Got Yourself a Gun

Hollywood is full of clichés. Therefore, everybody tries to get closer to the community they belong. In the case of our two protagonist, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, it means being familiar with “typical Italian corporations”.

Francis Albert Sinatra and Dino Paul Crocetti are both children of Italians immigrates families. Franckie started his carrier as a Jazz singer whereas little Dino was, in a first place, part of comic duo with Jerry Lewis. That was during the late 30’s and the 40’s. They were just two descendants of Italians like others. They were very successful and meet each other in the “Rat Pack”, a band composed of the most famous singers of the moment.

At the origin, “Rat Pack” was a bunch of friends in Hollywood, led by Sinatra and Humphrey Bogart. The second “Rat Pack”, which we are talking, was founded in Las Vegas in 1960. At that time, Vegas was the Mafia shelter. They were mostly preoccupied of rising founds and supports for the JFK campaign. Funny isn’t it? Even more funny considering of the machine they got behind them: Sinatra has always been a great Democratic fan but also a Mafia friend.

During the 30’s, Frank Costello (friend with Lucky Luciano, inspiration of the character of Vito Corleone) helped Sinatra getting a name. La Cosa Nostra understood the importance of show business since the very first years. His role in “From Here to Eternity” was motivated by the same Wise Guys. It’s finally with their support that he was nominated great fan of JFK.

Once he was elected, John Fitzgerald took his distance with the “Rat Pack”. His brother, Bobby, was fighting the organized crime. The band was down in the dust while Vietnam War and Hippies movement made crooners part of history.