"Ole Blue Eyes", one of the most enduring entertainers, whose illustrious career as a singer, actor, and performer, spans the 20th Century. The idol of "bobby sockers" in the 40's, "Frankie", "The Voice", to his Academy Award winning performance, as Maggio in "From Here to Eternity", his recordings, albums and performances in nightclubs, worldwide concerts, are unmatched. "The Chairman of the Board" to his Rat Pack Associates… Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford… and everybody that has been anybody in the entertainment world.
Frank Sinatra, the skinny kid from Hoboken, New Jersey, is a legend, a true American icon. He grew up in a minority neighborhood, composed of Italian immigrants, Jews, Spanish and Blacks. He set his sights on becoming a singer, from small night club acts in the Log Cabin Lounge in New Jersey to Tommy Dorsey's Orchestra where he opened The Hit Parade on radio.
Sinatra was then and always has been a staunch supporter and defender of freedom for all races and nationalities, and has contributed his performances, recording to the civil rights movement throughout the ages. His career as singer, actor and performer spanned 60 years during which he continued to define and redefine his stardom in the entertainment industry.
Sinatra was loved and respected by the musicians and it was considered an honor to appear with him. He saved many talented careers, when "bad breaks", illness or family problems had the performers down. Sammy Davis Jr. survived a serious car crash; he lost an eye and could barely focus with the other. The tabloids were saying Davis' career was over, but Frank came to his side at the hospital, and paid for his recovery and appeared with Sammy to give the public a new star. They were friends and preformed together the rest of their lives.
Frank Sinatra's songs became classics, "Night and Day", "That Old Black Magic", "The Lady is a Tramp", "Strangers in the Night", New York, New York", "Three Coins in the Fountain", "Nice and Easy", "My Funny Valentine", "I've Got you Under My Skin", "Witchcraft", "Chicago", "I Get a Kick Out of You", "Don't Worry 'Bout Me", "All the Way", and many more… There are many imitations but only one, the original Frank Sinatra made these songs classics.
Following a divorce from his wife Nancy, and their three 3 children, Frank Jr., Nancy and Tina, he had a torrid love affair with screen star, Ava Garner. His recording career was on hold, but after flying back from Africa (where Ava was appearing in "The Snows of Kilimanjaro"), for a screen test for the role of Maggio in James Jones' film "From Here to Eternity", which he landed, Sinatra won an Academy Award for his commanding performance. He went on to star in films "Higher and Higher", "Guys and Dolls", "The Manchurian Candidate", and many more. His acting career alone made him a star.
He loved to perform and his career, in concerts and recordings, movies and television went on to sold out audiences around the world. There has never been such a resilient star. But his long journey ended in 1999 with family and loved ones at his bedside.
Here Michael Coupe captures Sinatra's poise, class and confidence and the smile of a consummate performer, acknowledging the applause and the love of his audience. Whether on the screen or through the magic of his music, Frank Sinatra was an original, unmatched, his charisma will live in the hearts and minds of lovers of all ages.
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