DEAN MARTIN

A biography of singer-actor Martin that has the pace, diffidence and depth of one of Martin’s T.V. variety shows.

In this relentlessly upbeat rehash of Martin’s life, Freedland breezes through familiar territory, and, while not shying away from negative terrain, seldom digs for answers or conclusions to questions surrounding Martin’s life and career. The famous Martin and Jerry Lewis partnership, for example, receives due attention as Freedland charts their rise and fall, presenting both sides of their eventual break-up. But were the “pardners” equally to blame for the breach? And what emotional bonds apparently held fast between them after they pursued separate careers? Likewise, tracing Martin’s major success as an actor and singer, Freedland hits all the marks, yet offers little insight. Did Martin work harder than his laid-back performance demeanor suggested? Was he a natural as an actor, or did he woodshed his parts behind the scenes, as the strength of some of his performances suggests? Freedland also offers a very detailed look at the workings of Martin’s greatest success, his TV variety show. The account certainly benefits histories of American television, but skirts key matters that define Martin’s winning image. What can be learned from his popularity? Why did audiences welcome Martin into their homes for 18 years? Was it because the fabulously wealthy charter member of the obnoxious Rat Pack really seemed like a happy neighbor ready to kick back, pour a drink and get high in the den? Perhaps readers who loved Dino will care less as they once more flip through his story.

Dino light and lively; anyone seeking a probing look at the life of Dean Martin should look elsewhere—probably at Nick Tosches’s Dino: Living High in the Dirty Business of Dreams (1992).