Tag Archives: Frank Sinatra

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The Bootleg Files: Laugh-In

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BOOTLEG FILES 918: “Laugh-In” (short-lived 1977 reboot of the classic comedy show).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: Legal issues are keeping it out of commercial re-release.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Not likely.

In 1977, NBC offered its audience “Laugh-In,” a reboot of the classic 1968-73 comedy series “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” George Schlatter, the producer on the original series, was brought back to helm this new effort. However, Dan Rowan and Dick Martin, the stars of the original production, were unaware this new series was being created – and considering that they owned a piece of that franchise, the lack of communication created more than just ill-will. Rowan & Martin sued Schlatter for using the original show’s format without their permission – the lawsuit was settled out of court in 1980.
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Guys and Dolls (1955)

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“Guys and Dolls” is a film at odds with itself. Most of the footage is a pleasant distraction when it should be an invigorating entertainment, and the peak moments are strangely few and far between. At two-and-a-half hours, it constantly runs the risk of wearing out its welcome. And by the closing credits, it leaves the viewer serenely amused rather than knocked out by the greatness it should have achieved.
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The Bootleg Files: The American Film Institute Presents a Salute to Orson Welles

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BOOTLEG FILES 871: “The American Film Institute Presents a Salute to Orson Welles” (1975 televised tribute to the iconic actor/filmmaker).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: On a VHS label.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: It fell through the cracks.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Unlikely.

Earlier this month, television audiences viewed the American Film Institute’s (AFI) Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Nicole Kidman. Unlike the other movie industry awards, the AFI honors focuses its attention on a single person who puts up with lavish praise and some mild kidding before accepting the star-shaped honor.
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The Bootleg Files: Our Town

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BOOTLEG FILES 862: “Our Town” (1955 television musical production starring Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman and Eva Marie Saint).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: It’s complicated.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Not likely.

One of the most prestigious and ambitious series in the history of American television was “Producers’ Showcase,” which ran from 1954 to 1957 and offered live 90-minute plays starring A-list talent. The series aired every fourth Monday of the month and a total of 37 episodes were created.
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The Bootleg Files: Frank Sinatra Hosts ‘The Tonight Show’

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BOOTLEG FILES 774: “Frank Sinatra Hosts ‘The Tonight Show’” (1977 episode with Sinatra filling in for Johnny Carson).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: There might be a problem with music clearance rights.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: I wish it would be released.

Frank Sinatra did not give many interviews – he certainly didn’t need the publicity, nor did he welcome questions about his personal life that he considered to be intrusive. But there was one time in Sinatra’s life when he had the opportunity to be the one asking the questions – and, believe it or not, he was very good at it.
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Frank Sinatra: His Way

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Those songs! Those broads! Those mob ties (alleged, of course)! On today’s episode of “The Online Movie Show,” we celebrate the movies, music and raucous off-screen antics of Ol’ Blue Eyes with Facebook’s funniest man, Anthony “The Kingfish” Vitamia.

The episode can be heard here.

“The Online Movie Show” is produced at the Platinum Wolfe Studios.