The Films and Music of Frank Sinatra, Part 2 (1955-70)
In-Person July 9, 16, 23, 30, Aug. 6 1:10 pm – 2:50 pm
This course picks up Frank Sinatra’s career in the mid-1950’s, enjoying one of the most sensational show-biz comebacks of all time, cutting some of the greatest music of his career and acting in films that were both financially and artistically successful. We look at the heyday of his Rat Pack, his successful live performances in Vegas, the founding of his own record label, Reprise, and his graduation from a Ring-a-Ding Swinger to Chairman of the Board; the elder statesman of pop music holding his own even through Beatlemania. We look at some of his mid-60’s successes and other endeavors, as well as his much-ballyhooed retirement at the end of the 60’s, followed by yet another astonishing comeback in 1973. Along with Elvis, Sinatra stands as one of the most influential and successful singers/entertainers of all time! Come and see why.
- Week 1: From Here to Eternity and the Big Comeback
- Week 2: Sinatra in the 50’s—Serious Actor, Stylish Swinger, Unstoppable Star
- Week 3: The Early 60’s—The Rat Pack, Viva Las Vegas and Reprise Records
- Week 4: Sinatra—Still Swinging in Beatle-land
- Week 5: The Big Retirement—and even Bigger Comeback!
Gary Carlson, retired Professor of English at Norwalk Community College, has created and taught a wide variety of courses on writing, literature, film, and pop culture, including Rock’n’Roll: The Post-WWII Generation, Elvis Presley and the American Dream and The Creative Voice: The Artist as Rebel. Carlson is a published writer of fiction, non-fiction, film and music criticism. He also was the founder and host of NCC’s long-running “Movie-of-the-Month Film Series.”