Friday, February 26, 2010
Martin And Lewis – Together Forever On DVD
It was the long-awaited reunion that millions of fans had hoped for—on March 1, 1960, the comedy duo of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, estranged since 1956, reunited on the stage of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas! Both were there performing separate acts. Can you imagine the audience excitement when, at the end of Martin’s closing act, he brought his former partner on stage and introduced him? For 15 minutes, the pair joked a bit then sang a duet. But sadly, the brief reunion did not signal a permanent reteaming of their talents.
In the late 40s and early 50s, Martin and Lewis were the hottest act in America, but ultimately, their friendship would not survive the pace and pressure of the business. While critics praised Lewis as the real talent of the team, Martin found himself playing second fiddle to Lewis’ antics. Martin reached his breaking point when Look Magazine gave the team a cover photo but cropped him completely out of the picture. Offended, Martin finished out his contract and left the act in 1956.
After the split, Martin and Lewis enjoyed separate successes. Dean Martin had a singing career, the Matt Helm movie series, and an immensely popular variety show; and we’re all familiar with Jerry Lewis’ roles in comedies, and as long-time host of the annual MDA Telethon. After their 1960 reunion on the stage of The Sands, the two crossed paths publicly just briefly in 1976 and again in 1987. Finally, in 1989, the two appeared together on-stage for the last time at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on Dean’s 72nd birthday. Jerry honored him with a birthday cake and a shower of praise, and quipped “Why we broke up, I’ll never know.”
Their partnership brought us some of the most memorable comedy ever. Although the days of a Martin & Lewis reunion are long since passed, you can relive the best moments from their heyday through these two compilations.
posted by Betty at
8:46 AM
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