I’m currently reading Jerry Weintraub’s memoir, “When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead“. The long-time impresario and producer shares his candid reflections, full of behind-the-scenes and insider stories involving some of the biggest names in show business, Hollywood, politics and glitterati.
Among the many references to Frank Sinatra, of particular interest will be the story of how “The Main Event” went from an idea conceived in almost desperation, to the intentional idea that The Chairman was to be captured totally LIVE, with no rehearsal. My favorite moment is when Sinatra sends the set list to Weintraub and it includes songs like Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock”. This makes a now panic-stricken Weintraub rush to the hotel where Sinatra is staying, to be informed “I wanted to see you, and figured that list would get you here quicker than a phone call.”
The remake of “Ocean’s Eleven” is present, along with the subsequent Twelve and Thirteen, plus a ‘Rat Pack-worthy’ prank at Grauman’s Chinese Theater. In the mix throughout is a healthy dose of Elvis and John Denver, all dovetailing with Weintraub’s long marriage and non-divorce to singer Jane Morgan.
All in all, it’s a great late-Summer read from truly one of the last of a kind.
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