Hi Nancy,
I was just wondering if there will ever be a video release of the January 1960 'Summit' shows at the Sands. I have seen a few film clips from those shows, but I was curious if there is enough footage for a full-length video.

Thanks!

[Nancy]

Two things crossed my mind as I read your post:

It is possible that the footage you have seen is from newsreels. There
was a lot of coverage by the media when "The Summit Meetings" took place and
sometimes the items are rerun in various documentaries and so forth.

The other idea is that you may have seen part of the Dismas House / Teamsters
show which was aired at the Museum of Radio and Television a couple of times.
There were actually two of those shows taped.

As far as I know, the shows at the Sands were not taped, but there is a chance
someone sneaked one by the authorities. Alas, unless people who do that
sort of thing, come forth with the goods, we all will be deprived of the joy of
seeing those shows.

Believe me, when we find gems like the one you are talking about we will try
our best to bring them to the public. That in itself is no easy task what with
clearances and licensing etc.

We are always combing the archives.

I'm sure the clips I've seen are from old newsreels. I have seen the Dismas House show on TV Land (I believe that was the channel), but these clips are from the early 'Summit' days and include Peter Lawford & Joey Bishop.

The clips I was referring to have been used in the A&E 'Rat Pack' documentary, and I've probably seen them elsewhere as well. They have that newsreel quality to them (the sound isn't great and it looks like the camera was at the back of the room), and they clips are very brief. I was hoping, however, that they may have filmed an entire show. If only....

Thanks for your reply!

Are there plans to release the Dismas House shows or have they been already?

[Nancy]

Never been released for home video/DVD- possibly in the future.. but because of
all the music & publishing costs this is a very expensive proposition.

Keep your fingers crossed...I think these shows would make a great DVD release.

I agree! Even though it would be costly to produce, as you mentioned, it would be a big seller.

By the way, Nancy, I'm glad you had mentioned the new John Domanis book in a recent post. I was unaware that this book was being published. I have seen some of Domanis' photos of your father in other books, and I can't wait to get this one! Having a background in photojournalism myself, I can appreciate how extraordinary it was for a photographer to have that kind of access. I'm thrilled that we'll be able to see more of these photos.

[Nancy]

John Dominis is an extraordinary photographer.

Oops! I should have used spell check...for anyone trying to find this book on Amazon.com, his name is Dominis, not Domanis...

My apologies!hno: