Dean Martin

Born Dino Paul Crocetti in Steubenville, Ohio, on June 7, 1917, Dean Martin was a prizefighter, card shark and steelworker before his singing talent landed him in Atlantic City, N.J. It was here that Martin teamed up with comic Jerry Lewis in1947, and the duo quickly became the hottest act in America. My Friend Irma (1949) was their first of 16 films together; the last was Hollywood or Bust (1956).

Defying expectations, Martin went on to achieve solo success, receiving critical acclaim in films such as The Young Lions (1958) and commercial success in the Rat Pack flicks (Oceans 11, Sergeants 3, Robin and the 7 Hoods) of the '60s and '70s. His long-running variety show stands as one of the most popular programs in TV history.

After making his final film appearance in Cannonball Run II (1984), Martin returned briefly to live performance. He died on Christmas Day 1995.

Rio Bravo

1959 NR

Sheriff John Wayne has a problem: He must keep killer Claude Akins from escaping the town lockup (with outside help from his brother and a cadre of hired guns). The only people Wayne can call on for support are an alcoholic Dean Martin, a well-meaning Angie Dickinson, a crippled Walter Brennan and an eager Ricky Nelson.