MovieChat Forums > What a Way to Go! (1964) Discussion > Dean Martin: Underrated Actor

Dean Martin: Underrated Actor

posted 18 years ago by dadoo4050
2 replies | jump to latest

From my remarks about the film "Rio Bravo":

You know, Dean Martin is pretty underrated as an actor. (By the way, he and Duke played brothers in "Sons of Katie Elder." How UNLIKELY is that?) Later, Martin got the reputation of being rather unprofessional, as he realy showed up for rehearsals for his TV show.

In the Martin & Lewis movies, he was always overshadowed by the manic (but genius) rantings of Lewis. But watch Martin; he provides SOLID foundation for these films.

The "Matt Helm" movies were pretty fluffy, not requiring much from Martin besides his presence.

But it is EXACTLY his carefree demeanor that makes his work so good. He always seems relaxed and doesn't force a performance. And his TV show always seemed spontaneous--that was a great part of its charm.

Seeing Martin's work in this film (Rio Bravo), and his role as the playboy-rich-kid-who-turns-into-a-poor-family-man in "What a Way to Go" shows me the guy had acting chops and is under-appreciated.

[–] vctpagan-1 16 years ago

Thank you dadoo4050 for letting me know that i'm not the only one who feels that Dino was indeed under rated. While "Rio Bravo" and "What A Way To Go" are good examples of his ease in comedy and drama you should check out "Some Came Running". It was, I think, probably the first movie after his break up with Jerry Lewis. It's one of those gaudy, CinemaScope, Metrocolor, heated, dramatically pulsating movies of the 50's. Over the top and simply sensational. While Shirley MaClaine, Arthur Kennedy and Martha Hyer richly deserved their Oscar nominations Dean Martin was left out. Arthur Kennedy was a constant favorite of the Oscars at the time. He had 5 nomnations under his belt, But not to demean the guy, in this film the nomination for Best Supporting Actor should have gone to Dino instead. Here he plays a darker version of the carefree playboy of the Martin & Lewis comedies. He's a hard drinking gambler who's wild habits are finally taking their toll. Other great performances: "Who Was That Lady?"-A hilarious, madcap about marriage and jealousy, "Toys in the Attic"-He holds his own with Geraldine Page and Wendy Hiller, "The Young Lions"-He stands toe to toe with Brando, Clift and Maximillian Schell. I know it sounds hokey, but when he died I felt though I'd just lost a good friend.

[–] bpollen 10 years ago

I don't believe that he "didn't show up" for rehearsals for his tv show. I believe it was in his contract. He didn't believe in rehearsing for a tv show (don't know about movies). It seems that in real life, he was actually a laid back sort of person, just like his persona. He didn't get into arguments with his co-stars, and he didn't angry when Marilyn Monroe was a no-show, etc. He'd just practice his golf swings.

He said in an interview in his later years that he wasn't really a drunk, either. He said that he was paid mega millions for his tv show, which is proof he wasn't a drunk. He said producers don't pay that kind of money to drunks.

He stayed friends with his ex-wife Jeanie, which I think means he was probably a good guy. I think he'd still go over to her house for dinner regularly, and all.