Martini Man: The Life of Dean Martin

by William Schoell

Book Overview

Martini Man goes beyond the simple caricature of the boozy lounge singer with a penchant for racy humor to reveal the substantive man behind that mask.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0815412886
• ISBN13: 9780815412885
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: Cooper Square Press
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 1.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Dean Martin was the man

excellent book that reviews Dean's life in Steubenville and Cleveland in his earlyu days, as well as his first, second and third marriages. BUT the guy loved his wives,kids and fans He truly was a classic. He is a legend -God doesnt make these kind of guysm no more.

A straightforwardly presented life story

Superbly written by William Schoell (the co-author of "The Rat Pack"), Martini Man: The Life Of Dean Martin is an informed and informative biography of the famous celebrity and entertainment legend Dean Martin (1917-1995). One result of this authoritative biography is to dispel the public image of Dean Martin as a ladies' man and hard drinker who casually used and tossed aside comrades, colleagues, associates, and ladyfriends alike. Martini Man also defends Dean Martin's memory against allegations that he was a "Mafia singer" claiming that Martin's contact with gangsters was inevitable and unavoidable as they owned the best clubs and most popular casinos of the day. Martini Man is an upbeat, detailed, thoroughly researched, and straightforwardly presented life story that is a "must read" for the dedicated legions of Dean Martin's fans.

Ain't That a Kick in the Head?

Okay, perfect book...no, but I liked it much more than I disliked it, and here's why: The information was presented in a palatable, consistent manner. For example, the development of the Jerry Lewis partnership seemed reasonable in light of the aloof, distant qualities that Martin demonstrated from his early days 'til the end, and the interviews with Lewis, himself, seem to support the author's view. The glimpses into his personal life seem grounded in facts and substantiated by ex-wives and others who reinforce the insights. While the entire book was heavy on movie details, no apologies are really necessary since the accompanying musical information was appropriate and useful (if not equal to the film info.) The often understated details of the television program seem reasonable given Martin's apparent lack of interest in the medium (devoting roughly one day a week to a TV show represents a moderate--if not minimal--effort.) And when it's all said and done, the picture that Schoell paints of a charasmatic, easy-going talent who preferred a "night in" versus a "night out" sits just fine with me. I feel like I've seen an even, fair, and unbiased portrayal of an imperfect man's imperfect life. It was certainly worth my time.

How's Your Bird?

This is a nice, level-headed biography of the man and his work. It's short on fluff and long on detail. A bit too much attention, though, is paid to the movies, especially the terrible ones. All in all, a terrific character study. You'll learn a lot.

Entertaining !

Schoell's research was thorough and makes for an enjoyable read. Any fan of Dino or the Rat Pack, will be pleased. A positive view of a great entertainer.