Rat Pack

The Rat Pack was a nickname given to a group of 1950s entertainers, which included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford.

Overview

The Rat Pack started when Sinatra turned to longtime pals Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin, then added writer-comedian Joey Bishop and actor Peter Lawford, brother-in-law of a Massachusetts senator who was destined for the White House, John F. Kennedy. Sinatra had no idea his band of five would make entertainment history.

Related Topics:
Massachusetts - White House - John F. Kennedy

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Often, when one of the members was scheduled to give a performance, the rest of the Pack would show up for an impromptu show, causing much excitement and return visits.

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They sold out almost all of their appearances and people would come pouring into Vegas (sleeping in cars and lobbies when they couldn't find rooms) just to be part of the entertainment.

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The Rat Pack made several movies together which include: Ocean's Eleven (1960) and Robin and the Seven Hoods (1964).

Related Topics:
Ocean's Eleven - Robin and the Seven Hoods

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The term "rat pack" was assigned to the group by Lauren Bacall, after seeing them return from a night of partying. (The term rat is presumably meant in the sense of a dubious person or scoundrel). Shirley MacLaine was considered an honorary member of the Rat Pack and the only female to be considered "one of the boys."

Related Topics:
Lauren Bacall - Shirley MacLaine

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Davis said when Sinatra called the gathering, U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower; French President, Charles De Gaulle and Soviet leader, Nikita Khrushchev were planning a Paris Summit Conference. Not to be outdone, Sinatra observed, "We'll have our own little Summit meeting.".

Related Topics:
Dwight D. Eisenhower - Charles De Gaulle - Nikita Khrushchev - Paris

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The Vegas Summit didn't draw diplomats, but high-rollers, VIPs, celebrities and entertainment buffs responded by the thousands.

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