53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dino, Alone but never lonely, April 29, 2000
By A Customer
This is one of the best Biographys' in an outstanding series. It is done respectfully and yes, even lovingly. Using interviews from the likes of Jerry Lewis, Jeanne Martin, Ricci Martin, Greg Garrison and various show business acquaintences, an honest and moving portrait of Deans' rise from small town boy to legendary star is created.
That Martin was an imperfect human is no secret, but this bio shows him to be far less phony than the usual Hollywood star and definately NOT a drunk or playboy. He never embarrassed his family and was by all accounts quiet, reserved and even a little shy. This is a man who had the whole package; looks, great singing style, comedic talent and street smarts aplenty.
His decline into reclusiveness in his later years is well documented. Brought about by a number of things, among them addiction to prescription pills, the tragic loss of his son Dean Paul, his own ennui and failing health, Martin lived a quiet final five years of his life refusing public appearances and parties with old show business cronies in order to live alone with visits from his children, granchildren and former wife Jeanne (with whom he remained friendly with until the end).
While justifiably proud of his accomplishements, he did not appear to miss any of it after his retirement in 1992. He lived the life of a contented loner...this son of Italian immigrants. He never forgot who he was or where he came from. He possessed a hold on his fans unlike any other star. They loved him then and now in a way that defies description. Perhaps it was that behind all the booze and girlie jokes they saw a decent, genuinely likeable, nice guy. One with no phony pretensions. Just a good guy with talent and luck who in a way represented what many of us would like to be.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dean will always be remembered, July 20, 2001
I thought I was the only one who enjoyed his music and his TV variety shows.This tape really points out what a fine talent he was. He never really blew his own horn, he just did his thing and let the chips fall where they may.Frank always took the center stage but he didn't have the timing Dean had and I also felt Dean sang much better, altho Frank did okay with some songs. I think he got much more publicity, but Dean didn't care.I really miss the guy, thankfully there are still some great CD's out there to listen to.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dino!, December 15, 1999
If you don't have this tape in your collection it is an absolute must! It's one of the finest in the Biography series. Dean was one of the most entertaining figures of the 20th century and this tape is a fantastic look at his life, from beginning to lonely end. I met Dean on numerous occasions and this tape will make you feel like you've met him yourself. A classy look at a classy guy! Enjoy!
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