Frank Sinatra is Tony Rome! In two Underrated performances!!!
Loaded with action, grit and too many wise cracks and one liners to count. Killer soundtracks and a Nancy Sinatra single. So Why Only Two Movies and no Bluray?
Both Tony Rome ‘67/’68 films starred none other than Frank Sinatra in 2 of his best performances and featured a tremendous supporting cast in both films. Frank was right at home making a living as a case by case private detective and shacking out out on a house boat(something I always wanted to do). Miami at that time was still coming into itself for it’s colorful locales and famous pop culture attractions. Tony Rome was an excellent fit with his irreverent views on betting, boozing and his carefree attitude about life when not on a case. But when he was on the job … there was no better. One never to back down and never tell him to back off. He is like a bulldog.
The flippant dialog mixed with one liners
The character of Rome was based on a series of three novels written by Marvin H Albert.
Nancy Sinatra singing the title track for 1967's Tony Rome
My favorite of the series is The Lady In Cement. and I’m not sure why these stories and the character of Tony Rome has not been revived. It would make a great movie today but not as a reboot ..make the film with a little early background info, feature some flashback shots and move on pick up where the last on left off and I am available to play Tony Rome !!! (keep the stories in late 60’s very early 70’s Miami )
Who killed the Lady In Cement .. was it her boyfriend Gronsky who hired Rome to find her in the first place and why would he if he’s is guilty and to boot he is the main suspect(Blocker) or was it Kit (Raquel) the socialite and why is everyone either turning up dead after he questions them or is out to kill him ..
Frank was at his best with this character. Nobody could deliver the wise cracks better. And look at the locations that were used in the production making the best of the script. Fun and breezy plot plus the supporting cast includes Raquel Welch( favorite actress ..Fathom 1967) ,Dan Blocker (Bonanza), Richard Conte and Lanie Kazan…to top it off a killer opening with Ricou Browning doing the underwater stunts and choreography..released by Fox(1968) is available on DVD and a waiting a much deserved 4K/Bluray with the works in extra features and bonus material.
Lady also had a great soundtrack by Hugo Montenegro.
The breezy, ultra lounge theme created by Hugo for Lady in Cement…super smooth and so ’60s. They just right stuff like this any more or least very far and few in between. Wah wah wah ….
I wish the Tony Rome song sung by Nancy Sinatra from the first film had been reprised ...but we did get a lot of action …fights and car chases. With Sinatra you just can’t go wrong .
Left-Liner notes for the CD release
The soundtrack is on available on CD featuring interviews with Raquel Welch and Dan Blocker. A must is the interview with Blocker. Offering great insight to his choosing the role and the thoughts on networks and sponsors.
***To give you an idea how big Dan Blocker was check out this still with him and Frank…
By the way Dan Blocker is just pure fun to watch ..almost steals every scene he is in ..and the chemistry between Frank and Dan is a joy …
See also additional material regarding Frank Sinatra & his films-
Westrex Sound- used on the production of Lady In Cement-
The Cinematic Film Legacy of Frank Sinatra book in Kindle in a hardcover.
Sinatra Film Collection includes both Tony Rome films at Ebay-
includes both Tony Rome films plus 8 additional titles
Raquel Welch Fathom(1967) available on DVD from Fox-
Lady In Cement (soundtrack) available as a CD import, mp3 and included with Prime Music Streaming some tracks from the movie … ( must be an Amazon Prime Member) also includes 2 alternate versions of two main themes-both Tony Rome and the title music for The Lady in Cement.
SO KICK BACK, GRAB A BEER AND ENJOY SOME GROOVY MUSIC AND THE SIGHTS OF MIAMI FROM THE 60'S…see ya I’m headed to Jilly’s!
Oh by the way to Disney & Fox — I have several ideas for both a film series and Television show. So you know where to find me…this is Doc saying stay cool and make sure you avoid Ladies in Cement!!!!
Related — first in a series of articles dealing with classic entertainment both Television and Cinema that has not seen a Bluray release-
https://docdrwho.medium.com/where-o-where-has-my-bluray-gone-i-was-a-teenage-werewolf-5d76f4b4c27f
