Here's the number "Style" from the 1964 movie, Robin and the 7 Hoods. I remember seeing this film with my parents at the Crest Theater in Westwood when I was twelve years old. I remember my folks and others saying that Frank Sinatra was the greatest musical performer alive and I recall after the film thinking, "Well, I guess that wasn't a good example of his greatness. One of these days, I'm sure I'll see him do something that will show me why people think that."
Years later, a devout Sinatra fan told me to not hold this film against his idol. It was shot right after John F. Kennedy was assassinated and Frank, he said, was still despondent about that. And then during the production, Frank Sinatra Jr. was kidnapped and though he was ultimately freed unharmed, the whole ordeal was so agonizing that Frank (Senior) wanted to abort the film but was eventually convinced to finish it.
Okay, those are probably decent excuses for not giving a top-rate performance but I'm still waiting for that video or film clip or recording that will convince me Francis Albert Sinatra deserved his reputation. I like Dean and Bing more in every way, though Bing doesn't show why he deserved his rep in this number either. But the songwriters — Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen — do.
Ten years ago, a stage musical based on Robin and the 7 Hoods was in tryouts at the Old Globe in San Diego and said to be headed for Broadway. I haven't seen any sign of that, either — but here's probably the best number in the movie…