Dean Martin (1917-1995), a lover not a fighter in The Ambushers (1967).
Today, June 7, is the 100th anniversary of the birthday of Dean Martin. Dino, in his day, was the epitome of cool and charm. For many, he still is.
His contribution to spy entertainment was starring in the four-film Matt Helm series produced by Irving Allen, former partner of Eon Productions co-founder Albert R. Broccoli.
To entice Dino, Allen made the actor his partner. As a result, Martin enjoyed a bigger pay day for the first Helm film, The Silencers, than Sean Connery got for Thunderball. Connery noticed and wanted to be a partner in the Bond franchise..
The Helm series doesn’t get respect in the 21st century. Many who like the movies refer to their affection as a “guilty pleasure.”
The Helm movies, rather than doing straight adaptations of Donald Hamilton’s serious novels, incorporated Dino’s “lovable lush” act.
One of the movies, Murderers’ Row, even had a plot point where Matt gives his boss Mac (James Gregory) a clue by deliberately misstating his alcohol preference. (“Matt Helm never drank a glass of bourbon in his life!” Mac says as he tries to figure out the traitor in his organization.)
For the record, this blog would greatly appreciate a new Helm movie that faithfully adapted the Hamilton novels. At the same time, the Spy Commander discovered the novels *because* of the Dean Martin films. Speaking strictly for myself, I’m very fond of both, despite the flaws of the movies.
Regardless, today is a day of celebration. Bottoms up, Dino.
Filed under: The Other Spies | Tagged: Albert R. Broccoli, Dean Martin, Irving Allen, Matt Helm, Murderers' Row, Sean Connery, The Ambushers, The Silencers, The Wrecking Crew, Thunderball |
The Spy Command 
I discovered the novels because of the movies also Bill. And I also like both very much.
As homage to the original Donald Hamilton novels, and because I loved them when I first read them in the ’60s, I have been narrating audiobook versions, with my company, Skyboatmedia.com, publishing them for distribution by Blackstone Audio. This is with the full support of Mr. Hamilton’s estate, and we’re honored. The first 11 are now available. https://www.downpour.com/death-of-a-citizen?sp=98768