[Marty]

Airdate 7th February 1978. NBC Television

"Roastmaster" Dean Martin salutes the "Man Of The Hour" Frank Sinatra,

notable for a wonderful roasting (in character) by Lt. Columbo himself, Peter Falk.

other guests include

Dom DeLouise
Don Rickles
Ernest Borgnine
Gene Kelly
Orson Welles
Ronald Reagan

etc.

[Karyn]

I adore this - I love the Roasts, these are available on DVD thankfully, I just wish the Shows were as easy to come by!

[voice1]

I could have sworn this thing first aired in '76. Not that it's important but I recall Frank guesting on The Tonight Show, the one where Rickles shows up unannounced, Frank mentions that they had just taped the show and that he was recently married to ole' what's her name. This would place the date sometime in '76.

Again, it doesn't matter, I'm just a nudge for stuff like that.

[Marty]

I have checked again, (we didn't get them broadcast in the UK that I can remember and have only seen it on a British labelled video with no production info on the packaging) so have had to check a couple of books and Dean Martin websites for first airdates, and sources that state a date make the Frank Sinatra Roast (where Frank was subject of the event) February 1978. I know of 2 Celebrity roasts from 1976, one for Danny Thomas (I think) and one for Dennis Weaver. That's not to say that either of us are completely wrong as I believe Mr S. was a contributor on other shows.

Marty, I have this VHS, distributed by Guthy-Renker, and can be ordered on line. I purchased mine thru a TV offer.

It was in 1978. The Dean Martin Celebrity Roats always featured the "Man Of The Hour" who sat through insults, put-downs and joikes from a panel of legendary celebrities. It was eventually spun off into a series in 1973 with Martin acting as "roastmaster" and continued till 1984 where it was a fixture on the NBC Thursday night lineup. They were produced by Greg Garrison.

Guests were Jimmy Stewart, Don Rickles, Rich Little, Foster Brooks, Ruth Buzzi and many more. Peter Falk was fantastic.

Check out the Guthy-Renker site. They're probably now available on DVD as well. Frank thoroughly enjoyed the 100 minutes, and his ending "speech" was very sweet: "May the last voice you hear be mine." (which, of course, we've heard on many of his live performances.)

FYI, my friend. This pic is on the back sleeve, Dean on the front.

[MMM]

The date is probably right. I think it was recorded in 1977. I also think Frank guest hosted The Tonight Show 1977, IIRC.

[Linda]

Lois - I just loved Peter Falk's bit in that roast. It was hilarious! I have a bunch of the Dean Martin roasts and also have a bunch of the Dean Martin variety show. I love watching them - especially the ones with Frank.

I loved Peter Falk, especially when he asked Frank for an autograph.

What I like about the Roast is that Frank seemed to be having a good time.

Emily

I happened to be browsing around a Goodwill store this morning and came across a VCR copy of The Dean Martin Roast of F.S. The tape is in excellant shape, watched it this afternoon, I was rolling on the floor laughing. It was great (how I missed this when it was on tv I can't imagine.) For anyone who hasn't seen it its fantastic. Red Buttons, Don Rickles, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Stewart, Orson Wells, Flip Wilson, Rick Little, LaWanda Page, and Ruth Buzzie, just to name afew stars also Peter Falk.

I'm so glad I found it.

FAS: You are my music

I have that VCR tape Charlie, among a few others with the roast. Peter Falk was hilarious. So were the others, of course.

They were great shows, probably never to be duplicated.

[Marty]

Originally posted by Richie G

probably never to be duplicated.

Unlike thread subjects which require the quickest of searches it seems

http://www.sinatrafamily.com/forum/s...threadid=17741

Well, I guess you told us off.

[Adam Anders]

I have the whole Dean martin collection of roasts, and saw the Sinatra one Many times and love it. Its a funny yet emotional one and its very well done.

The celebrity roast is hilarious. I love watching Frank's expressions, seeing him laugh is so great.He looks terrific this night. The jokes are very funny too.

here's a funny clip of Ruth Buzzi roasting FS which is hilarious

When I first got this collection I watched it so much I practically memorized Frank's episode. I think that's when I fell in love.

Red Buttons' speech was probably amongst my absolute favorites of the night. Don Rickles too. Man, you just don't see magic like that anymore. ::sigh::

<<Red Buttons' speech was probably amongst my absolute favorites of the night. Don Rickles too. >>

They were so terrific . Magic indeed I loved seeing George Burns too.

like you said it was magic we will never see again.

[Mark]

Melissa... thanks for putting that YouTube link up. I had forgotten how funny that roast was.

[Jeffrey Simmons]

I have never seen these anywhere myself on DVD or any other format. I sure would have bnought them if I saw them. They look like sheer fun.

[Gregory]

Love it, Mel. Ruth Buzzi's character is always to great.

[Steve Lorenzo]

Thanks for posting it ,it sure brings back a lot of memories--Steve