Frank and Nat.

Two Books to add to the recommended reading department:

'Behind The Legend' is another of an umpteenth number of books that tries to set the record straight about a person who is more complex than his music or his life. Almost 600 pages, the reader gets treated to life in Hoboken New Jersey (my birthplace) through the crooner years as a favorite for the bobby soxer generation, all the way to an inauguration for Camelot circa 1960, some very lean years, yet being able to rise from the ashes again and again while spawning a legion of fans covering at least four generations.

Francis Albert Sinatra had so much pull...on one hand there is his music. There are also his affairs and the one love that kept him at bay (Ava Gardner). The alleged mob ties and friendships to men like Sam Giancana are partially discussed. You get an 'inside the fluff' as you learn about the Rat Pack in the 1960's. Over time you come to appreciate how important loyalty was to the Chairman of the Board. He could be feisty and a royal manic depressive pain, and he could be generous to a fault. The one constant in his life was music, singing it, interpreting it, and telling it's story.

If there is a word to best describe this behemoth by J Tamborelli, it is 'complex'. The waters run deep, yet so do the vacillations and the self absorptions. Definitely not a Kitty Kelly turn and burn, but a story that is quite informative. Back in a day when Hollywood was beyond scruples, Sinatra paints a picture that isn't always rosy. If you have patience here's a book that can dispel some facts from truth, including Frank's personal ties and recollections to family and friendships. Happy Reading!

25 years ago I was a senior in Orange County, Ca. Hard to believe that we lost Natalie Wood to foul play Thanksgiving weekend 11/29/81. That final lost weekend is discussed at length by author Sue Finstad. You also will enjoy a wonderful read about a bright intelligent girl who from the age of four had a desire to please before the lights under the ruthless watch of a ruthless mom who stooped to anything to make her Natasha look great. Initially you might feel sorry for what Natalie Wood allowed herself to be put through in order to make it in film. Great tales about the Hollywood dates she was set up on as a youngster: Names like Robert Wagner, Tab Hunter, James Dean are talked about. Wood also had a secret 'crush' on Frank Sinatra. Heck, who didn't?

A work ethic second to none, Wood had her moments of doubt and insecurity when it came to ability (alot of stress under the casting and work of 'West Side Story'), the depression she had after her first marriage failed, a suicide attempt in 1967. Reuniting with Robert Wagner in the early 70's. Her last movie being worked on in 1981 was 'Brainstorm' with Christopher Walken. Walken was on the 'Splendor' boat that fateful alcohol-fueled night with Wagner and Wood when she was forced to face her ultimate fear, drowning! It was a dream that was oh so real and came to pass.

But was it an accident? To this day my question is why did Wagner and Walken wait so long (three hours) to alert the police after her disappearance? Did Natalie walk in on the two men (a rumor of an affair amongst the three, you can decide who played who), was it an argument in which Natalie Wood got tossed off the boat, or did Wood just slip and fall while trying to keep a dinghy from banging on the side of the boat? Why were reports of a woman screaming and calling for help by other boat dockers left in deaf ears? We'll never know. It reeks of cover-up, in true Hollywood manner. I do find it curious how Robert Wagner married Jill St John less than a year after Natalie's death.

Upon hearing the news of Wood's death, I was sad and numb. A lesson at age 17 that kept reappearing. Life is given and it can be taken. You just don't know when.

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will