There's a great scene early on in Pal Joey (1957) in which Frank Sinatra (as Joey Evans) does an impromptu audition for the owner of a nightclub. Sinatra begins crooning"I Didn't Know What Time It Was" (and it sounds like he's singing live on the soundstage, accompanying his own pre-recorded part). Then, sensing the nightclub owner's disenchantment with his performance, Sinatra signals the conductor, and the band starts to swing. That beat is Nelson Riddle's "heartbeat rhythm" -- the tempo he and Sinatra implemented so effectively on classic albums such as Songs for Swingin' Lovers (1956), A Swingin' Affair! (1957), and more(!!!). Riddle was the musical director for the film, so it only makes sense. That scene:
As you can see by the embedded video screen cap, that's Robert Reed in his first, albeit uncredited, movie role. When you begin your acting career in a scene in which Frank Sinatra sings directly to you, there's probably nowhere to go but down. It's the "Dere's sumpin' wrong wit his troat" guy from Robin and the 7 Hoods! He must have been a Sinatra pally, because his IMDb entry is brief, with appearances primarily in Sinatra vehicles.
There's a great scene early on in Pal Joey (1957) in which Frank Sinatra (as Joey Evans) does an impromptu audition for the owner of a nightclub. Sinatra begins crooning "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" (and it sounds like he's singing live on the soundstage, accompanying his own pre-recorded part). Then, sensing the nightclub owner's disenchantment with his performance, Sinatra signals the conductor, and the band starts to swing. That beat is Nelson Riddle's "heartbeat rhythm" -- the tempo he and Sinatra implemented so effectively on classic albums such as Songs for Swingin' Lovers (1956), A Swingin' Affair! (1957), and more(!!!). Riddle was the musical director for the film, so it only makes sense. That scene:
As you can see by the embedded video screen cap, that's Robert Reed in his first, albeit uncredited, movie role. When you begin your acting career in a scene in which Frank Sinatra sings directly to you, there's probably nowhere to go but down.
It's the "Dere's sumpin' wrong wit his troat" guy from Robin and the 7 Hoods! He must have been a Sinatra pally, because his IMDb entry is brief, with appearances primarily in Sinatra vehicles.
Hey Chris!
ReplyDeleteI was just hoping for a new Sinatra-post! Thanks for making my Sunday!
JS
My pleasure, Josh!
ReplyDeleteI need to get over here more often. Your Sinatra compendium is as impeccable as it is impressive, sir.
ReplyDeleteNice words, Doc! I need to make my way over to you more often, as well.
ReplyDelete