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Rat Pack Collection

Post release of the Rat Pack Movie, Oceans 11 -- This compilation has choice appearances by members of The Rat Pack in Old Time Radio including Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Judy Garland, and more!

Rat Pack

35 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 18 hours, 39 min)
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1 MP3 CD
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21 Audio CDs


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Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

Ocean 11

Oceans 11 CrewAugust 2011 is the anniversary of the release of the Rat Pack movie "Oceans 11". The movie, released in 1960, is one of those that allow Hollywood A-Listers to display themselves as they saw themselves.

The so-called Sixties Rat Pack was an incredibly talented group, but their influence on style, entertainment, and even the politics far outweigh their individual or combined talents. This incarnation of the group never called themselves the Rat Pack; to themselves the Clan or the Summit. They were lead by Frank Sinatra, who had been an idol to a generation of "bobby-soxers" in the 40s and when his career began to flag, it was given new life by an Oscar winning performance in the film "From Here to Eternity"

The core of this later group of Rat Packers also included Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin. Like Sinatra, Martin was the child of Italian immigrant parents, and there is speculation that he had help from organized crime figures to get his career started. He rose to prominence teamed with comedian Jerry Lewis. The team had been hugely popular, but over time there act became formulaic, and after ten years together the act split in 1956. Dean found success as a solo performer recording and performing in concerts and night clubs. He work hard to be taken seriously as a movie actor. His success in film was largely based on his being recognized as a singer, and in turn his music success fed his popularity as a Las Vegas singer.

Sammy Davis Jr. began dancing in his father and "uncle's" vaudeville act as a small child. While serving in the Army during WWII he was exposed to the racial prejudice that his father had tried to shield him from. He was assigned to a special services Integrated Entertainment unit, and he found that the spot light protected him from some of the racism. He returned to the family act after leaving the service and was soon finding success on his own. In 1954 he was in a near fatal auto crash in which he lost his left eye. While recovering he had several visits from his good friend who discussed the similar struggles of the Jewish people and African Americans. As a result of these conversations Davis converted to Judaism. Davis became a headliner in Las Vegas, but met with racial barriers there as well (one accomplishment of the Rat Pack was to break down casino segregation by refusing to perform in or patronize casinos that practiced segregation.)

Bogartts with Marily MonroeRounding out the cast of Oceans 11 were the rest of the Rat Pack, Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford (who was also John Kennedy's brother in law). The film is a heist story where war buddies from the 82nd Airborne knockoff five Las Vegas casinos at one time. The military elitism of the paratroopers (Paratroopers can get away with it, even deserve to get away with it, because they are Paratroopers) is neatly reflected by the on and off screen attitudes of the Rat Pack.

The Rat Pack was all about elitism. The concept of the Rat Pack predated this powerful group of friends. The whole thing started out as almost a family thing--a very wealthy family thing.

The Holmby Hills neighborhood of LA is part of the "Platinum Triangle", along with Bel Air and Beverly Hills. Walt Disney built his dream home there, and it has been the home of Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball, Judy Garland and her husband Sid Luft, Lana Turner, Jean Harlow, and the Bogarts, Humphrey and Lauren (Bacall).

Just like any neighborhood, the neighbors liked to get together socially. When the neighbors are the cream of the Hollywood A-list, the parties can become very interesting indeed.

Dean Judy & FrankThere are several versions of how the Holmby Hills Rat Pack got its name; stories include the aftermath of dinner parties at the Bogarts' or Judy Garland's. The most colorful involves Frank Sinatra (who would have been a Junior member of the Rat Pack at this time) organizing a field trip to Las Vegas to see Noel Coward debut at the Desert Inn. While the group was for the most part away from home and kids, Sinatra implemented a set of rules designed to keep the party rolling and merriment at a peak (at one point there was a room service order for 300 Bloody Marys.)

Whether it was during the fourth day of this epic party or another drunken occasion back in Holmby Hills, Lauren Bacall is credited with coming into the room, surveying the condition of her husband and his bleary eyed companions, and stating "You all look like a goddamn rat pack." This was very funny to the assembled hang-over sufferers.

The Holmby Hills Rat pack adopted their own coat of arms (a rat gnawing a human hand) and motto ("Never Rat on a Rat"). Members of the group included Bogie and Bacall, Judy Garland and Sid Luft, David Niven and his wife Hjordis, restaurant owner Mike Romanoff and his wife Gloria, Hollywood agent Swifty Lazar, author Nathaniel Benchley, and Sinatra, along with others of the Hollywood "In Crowd".

Sinatra was certainly famous enough to be part of the group. He had moved his family to Holmby in '49. After separating from his first wife he stayed with the Bogart's on several occasions. Bogie was everything that Sinatra wanted to be; successful, aloof, tough yet tender, romantic, loyal and often drunk (as well as married to Lauren Bacall!) The Bogart's were in some ways substitute parents to Sinatra.

Frank Sinatra Mug ShotNeighbor Judy Garland was another Rat Pack member who had the fame and A-list clout to thumb her nose at almost anyone who didn't approve of her actions or attitudes. She began playing Vegas as early as 1931, with her sister's vaudeville act, managed by their bisexual father. When she landed at MGM, studio hands tried to "help" her by giving her amphetamines and barbiturates to deal with the pressures of being a child super star. The Wizard of Oz would have been the role of a lifetime for anyone, but Judy continued to seek success. She was never comfortable with her image or looks; when she started at MGM at age 13 she was told she was too old to be a child star, yet she wasn't allowed a "grown-up" role until the age of 21 when she appeared in Introducing Laura Mars. She would suffer a nervous breakdown in 1947 and was eventually let go by MGM, but she managed to make a come back through her concert appearances. Las Vegas, perhaps not the healthiest of environments, became a regular stop in her schedule. (One engagement at the New Frontier Hotel had to be extended so that she could pay her husband Sid Luft's gambling debts; fans claim to have heard her shrieking at Sid back stage for his losses.) Judy, along with Sinatra, was a link between Holmby Hills and the Sixties Rat Pack. During a Rat Pack Revival Tour in 1987 with Frank, Sammy and Dean, Dean left the tour soon after it started. Judy's daughter, Liza Minelli, stepped in and the Tour went on to terrific reception.

The early Rat Pack would have stayed simply a drunken neighborhood association if it hadn't been for a report in the gossip column of a NY newspaper. On Dec 15, 1955, Joe Hyams reported "the first annual meeting" of the Rat Pack at Rominoff's restaurant to elect officers. The supposed "officers" were Sinatra (pack master), Judy Garland (first vice-president), Bacall (den mother), Sid Luft (cage master), Bogart (rat in charge of public relations), Swifty Lazar (recording secretary and treasurer), Nathaniel Benchley (historian), with Bogie taking the role as "Rat in charge of Public Relations.

After Bogart's death in 1957, Sinatra went into a depression, canceling his scheduled performances at the Copa Cabana in NY. Returning to LA he began to woe Bacall, eventually becoming engaged to her. He called it off when Swifty Lazar spilled the beans to gossip columnist Louella Parsons.

Bogie had been the focal point of the Holmby Hills group, but Sinatra set about putting together a Rat Pack for a new generation. Las Vegas casino owners owe him a major debt of gratitude for it. The group of serious partyers were a guaranteed hit when they performed, and would often show up at each others performances as an "unrehearsed" addition (casino marquees would read "DEAN MARTIN- MAYBE FRANK-MAYBE SAMMY").

Rat PackThe Rat Pack was very much a part of the "Camelot" ethos of the early sixties. In fact it was a falling out between Sinatra and the Kennedy's that removed Lawford from the group. John F Kennedy had planned to stay at Sinatra's home during a visit to California, but was advised against it because of Sinatra's mafia connections. Kennedy chose to stay with Bing Crosby instead and Lawford lost his roles in 4 for Texas and Robin and the 7 Hoods.

The Rat Pack were primarily Movie entertainers. Especially the Holmby Hills faction appeared on radio several times, mostly in support of their film careers. Sinatra and Dean Martin, as crooners had a good deal of radio exposure. Although most of the Rat Pack had liberal political leanings, they were Patriots and most appeared on AFRS programs like Command Performance.

Bogie and Bacall met on the set of "To Have and Have Not", so the Lux Radio Theater treatment of that film is in this collection, along with other great Bogart Films. Before his comeback with From Here to Eternity Sinatra had a short series on the radio as a "footloose and fancy free young man" who couldn't hold a job, Rocky Fortune. Ms. Garland and Dean Martin are separately showcased in several guest spots as well the Lux treatment of the Wizard of Oz. An episode of the Dean Martin-Jerry Lewis Show is included as well. Finally there are several episodes of Bold Venture, a pre-recorded radio adventure drama by Bogie and Bacall.

Other visiting members of the Rat pack include Errol Flynn , Spencer Tracy, George Cukor, Cary Grant, Rex Harrison, Jimmy Van Heusen, and Mickey Rooney.

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

These classic recordings are available in the following formats:

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    COMMENTS

    Awesome collection; didn't know these guys had ANY appearances in old time radio

    Jack

    These guys were so cool back in the day... and still are.

    Sammy Verified Purchase

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  • MP3 CDs are delivered by mail. These archival quality MP3 CDs are playable in your computer and many MP3 player devices.



    35 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00. Total playtime 18 hours, 39 min
    35 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00
    total playtime 18 hours, 39 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart

    1. 35 shows - total playtime 18 hours 39 minutes
    2. Bing Crosby 510314 Judy Garland.mp3
    3. Bing Crosby 521030 Bing Absent.mp3
    4. Bold Venture 26 Slates Tuxedo Pocket.mp3
    5. Bold Venture 511119 Buried TreasureSpanish Gold.mp3
    6. Bold Venture 511217 Tabard Of Pizarro.mp3
    7. Bold Venture 521108 Bullet For Shannon.mp3
    8. Bold Venture 521122 Ruthie Ryans Father.mp3
    9. Bold Venture Crazy Old Carlos.mp3
    10. Cp 450315 166 Jimmy Durante Bogart Lauren Bacall.mp3
    11. Cp 450830 189 Frank Sinatra Humphrey Bogart Victor Borge.mp3
    12. Dragnet Martin Lewis With Jack Webb.mp3
    13. Gn 390629 E 083 Guests Stars From Wizard Of Oz.mp3
    14. Good News 380414 024 Freddie Bartholemew Copy.mp3
    15. Good News 380414 E 024 Judy Garland Fannie Brice Otrcat.com.mp3
    16. Leo Is On Air 1939 Wizard Of Oz.mp3
    17. Lux 421228 377 A Star Is Born.mp3
    18. Lux 461014 0542 To Have And Have Not.mp3
    19. Lux 501225 0727 Wizard Of Oz.mp3
    20. Lux 521215 808 African Queen.mp3
    21. Martin Lewis 520916 068 Guest Rosemary Clooney.mp3
    22. Mgm 1939 Wizard Of Oz.mp3
    23. Rf 531006 01 Oyster Shucker.mp3
    24. Rf 531020 03 Shipboard Jewel Robbery.mp3
    25. Rf 531117 06 A Hepcat Kills Canary.mp3
    26. Rf 531222 11 Plot To Murder Santa Claus.mp3
    27. Rf 531229 12 Prize Fight Setup.mp3
    28. Screen Guild 430426 141 Casablanca.mp3
    29. Screen Guild 430920 162 Maltese Falcon.mp3
    30. Sealtest 490217 22.mp3
    31. Songs By Sinatra 451024 Tommy Dorsey.mp3
    32. To Be Perfectly Frank 540406 Frank Sinatra.mp3
    33. To Be Perfectly Frank 540407 Frank Sinatra.mp3
    34. Tonight Show 1094 Host Sammy Davis Jr.mp3
    35. Your Hit Parade 440715 Ill Be Seeing You.mp3
    36. Your Hit Parade 480814 Its Magic.mp3
  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    35 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00. Total playtime 18 hours, 39 min
    35 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00
    total playtime 18 hours, 39 min
    Add Instant Download Collection to Cart

    1. 35 shows - total playtime 18 hours 39 minutes
    2. Bing Crosby 510314 Judy Garland.mp3
    3. Bing Crosby 521030 Bing Absent.mp3
    4. Bold Venture 26 Slates Tuxedo Pocket.mp3
    5. Bold Venture 511119 Buried TreasureSpanish Gold.mp3
    6. Bold Venture 511217 Tabard Of Pizarro.mp3
    7. Bold Venture 521108 Bullet For Shannon.mp3
    8. Bold Venture 521122 Ruthie Ryans Father.mp3
    9. Bold Venture Crazy Old Carlos.mp3
    10. Cp 450315 166 Jimmy Durante Bogart Lauren Bacall.mp3
    11. Cp 450830 189 Frank Sinatra Humphrey Bogart Victor Borge.mp3
    12. Dragnet Martin Lewis With Jack Webb.mp3
    13. Gn 390629 E 083 Guests Stars From Wizard Of Oz.mp3
    14. Good News 380414 024 Freddie Bartholemew Copy.mp3
    15. Good News 380414 E 024 Judy Garland Fannie Brice Otrcat.com.mp3
    16. Leo Is On Air 1939 Wizard Of Oz.mp3
    17. Lux 421228 377 A Star Is Born.mp3
    18. Lux 461014 0542 To Have And Have Not.mp3
    19. Lux 501225 0727 Wizard Of Oz.mp3
    20. Lux 521215 808 African Queen.mp3
    21. Martin Lewis 520916 068 Guest Rosemary Clooney.mp3
    22. Mgm 1939 Wizard Of Oz.mp3
    23. Rf 531006 01 Oyster Shucker.mp3
    24. Rf 531020 03 Shipboard Jewel Robbery.mp3
    25. Rf 531117 06 A Hepcat Kills Canary.mp3
    26. Rf 531222 11 Plot To Murder Santa Claus.mp3
    27. Rf 531229 12 Prize Fight Setup.mp3
    28. Screen Guild 430426 141 Casablanca.mp3
    29. Screen Guild 430920 162 Maltese Falcon.mp3
    30. Sealtest 490217 22.mp3
    31. Songs By Sinatra 451024 Tommy Dorsey.mp3
    32. To Be Perfectly Frank 540406 Frank Sinatra.mp3
    33. To Be Perfectly Frank 540407 Frank Sinatra.mp3
    34. Tonight Show 1094 Host Sammy Davis Jr.mp3
    35. Your Hit Parade 440715 Ill Be Seeing You.mp3
    36. Your Hit Parade 480814 Its Magic.mp3
  • Standard Audio CDs are delivered by mail on archival quality media with up to 60 minutes on each CD and play in all CD players



    35 recordings on 21 Audio CDs. Total playtime 18 hours, 39 min
    35 recordings on 21 Audio CDs
    total playtime 18 hours, 39 min

    Rat Pack Disc A001

    1. Bold Venture 26 Slates Tuxedo Pocket
    2. Bold Venture Crazy Old Carlos

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    Rat Pack Disc A002

    1. Dragnet Martin Lewis With Jack Webb
    2. Leo Is On Air 1939 Wizard Of Oz
    3. Mgm 1939 Wizard Of Oz

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    Rat Pack Disc A003

    1. Tonight Show 1094 Host Sammy Davis Jr

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    Rat Pack Disc A004

    1. Good News 380414 024 Freddie Bartholemew Copy

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    Rat Pack Disc A005

    1. Good News 380414 E 024 Judy Garland Fannie Brice Otrcat.com

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    Rat Pack Disc A006

    1. Gn 390629 E 083 Guests Stars From Wizard Of Oz

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    Rat Pack Disc A007

    1. Lux 421228 377 A Star Is Born

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    Rat Pack Disc A008

    1. Screen Guild 430426 141 Casablanca
    2. Screen Guild 430920 162 Maltese Falcon

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    Rat Pack Disc A009

    1. Your Hit Parade 440715 Ill Be Seeing You
    2. Cp 450315 166 Jimmy Durante Bogart Lauren Bacall

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    Rat Pack Disc A010

    1. Cp 450830 189 Frank Sinatra Humphrey Bogart Victor Borge
    2. Songs By Sinatra 451024 Tommy Dorsey

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    Rat Pack Disc A011

    1. Lux 461014 0542 To Have And Have Not

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    Rat Pack Disc A012

    1. Your Hit Parade 480814 Its Magic
    2. Sealtest 490217 22

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    Rat Pack Disc A013

    1. Lux 501225 0727 Wizard Of Oz

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    Rat Pack Disc A014

    1. Bing Crosby 510314 Judy Garland
    2. Bold Venture 511119 Buried TreasureSpanish Gold

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    Rat Pack Disc A015

    1. Bold Venture 511217 Tabard Of Pizarro
    2. Martin Lewis 520916 068 Guest Rosemary Clooney

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    Rat Pack Disc A016

    1. Bing Crosby 521030 Bing Absent
    2. Bold Venture 521108 Bullet For Shannon

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    Rat Pack Disc A017

    1. Bold Venture 521122 Ruthie Ryans Father

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    Rat Pack Disc A018

    1. Lux 521215 808 African Queen

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    Rat Pack Disc A019

    1. Rf 531006 01 Oyster Shucker
    2. Rf 531020 03 Shipboard Jewel Robbery

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    Rat Pack Disc A020

    1. Rf 531117 06 A Hepcat Kills Canary
    2. Rf 531222 11 Plot To Murder Santa Claus

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rat Pack Disc A021

    1. Rf 531229 12 Prize Fight Setup
    2. To Be Perfectly Frank 540406 Frank Sinatra
    3. To Be Perfectly Frank 540407 Frank Sinatra

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