includin' tours thorughout the day of the brand new "Dean Martin Room" at the Jefferson County Historical Museum and a 10:30 a.m. Mass is set to remember Dean Martin at the Holy Name Cathedral.

Certainly does wish that I was able to make pilgrimage to Dino-mecca for this year's fest....to walk where Dino walked....to breath the air that Dino breathed. Anywho, ilovedinomartin expresses our Dino-appreciato to Mr. Mark J. Miller and the pallies at The Hearld-Star for puttin' us all on to all these Dino-details. To view this in it's original format, just clicks on the tag of this here Dino-gram. Dino-always, ever, and only, DMP



Weeks of fun, food, music, art

May 22, 2012

By MARK J. MILLER - Staff writer, The Herald-Star


The Dean Martin Tribute at the Spot Bar will run June 14-16 and will feature an annual tribute to Martin.

JoJo DiAlbert, bar owner, said one of the most popular performers from years past will be performing this year during the tribute.

"Tom Stevens is back by popular demand," said DiAlbert of the Dino impersonator. "He hasn't been to the festival in three years."

DiAlbert said a Dean Martin Karaoke Party kicks things off at 7 p.m. June 14 at the Spot Bar. On June 15 the Spot Bar will feature Italian singer Mirella Volpe at 7:30 p.m. followed by Rich Treglia and Russ Loniello and a Dino singing contest. The evening will conclude with the Dean & Frank Show starring Tom Stevens and Dave Salera.

Entertainment on June 15 will begin at 1 p.m. with the Frank Gallo Italian Band and Dino's hits and sing-along. At 7 p.m. the entertainment will continue with Russ Loniello and the winner of the Dino singing contest. The evening ends with Chris Denem's tribute to Neil Diamond.

The Dean Martin Hometown Celebration Day is set for June 16 and will include sightseeing, recollecting, praying, shopping, eating and entertainment at various sites throughout the city, according to organizers.

Tours of the Dean Martin Room at the Jefferson County Historical Museum on Franklin Avenue will be offered throughout the day. A 10:30 a.m. Mass is set to remember Dean Martin at the Holy Name Cathedral. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., free hot dogs and drinks will be available at the Hollywood Shopping Plaza along with memorabilia sales. And the Rat Pack concert featuring a 13-piece orchestra, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra entertainers is set from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Steubenville High School. There is a $5 admission donation that will benefit the performing arts programs at local high schools.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

I have often opined that Dean Martin, not Frank Sinatra, was the best of the Rat Pack bunch.

Hey pallies, likes I loves to find music lovers who truly takes our Dino seriously even though our most beloved Dino never ever seemed to takes himself that way. So, likes I am thrilled to introduce you to Dino-devotee Mr. Adam Sheets, a dude truly after my own Dino-heart 'cause as he sez in what I have tagged this Dino-gram, "I have often opined that Dean Martin, not Frank Sinatra, was the best of the Rat Pack bunch," is pure and simply the absolute Dino-truth.

Writin' for the pad "Moon Runners" Mr. Sheets has assembled an outstandin' piece of prose that compares the musical efforts of our Dino and his great pallie Frank Sinatra with the accent on "How We Measure Greatness." While Adam's thoughts tend to focus more on Mr. Sinatra and his musical methods, he obviously is deeply, purely, and truly devoted to our Dino sayin' thin's like...

"Dean Martin was an artist very much of his time, but he was also one of the best of that particular era."

"...it's my belief that Dino's legacy will equal or eclipse Sinatra's."

It's a truly interestin' Dino-read pallies, and even though I always have been, always will be a diehard Dino-holic...Dino-only is my charge!....Mr. Sheets thoughts on Mr. Sinatra's contributions are very well thought out and quite insightful.

ilovedinomartin sends out our thanks to Mr. Adam Sheets at "Moon Runners" for a very very thoughtful reflection on our Dino and Sinatra and how we measure each's greatness. To view this in it's orginal format, likes just clicks on the tag of this here Dino-message. Dino-psyched, DMP

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and How We Measure Greatness

Written by Adam Sheets on 16 May 2012

In private conversation, I have often opined that Dean Martin, not Frank Sinatra, was the best of the Rat Pack bunch. Lately, though, I have been on a big Sinatra kick and while I'm not ready to change my opinion, I am willing to declare the contest a draw as well as offer an opinion on why Sinatra has retained more respect, at least so far.

The main point is this. Frank Sinatra was an artist ahead of his time, but we've caught up with him. Dean Martin was an artist very much of his time, but he was also one of the best of that particular era. Frank Sinatra has been rightfully hailed as an innovator, but as his innovations sink into oblivion, it's my belief that Dino's legacy will equal or eclipse Sinatra's.

Confused yet? Ok. Allow me to explain.

In the '50s, albums were merely collections of songs. There were the A and B sides of the two singles and eight tracks that were either not quite right for airplay or that were throwaways meant merely to fill space.

Today, albums are unified artistic statements, where thought is put into the song selection, the order of the songs, and the mood the album creates as a whole. Rock and roll (and specifically the Beatles) are often credited with making the album the unique art form we love today, but in reality much of the credit should go to Frank Sinatra.

Sinatra had been recording since the mid-'30s, beginning as a big band singer and had been releasing albums as a solo artist since 1946. But on 1954's Songs for Young Lovers, he could have laid the blueprint for the modern album. The songs all fit the theme of love, all were arranged by George Siravo and conducted by Nelson Riddle and there was obviously a lot of thought put into the record as a whole.

But he didn't lay the blueprint with that album, unfortunately. The problem with Songs for Young Lovers was the recording industry at the time. The longest format for pop albums was 10" records. 12" LPS were preserved for classical and opera works. Sinatra and his arranger were therefore, constrained to eight songs and the album clocks in at 21 minutes in length.

So the next year, when he had the opportunity to record a full 12" LP, he jumped on the chance and that is where he truly invented the modern album. In the Wee Small Hours, which is consistently ranked as one of the greatest albums ever made was a true masterpiece, featuring 16 songs of loneliness and heartbreak, inspired by the breakup of his highly publicized marriage to actress Ava Gardner.

For the rest of his tenure on Capitol Records, Sinatra would continue to release a string of great albums: Songs for Swingin' Lovers, Only the Lonely, Come Fly With Me, and Nice 'n' Easy to name just a few. By this time, his idea of what an album could be was catching. Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and others in Sinatra's traditional pop vein were releasing concept albums and "album artists" were becoming successes in rock and country music.

Then in the early '60s, he became an innovator once again. He founded Reprise Records, with the stated goal of putting the artists in control of their own music. This period found Sinatra collaborating with such artists as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Bing Crosby, poet Rod McKeun, and Brazilian composer Antonio Carols Jobim, while also releasing some of his most ambitious concept albums.

One of the artists who was signed to Sinatra's Reprise label was his longtime friend Dean Martin. Although both were members of the infamous Rat Pack and both performed in the same genre, their approaches were totally different.

Dean Martin began his career as a nightclub singer, but really found success after pairing with comedian Jerry Lewis, with whom he appeared in movies and TV shows for nearly a decade. He continued to appear in many great movies, particularly westerns, after the relationship with Jerry Lewis dissolved and he went on to host a TV variety show for years. Sinatra, on the other hand, had appeared in movies and even won Oscars, but in the minds of the general public he was a singer while Dino was an entertainer.

Perhaps that has to do with their handling of the music itself. Sinatra took every aspect of his music seriously and threw himself into every song emotionally and created albums centered around that approach. Dean Martin developed the persona of a carefree, drunken crooner and after the first decade of his career he performed nearly every song in this manner.

But he did have one hell of an ear for material. While on Reprise, Martin was far more commercially successful than Sinatra, with hit singles such as "Everybody Loves Somebody," "Houston," and "Little Ole Wine Drinker Me." And while Frank was trying to remain commercially relevant to young crowds by performing songs by the likes of the Beatles, John Denver, and Stevie Wonder, Dean Martin had realized that the best material was being written by people like Merle Haggard, Roger Miller and John Hartford.

Yet, for all of that, I can't wholeheartedly recommend any Dean Martin album other than a greatest hits compilation to somebody who's a newcomer to his music. And while not every Sinatra album is great, all of them are worth hearing at least once. Like any artist, he had his ups and downs.

So, based on what you've read, you should be expecting me to hail Sinatra as the better of the two. Sorry to disappoint you. This is merely an indication of how we judge greatness. We think Sinatra was better than Dean Martin because he was an album artist, yet he still wasn't as good as the Beatles because he didn't write his own material.

Rock fans who grew up believing that an album is a recording artist's biggest showcase were naturally drawn to Sinatra over Martin, but this is simply our own egos talking. Our assumption that our ways are superior to those of both the past and the future. Maybe they are, but that is for history to judge. Who are we to say that interpretive singers are any less valid than singer-songwriters? Who are we to say that a great album eclipses a great song?

There are few things I love more than a great album, but with the rise of iTunes and digital downloads, it's a dying art form. We are sinking back into the trends of the first five decades of the 20th century, when the single was King. And when that trend puts the albums (and the record labels) into oblivion and listeners are unwilling to sit through more than two songs at a time, Sinatra's accomplishments and innovations may be seen as relics of their time while history judges Dean Martin as the better artist of the two. And I'm in no position to say they're wrong.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Dean would stumble down a flight of stairs, cigarette in hand (later he would slide down a fireman’s pole), sing a lively standard, tell a joke or two

Hey pallies, likes lest we think that all the great days in Dino-history are in the past, this very very Dino-day is of HUGE import to all of us that so so loves our most beloved Dino. On this very day, May 22, 2012 we celebrate the release of the first batch of full episodes of the glorious Dino-show.... "Dean Martin Variety Show - UNCUT!"

Likes I have been waitin' with bated breath to gets my Dino-thrist slacked on this 3 DVD release and today is the day dudes....although it appears that I am gonna have to wait for Friday to arrive when the set is scheduled to be delivered to my local store.

So, likes while I wait for my first opportunity to view 'em in their total Dino-glory, I shares with you 'nother review of the collection with you. This time we visit with the pallies at "MovieGazetteOnline.com," where editor-in-chief Miss Rebecca Wright has assembled her Dino-thoughts on this collection. Wright has written a credible review of the content on the shows, but for some reason has failed to mention that solo numbers that our Dino performs in each episode...which is of the upmost importance to this Dino-phile.

ilovedinomartin sez thanks to Miss Rebecca Wright and her pad "MovieGazetteOnline.com" for puttin' the accent on this most important of Dino-releases encouragin' her readership to partake of this 'citin' Dino-release. To read this in it's original format, likes just clicks on the tag of this here Dino-gram. Dino-always, ever, and only, DMP

DVD Review: The Dean Martin Variety Show – Uncut

Written by Rebecca Wright • May 20, 2012

Having run for nine seasons, The Dean Martin Show was one of the most popular shows on television during its 1965-1974 run. Broadcast during a time of great political upheaval, as war raged in Vietnam, Dean Martin’s relaxed, laid back attitude seemed to be a breath of fresh air for both his audience and his guests. Initially, Martin hadn’t wanted to commit to a weekly series. Therefore, when NBC came to him with an offer, his contract demands were deliberately outrageous. Along with a high salary, Martin would only show up for tapings. Much to Martin’s surprise, the network agreed. Given Dean’s lack of rehearsal, screw-ups flubs happened, but he laughed them off, joking about his inability to read cue cards, etc.

Over the years, DVD’s have been released containing clips of the 264 shows, some resulting in lawsuits from NBC Universal claiming copyright infringement. Now, for the first time, Time Life has released The Dean Martin Variety Show: Uncut; a three DVD set containing six uncut (with one exception, which I’ll discuss later) episodes.

Despite the spontaneous look and feel of things, The Dean Martin Show had a fairly predictable structure. After the opening bars of "Everybody Loves Somebody,"—a 1964 hit for Martin, that actually knocked The Beatles' "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" out of Number #1 spot on the pop charts—Dean would stumble down a flight of stairs, cigarette in hand (later he would slide down a fireman’s pole), sing a lively standard, tell a joke or two, and introduce that night’s guests. Every musical guest performed a solo, then a duet with Dean. If the guest wasn’t a singer, they’d chat with Dean and do a skit of some sort. From there, nearly every show would find Dean moving to his “music room” where he would peek into a closet where an unscheduled guest would make a cameo. Apparently, Dean never knew who was behind the door, so it was always a fun surprise. From there, he would leap Ken Lane's piano to knock off a few song parodies, and then sing a romantic standard. The show ended with a big production number, Dean thanking viewers, and reminding them to “keep those cards and letters coming in."

The episodes included on The Dean Martin Variety Show are as follows:

Show #0025 / Original Air Date: March 3, 1966

Legendary comedian Sid Caesar is on hand to provide some laughs. I’ve never been the biggest Sid Caesar fan, but there’s no denying that the man has tremendous talent. Musical guest Marguerite Piazza, Sid Caesar’s co-star on Your Show of Shows, sings a lovely rendition of “Come Back to Sorrento” and joins Dean for “Santa Lucia.” Sultry singer, entertainer Abbe Lane (ex-wife of bandleader Xavier Cugat) slinks across the stage performing, “Whatever Lola Wants” with a troupe of dancers. Abbe also joins Sid and Dean for a lighthearted version of “Real Live Girl.” The Letterman to sing a West Side Story Medley, and comedian George Gobel (a frequent guest on a lot of ‘60s variety television) provides a comedy spot. Looking at it today, the strangest segment of the show has to be strongman act, David & Goliath. Let’s just say I’m not sure it would sit well with today’s network advertisers…

Show #0718 / Original Airdate: January 12, 1967

The then popular comedy team of Allen & Rossi provides some hearty laughs; Steve Rossi who also had a career as a singer, gets the chance to sing, “My Lonely Room.” A young Jackie Mason performs a comedy routine. Singer/entertainer Leslie Uggams performs a couple of Gershwin tunes, one number, “Fascinating Rhythm Medley,” features Les Brown’s famous drummer, Jack Sperling. Vaudevillian and character actor Eddie Foy Jr., performs a dance routine with Barbra Perry. Pat Boone is the surprise guest in the closet when Dean moves to his music room.

Show #0811 / Original Air Date: November 16, 1967

Dancer Cyd Charisse performs a couple of routines. The nice surprise for me is the appearance of Buddy Ebsen. I knew him well from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Beverly Hillbillies, and Barnaby Jones, but was less familiar with his prowess as a dancer. He performs an impressive tap dance here. Semi-regular Dom Deluise appears in a couple of skits; his appearances are always memorable. One of Dean’s favorite singing partners, Barbara McNair joins in the fun for three songs, and a memorable showbiz finale. Also, this episode marks comedian Albert T. Berry’s television debut, and singer/actor Phil Harris is the special guest in the closet.

Show #0815 / Original Air Date: December 14, 1967

The legendary Bob Newhart performs his classic sketch “Defusing a Bomb.” If you’re a fan of comedy, this routine is worth the price of the DVD set alone. And Dom Deluise returns as a Superman wannabe. While Caterina Valente shows off a variety of talents—dancing, comedy, Terpsichore—while comedian Guy Marks (a Dean Martin favorite), does his interpretation of “Volare.”

Show #0820 / Original Air Date: January 25, 1968

Where else can you have the legendary Orson Welles doing a reading from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, and doing a magic act within minutes of each other? Frequent guest, entertainer, Joey Heatherton sings a couple of unspectacular songs, but looks great doing it, while Bob Melvin and Professor Backwards occupy the comedy spots. Country legend Buck Owens performs “How Long Will My Baby Be Gone,” and “I’ve Got a Tiger by the Tail,” with Dean.

To their credit, Time-Life admits that one duet between Buck Owens and Dean is not included, as the original master tape was destroyed. Given the age of the tapes, and the fact that no one even considered that viewers might one day have their own home video libraries, it’s entirely understandable.

Show #623 / Original Airdate: February 25, 1971

Given the fact that The Golddiggers and The Dingaling Sisters are featured prominently here, fans of The Dean Martin Show May find this episode the jewel of the three disc set. The Dingaling Sisters perform a spirited version of “Funky Chicken,” while The Golddiggers join Dean for the rousing “Welcome to My World” finale, which features wonderful harmonizing on “I Could Write a Book,” “Just Friends,” and “It’s Easy to Remember”. Comics Jackie Vernon and Fred Smoot provide plenty of laughs, while Broadway legend Zero Mostel is just plain zany. Show regular Kay Medford stops by and “interrupts” things, and Tommy Tune shows off his dancing skills. If that weren’t enough, Robert Wagner is the special guest in the closet.

No matter the episode, The Dean Martin Show unfurls like a subtle parody of the format. It was (and is) obvious that Dean was reading most of his lines from cue cards (he regularly made jokes about doing so), no doubt largely due to his refusal to rehearse. No matter though, there was something about Dean’s devil-may-care attitude that made him seem accessible. Flub a line? Not a problem. Dino would just grin and move on; this was a guy comfortable in his own skin.

It’s great to see these six uncut episodes available on DVD. A time capsule of a bygone era, The Dean Martin Show was one of the best when it came to the variety format. Over nine seasons, and 264 episodes, nearly everyone who was anyone in show business wanted to appear on television with Dean Martin. Hopefully, we will be given the chance to see more complete episodes soon.

These presentations won’t blow you away. As you might expect with a forty-plus year-old show that didn’t expect to be seen beyond its original airing, colors are somewhat washed out, and scratches are evident from time to time. Even so, no of this should be too much of a concern for fans who have been waiting years for uncut episodes of this show.

No special features are available.

Monday, May 21, 2012

The guy is too damn cool NOT to do a portrait of him.

Hey pallies, likes you just never know what sorta Dino-devotion you're gonna come 'cross as you surf the 'net lookin' for Dino-treasure. Stumblin' upon a Japanese pad full of Dino-reverences (that's 'nother Dino-story for 'nother Dino-day) likes I came 'cross a site tagged "devianART" where a artiste named Melvin Marreo has shared a stunnin' piece of Dino-art usin' digital art with the accent on paintin' and airbrushin'.

Likes I simply grooves on the comment that Mr. Marreo shares 'bout his Dino-creativity..."The guy is too damn cool NOT to do a portrait of him." Likes couldn't of said it better 'bout our most beloved Dino!

Kudos to Mr. Melvin Marreo for sharin' this great piece of Dino-artistry with us...truly our Dino is worthy of all our best efforts. To view this pix at the orginal site, just clicks on the tag of this here Dino-gram. Keeps lovin' our Dino pallies...and be sure to sure what ever talents you have to honor our amazin' man!
Dino-supportively, DMP




Digital Art / Paintings & Airbrushing / People / Portraits

Melvin Marrero

The guy is too damn cool NOT to do a portrait of him.

I was really trying to push the painted look w/ a higher level of realism. I think it came out really good.

Friday, May 18, 2012

You wish you were that cool.

Hey pallies, likes the web is an unendin' source of deep, pure, and true devotion to our Dino and likes all one has to do is be willin' to do some searchin' to find more and more glorious Dino-appeciato. Case in point, yesterday I decided to put the words Dean Martin and Smoking into the google blog engine and likes I came 'cross the followin' wondrous'y wise thoughts on our most beloved Dino.

From the site "TV Tropes And Idioms," (the pad explains that "Tropes are devices and conventions that a writer can reasonably rely on as being present in the audience members' minds and expectations), from an unknown scriber, comes a relatively brief but boldly prsented piece of Dino-homagin' featurin' that oh so true Dino-desire, " You wish you were that cool," followed up with the Dino-reflection, "He didn't have to invoke the rule; he was just cool."

Likes pallies what I digs the mostest 'bout this particular Dino-devotion is that it includes likes two dozen very very evocative and oh so provocative phrases of simply delightful Dino-descriptions such as...."Cool Old Guy: His coolness only increased with age." Likes dudes you are simply gonna wants to takes to the time to embrace all of 'em for your Dino-edification.

Today's Dino-find simply gives me more and more Dino-desire to keeps on doin' more and more 'net searchin' to shares with all youse Dino-philes gathered here at ilovedinomartin. Hats off to the pallies at "TV Tropes And Idioms" for addin' to all us pallies Dino-passion. Keeps lovin' our Dino! Dino-always, only, and ever, DMP

You wish you were that cool.

Dean Martin (1917-1995; born Dino Paul Crocetti) was a singer, actor, comedian, vice-president of the Rat Pack, and the epitome of cool. He didn't have to invoke the rule; he was just cool.

He was a non-descript singer with a pretty good East Coast reputation until 1946, when he met and teamed up with Jerry Lewis. They would become the hottest comedy team in America over the next ten years. It was universally accepted that Lewis was the better talent and that he carried Martin, but Lewis consistently praised Martin's work and said the team was "50-50".

The team broke up mostly because Martin wanted to do some serious acting. No one thought much of his chances, but he quickly knocked out three impressive performances: The Young Lions (1957), Some Came Running (1958), and Rio Bravo (1959). He then followed those up with the memorable Ocean's Eleven in 1960.

All the while he was acting, he was also recording. Once he settled on his trademark "crooning" style, he became one of the most beloved singers in America. "Ain't That a Kick in the Head", which Dino first performed in the original Ocean's Eleven, is today the emblematic song of the Rat Pack period. (Want proof? It was used in a Budweiser Super Bowl commercial.) He's also well known for "That's Amore" and "Everybody Loves Somebody".

During the Rat Pack years and subsequently, Dino was rarely seen without a lowball glass (his Vanity License Plate read "DRUNKY"). Most (but not all) of the time though, he was drinking apple juice. Likewise, while his best friend, Frank Sinatra, caroused and tomcatted, Dino went home every night to his wife, Jeanne. When they divorced in 1973, she said simply, "He was home every night."

Most tropers of a certain age know him as the host of the Dean Martin Show (NBC, 1965-1974) and the Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts (also NBC, 1975-1984).

It says above that Dino died in 1995, but he really died on March 21, 1987, when his son Dean Paul (who had done a little singing and acting himself) was killed when his California Air National Guard jet crashed. Dino was never the same. Sinatra tried to coax him back on the road — the "Together Again Tour", 30 shows in 40 days. Dino hung in for one week, then flew home. In 1993, the lifelong smoker was diagnosed with lung cancer, and made few public appearances afterward. Jeanne was at his side till the end.


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His career provides examples of:
•Badass Baritone: In Ocean's Eleven, Robin and the Seven Hoods and many more.
•Big Brother Instinct: Martin was rather protective of Lewis during their years as a team. Once he threw a mobster who was threatening Lewis into a shelf of glasses behind the bar they were sitting at.
•Claustrophobia: He had it.
•Comedic Sociopathy: A significant part of his act with Lewis.
•Cool Old Guy: His coolness only increased with age.
•Eloquent In My Native Tongue: He spoke only Italian until starting school and was the target of frequent ridicule for his broken English.
•The Eponymous Show: Also The Eponymous Celebrity Roasts.
•Gentleman Thief: In Ocean's Eleven.
•Gratuitous Italian: Played straight in that he often used Italian words and phrases. Averted in that he really did speak Italian.
•Improv: An essential part of his nightclub act with Lewis.
•The Lancer: To whatever character Frank Sinatra was playing when they appeared in a film together.
•Latin Lover: Without the dancing, typically.
•The Mafia: Had various encounters with them, friendly and otherwise, while touring with Lewis.
•My Name Is Not Durwood: Martin loved to do this purposefully with Lewis' last name. His favorite variations were Lucas, Loomis, Lousy and Looseleaf.
•Neighbourhood Friendly Gangsters: His character in Robin and the Seven Hoods.
•Playing Drunk: Became his shtick after Martin and Lewis broke up.
•Rat Pack
•Screw the Rules, I Have Connections!: His most important connection was probably Frank Sinatra.
•Smoking Is Cool
•Smoking Is Glamorous
•Stage Names: First "Dino Martini," then, at his bandleader's suggestion, Dean Martin.
•Straight Man: To Jerry Lewis when they were an act.
•Vanity License Plate: "DRUNKY"
•Variety Show: The Dean Martin Show and Colgate Comedy Hour.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

“Dean Martin. Voilà, I like Dean Martin, especially when he’s sober.”

Hey pallies, likes this is turnin' out to be quite a special week of reportin' on special pallies with special devotion to our Dino. On Tuesday we learned of Miss Ida Callahan and the amazin' opportunity she had to spend an evenin' with our Dino and his pallies Frank and Shirley while the trio was in Indiana on location filmin' "Some Came Running." Yesterday we shared a wonderful remembrance of rock musician Bob Dylan and how he spent a whole day of rehearsal simply listin' to our Dino singin' and then singin' dem songs himself.

Well today from the blog of "The Hollywood Reporter" we learn of the wonderful devotion to our Dino by Cannes Film Festival President Gilles Jacob. Scriber Miss Rebecca Leffler has done a feature on Mr. Jacob on the 65th anniversary of the Cannes Festival that speaks of a very special documentary, "A Special Day," that Jacob has filmed in honor of this anniverary.

When quired by Miss Leffler 'bout his "Hollywood heroes" Gilles singles out our most beloved Dino sayin'....If he had to pick just one favorite, it would be: “Dean Martin. Voilà, I like Dean Martin, especially when he’s sober.” Likes pallies, likes how totally totally heart-warmin' it is to hear that of all the counter actors that Mr. Gilles Jacob has had the pleasure of knowin'....he has so so boldly and beautifully spoken of his abidin' devotion to our one and only Dino! Here is a man of true class who knows that the classiest entertainer to ever grace Hollywood is none other then our Dino!

ilovedinomartin is thrilled to be able to share Jacob's wondrous words of Dino-devotion with you and says our thanks to Miss Rebecca Leffler and the pallies at "The Hollywood Reporter" for gettin' this interview into print to gladen the hearts of all who loves our Dino. To read the whole prose, as usual, just clicks on the tag of this Dino-message. Dino-only, DMP



Even with so many hands to shake and people to greet, some lucky festgoers do leave their mark on him.

“The stars that impress me the most are the American stars because they know how to do everything: act, sing, dance, move, be active, walk up a staircase, in sum, a way of carrying themselves with grace and ease that’s unique in the world,” he says of his Hollywood heroes. If he had to pick just one favorite, it would be: “Dean Martin. Voilà, I like Dean Martin, especially when he’s sober.” However, he adds that choosing his favorite actress is too difficult a task: “Impossible. There are too many. But maybe Gene Tierney – what a lady!”

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

One of the three days we played only Dean Martin songs.

Hey pallies, likes on a few occasions we have previously spoken of the fact that our most beloved Dino was like rock musician Bob Dylan's hero...and likes today's Dino-devotion gives more proof to that sentiment. From a very interestin' Japanese blog,"seesaa," come a feature tagged "Foomy On Art, Books, Social Issues, Life & Work," where three different pallies speak of their experiences of workin' with Mr. Dylan in the post, "Bob Dylan, Past, Present."

The second of the trio of remembrances is scribed by a dude tagged Mr. David Camper who obviously played backup for Dylan. Camper remembers a time when he was in a three day rehearsal with Dylan when on.... "One of the three days we played only Dean Martin songs. We play them on the record-player, and then he’d sing it, and then we were ready, we could play the whole repertoire, we could do a gig playing all those songs." Camper does on to say that Dylan never ever did do the Dino-tunes in a gig, but likes how cool to know that rocker Dylan dug our Dino so so much that he spent a whole day of rehearsin' only Dino-croons.

ilovedinomartin is thrilled to be able to share this wondrous bit of Dino-adulation with you dudes and thanks Mr. David Camper for sharin' this stunnin' remembrance. To read the whole prose on Dylan, simply clicks on the tag of this Dino-gram.

In doin' some 'net searchin' on more possible connects between Bob Dylan and our great man, likes did find the cool pix below which features Dylan watchin' our Dino on his great Dino-show. And, likes also found a youtube clip of Dylan's cover of our Dino's "Return To Me", recorded in 2000, and released on the soundtrack album for the television show The Sopranos in 2001.

Likes always always loves find others of the rich and famous who are as sold out to our great man as much as Dino-holics likes us are. Very very cool to learn more 'bout Bob Dylan's obvious deep, pure, and true devotion to our Dino. Dino-always, only, and ever, DMP



“If you ever walked with Dylan around town - which I didn’t do very often if not at all - he’d go out and disguises and he could disappear. You would look at this person and you wouldn’t think it’s Bob. I don’t know how he did it. He has ways of getting around and be unrecognizable, but then again he is recognizable every five steps.”

“We did one show, and the crowd became like Beatle-maniac, they came at the hood of the car, and on the roof of the car, and we’re were driving slow, and I was like, “be careful, we don’t wanna hurt anybody”, and then Bob looked over and said, “what’s the matter”, I said, “well, I’m frightened,” and he said, “what are you scared of, it’s only love.”
I said, well, I can’t get used to this, but then he said agaim, David, it’s only love.

We would play in a rehearsal hall for three days. One of the three days we played only Dean Martin songs. We play them on the record-player, and then he’d sing it, and then we were ready, we could play the whole repertoire, we could do a gig playing all those songs. But we never ever played them. We just polished them up and that was that. And he would do that with Johnny and Jack songs, and the Stanley Brothers and really early American artists too. He would turn us on to these things, he would bring records and make tapes for us with all that early stuff, and the next day at rehearsals we’d run through them and learn to play them. And most of them we never would play. And the first day we came together for “Love And Theft” he started playing, and he would say, I wanna play it in a style of this song. Say, we played Summer Days, and he would start with Rebecca by Pete Johnson and Big Joe Turner. Then it became apparent to me, that he’d been training us over a year to learn these old styles. That way, we were far more prepared for what he had in store than had he not gone through this precedure. We never talked about this, maybe that’s the way I took that process, it certainly was like going to college for me, or to a school of Bob, or a school of Americana music, presented by Bob.”

--David Camper

Monday, May 14, 2012

Everybody thought Dean Martin drank so much, but he only had one drink that entire evening.

Hey pallies, likes I totally totally loves readin' story of everyday ordinary pallies who got the thrillin' opportunity to me in the immediate presence of our Dino while he walked earth. Today we hear 'nother tale of those among the most blessed to hang out with our most beloved Dino. From the newspaper blog, "News And Tribune," of Jefferson, Indiana come reporter Miss Amanda Beam's retellin' of the night that Miss Ida Callahan spent mixin' it up with our Dino.

Seems that our great man, and his pallies Mr. Frank Sinatra and Miss Shirley MacClaine were in the area on location filmin' that Dino-epic, Some Came Running."
On night the trio visited a restaurant in New Albany to gets themselves some eats.
Well the owner of said eatery called Miss Ida with the huge news, and Miss Callahan made her way to the pad, and believe it or not pallies ended up playin' the piano for our Dino and his pallies "as they sang the night away."

It simply takes my breath away to hear Miss Ida recountin' her Dino-encounter, and likes how wonderful to have her share this experience with the wider Dino-world! And, as you will read, how much Callahan was impressed by bein' with our great man.
Below is an excerpt from the entire prose as scribed by Miss Beam. To read the entire article, as usual, simply clicks on the tag of this Dino-gram.

Thanks Miss Ida for lettin' us all in on your time on your Dino-adventure, and to Miss Amanda Beam for gettin' it into print. Dino-awed, DMP



THE REST OF THE STORY

But there’s more to Callahan’s life story than politics. A gifted piano, organ, keyboard and accordion player, she’s musically accompanied stars like Patrick Swayze and Wayne Newton. She worked with both men at a local horse show. She’s introduced Tommy Tune at a Kentucky Derby event. And during the New York World’s Fair, she danced with Guy Lombardo and played his famous accordion. Callahan holds four copyrights to her own original songs.

And, she once even reveled with several members of the Rat Pack.

While filming a movie called “Some Came Running” in Madison, movie icons Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Shirley MacClaine visited New Albany for a bite to eat. Callahan’s friend, the owner of the restaurant, phoned her about the trio. Callahan not only met all three, but played the piano for them as they sang the night away.

“After everybody left, we were still around and we sang all night. Everybody thought Dean Martin drank so much, but he only had one drink that entire evening. But Sinatra, he was the one who did the drinking,” Callahan said.

“It was just an evening of fun. It turned out to be all night long. One song led to another, led to another, and to another.”

Digital Digest: The Dean Martin Variety Show - Uncut DVD Review

Hey pallies, likes today we visit 'nother new-to-ilovedinomartin
pad, "SitcomsOnline.com News Blog" what what woulda 'pear to be the first review of the upcomin' May 22 release of "The Dean Martin Variety Show-Uncut" DVD set.

I find the review luke warm at best, but we do find a list of original viewin' dates, the times for each of the 6 episodes, and the guests appearin' on each of the shows.
What we don't find is a listin' of the musical numbers featured in each episode...which is somethin' that I am most eager to learn.

It is obvious that the unnamed review had never seen the Dino-show when it first aired and is not much smitten by the contents...music..skits...or whatever. However, the scriber does acknowlege that "fans of Dean Martin are certain to appreciate this."

Certainly ilovedinomartin hopes to bring you more appreciate reviews of this soon-in-comin' Dino-release, but likes did what to share this with you dudes as it is the first posted review that has surfaced. Knows that I am so so anticipatin' gettin' my ordered set soon after the May 22 release date. To read this in it's original format, likes just clicks on the tag of this Dino-gram. Dino-always, ever, and only, DMP


Saturday, May 12, 2012

Digital Digest: The Dean Martin Variety Show - Uncut DVD Review

BLOG FEATURE REVIEW



Blog DVD Review: The Dean Martin Variety Show - Uncut (Time Life, $29.98)
by skees53

In 1965, NBC was eager to give Dean Martin a TV series. However, Martin wasn't interested in doing a TV series, and offered to do a series only if NBC could meet his demands, demands which he believed no network would ever meet, such as a high salary and being able to show up to do the series for literally one hour per week, with no rehearsal or preparation. Much to his surprise, NBC did agree to those demands, and out of this came The Dean Martin Show, a series which ran for nine years on NBC, airing at 10 PM on Thursday nights for eight of those years. Coming across as a man who just didn't care (but wanted to have fun), Martin hosted the variety show for 30 weeks per year, while often drinking (though it was purported to have been apple juice) and chain-smoking his way through each and every episode.

Several releases of clips of episodes have been released over the years, including some which resulted in lawsuits from NBCUniversal against another company which released the series. All of these releases have had one thing in common, though. They were all releases with essentially the best clips of the series. That is, until now. Because now, Time Life has licensed... legally and authentically... from NBCUniversal six complete (or technically, almost complete) episodes of the series for their release of The Dean Martin Variety Show - Uncut.

As we've already mentioned, the set contains six episodes of the series on six discs. Among the episodes included here, we have one episode from each of seasons 1, 2, and 5, and three episodes from season 3. In these episodes, you'll primarily find the typical staples of a variety show of the era, a series with a lot of singing and dancing, along with a few skits and often a stand up comedian performance along the way. The singing and dancing is especially prominent in the first episode, where we get to see a West Side Story medley from The Lettermen, and a (somewhat disturbing) "Strongman Act" performance by David & Goliath, two guys giving an onstage performance wearing nothing but a pair of gold briefs and gold slippers. The second episode shows a few performances from Leslie Uggams, who would later have her own variety series. On the third episode, we get to see a few comedy bits from Buddy Ebsen and Dom DeLuise. Bob Newhart makes one of his earliest appearances in the fourth episode, although it isn't his first. In fact, he is joined by two of his co-stars from the TV series The Entertainers in this episode: Caterina Valente and Dom DeLuise. In the fifth episode, Orson Welles stops by to give us a reading from a Shakespeare play and a magic act which he entertained U.S. troops with during World War II. Finally, in the sixth episode, Broadway star Zero Mostel and Tommy Tune stop by to give a dance routine.

So, it was mentioned a bit earlier that the episodes were "almost" complete. What do we mean by that? Well, Time Life made a bit of a blunder in calling this set uncut, because by their own admission, one of the episodes (January 25, 1968) is missing a song from Dean Martin and Buck Owens because the original master was destroyed. I honestly believe that is the reason which the song is missing. The other performances from Buck Owens are included in the episode. Still, I think that perhaps the episode should have been changed to make this a truly unedited set, because everything else looks unedited. Each episode even has original NBC "in color" bumpers, original NBC closing logos, and even commercial bumpers... although the names of the sponsors in the bumpers are removed and we get a somewhat strange 30 second instrumental interlude of "Everybody Loves Somebody" with a photo of Martin smoking a cigarette in the background. Episodes included, along the runtimes and guest stars, are as follows.


•March 3, 1966 (51:45) - featuring Sid Caesar, Abbe Lane, George Gobel, Marguerite Piazza, The Letterman, and David & Goliath
•January 12, 1967 (52:10) - featuring Jackie Mason, Leslie Uggams, Eddie Foy Jr., Allen & Rossi, and Pat Boone (in closet)
•November 16, 1967 (51:42) - Buddy Ebsen, Cyd Charisse, Dom DeLuise, Barbara McNair, Albert T. Berry, and Phil Harris
•December 14, 1967 (49:47) - Bob Newhart, Dom DeLuise, Caterina Valente, and Guy Marks
•January 25, 1968 (50:23) - Orson Welles, Joey Heatherton, Buck Owens, Buck Melvin, and Professor Backwards
•February 25, 1971 (51:53) - Zero Mostel, Tommy Tune, Jackie Vernon, Fred Smoot, The Golddigers, The Dingalings, and Robert Wagner (in closet)

The set comes packaged in a standard Viva case. On the cover, there is a large photo of Martin, along with a smaller photo of him. There is another photo of him on the back, along with a brief description of the series. Inside, you'll find the three discs, each containing two episodes. The disc artwork simply has the title logo of the DVD set as featured on the cover on each disc. There is also a nice episode booklet inside, which includes a page for each episode featured on the set. Here, you'll find all of the guest stars, original airdates, a list of skits, and a brief "analysis" of the episode.

On the main menu, we get a still photo of Martin, along with a bit of singing and dancing from the series. Options on the main menu include Play All and Episodes. When you select Episodes, you get a list of the two episodes on the disc (they really could have just put all of this on the main menu). Upon selecting an episode, you get a list of scenes where you can start the episode, and they have created a chapter for each of the skits on the episode... meaning you'll get about 20 chapters per episode, all appropriately placed.


I don't think that the video and audio quality is going to leave anybody too impressed. After all, these episodes were intended to be aired once... and only once. By and large, that is the only airplay most episodes of this series ever received. Given that, however, the quality is better than one would expect for something where preservation of the episodes wasn't really intended at all. The video quality is very soft and dull, and the audio has a very distinctive hiss in it. Unfortunately, the episodes do not have any subtitles or closed-captioning.

There are no special features on the set. Interviews would have been nice, although I'm not sure exactly who they could have interviewed aside from perhaps Bob Newhart or Robert Wagner... everybody else featured on these episodes is either dead or so far away from showbiz these days that it would be a real stretch to bring them in.

Personally, these variety series from this very early era have very limited appeal to me, and while it was somewhat interesting to watch these, I can't say that I was that impressed with what I saw. The singing and dancing was a bit too much for me, and the comedy of the episodes is a very distinctive style which doesn't age very well... and furthermore, the stand-up comedy in the episodes was (in my opinion) just plain awful. It doesn't help that a majority of the performers featured in the episodes were people I've never even heard of, and even some of my favorites (such as Buddy Ebsen and Bob Newhart) delivered a somewhat disappointing performance. But at the same time, these variety shows have a very strong appeal to those who grew up with them, and fans of Dean Martin are certain to appreciate this. It would be nice to see more complete episodes of this series to come in the future, but if they do, I hope that they include some "better" episodes if they are available. In a sense, I feel like this collection was an almost random collection of subpar episodes. But on the other hand, I'm sure everybody loves a set like this... sometimes.

(4/5 stars)