Ava Gardner had a stormy and passionate relationship with Frank Sinatra. He was her third and last husband. They were married from 1951 to 1957. Frank left his wife Nancy to be with Ava. The gossip rags went crazy over the relationship. Many fans were distraught that Frank had left his wife to be with another woman. The Catholic Church was also not very happy about the situation. Frank's career suffered over his relationship with Ava, while it only added to her image as a sultry sex kitten of the era. She would use her clout though to help Frank land his role in From Here To Eternity, which would go on to win him an Oscar and revitalize his career. Their romance was probably doomed from the start. They fought as much as they made love. She would always say, however, that Frank was the love of her life. They did remain friends after their divorce. Frank even paid all her medical expenses after Ava suffered a stroke in 1989, which left her partially paralyzed and confined to bed.
What a wonderful picture of Ava. I have been re-reading the Godfather by Mario Puzo and found many similarities between Frank's story (even his divorce and remarriage with a famous actress) and Jonny Fontaine's, a character of the novel and actor-singer. I know that Frank (or his heirs) sued Frank to court for that. What do you know about it? To be noted that I'm not saying Frank was parrt of the mob, I'm just curious what people say about it. I love Frank and Dino and I don't care what people can say about them.
ReplyDeleteWasn't 'In The Wee Small Hours' album inspired by one of their break-ups?
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of Ava Gardner. I love her movies. Have you ever been to the Ava Gardner museum in Smithfield? I wasn't sure since you're in NC.
ReplyDeleteHey manofroma. Thanks for the comments. Great hearing from you. I'm glad you liked that pic of Ava. I need to re-read the Godfather. It's been a number of years. I know that it's been said that Fontaine was based on Sinatra. You can definitely seem the similarities between the crooners. I'm not sure about any lawsuit at all. I did find an article that you might want to check out.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.trutv.com/library/crime/gangsters_outlaws/mob_bosses/the_godfather/6.html
I'm reading it now myself. I do know that Frank and Dino both had connections with the mob. I know there was some gangster that helped Dino get his start. Dino would over the years perform at parties, etc. for him in return. I can't remember his name though.
Hey Dave. Yeah, I think so. Don't quote on me that though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Phoebe. I always liked her too. She is a NC girl after all. I've actually never been, but planning to this summer.
ReplyDeleteHey Dave. I did see somewhere that Frank broke down after recording "When Your Lover Has Gone." He was thinking of Ava.
ReplyDeleteToo bad they couldn't keep it together, cause they both seemed to never get over the other one.
ReplyDeleteHey Robert. I know what you mean. They definitely seemed like a couple who never got over each other.
ReplyDeleteTypo: I know that Frank (or his heirs) sued Frank = I know that Frank (or his heirs) sued Puzo.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm not sure, I read it somewhere but I couldn't guarantee. In any case, if anybody helped them or not, they had a huge talent or we wouldn't be here talking about them, still admiring their acting and listening to their music over and over.
I read the article you have linked to, according to which it seems no Hollywood studio head was convinced by the mob to engage Sinatra in any movie. It only refers to the mob boss Willie Moretti, a fan of Sinatra, who helped him out of a contract Sinatra had with big-band leader Tommy Dorsey. He did it, according to that article, with an offer Dorsey couldn't refuse.
Many thanks Keith, and ciao!
MoR
Hey there. This is definitely a subject I plan to explore more. You've got me interested in seeing what else I can find out. The mob connections never really bothered me at all. I figured people trying to make it get in bed with all sorts of characters. You've got to do what you've got to do. I'm so glad for any help these guys got. The world would be at such a loss if we didn't have icons like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, etc.
ReplyDeleteWhat a glamorous couple! Thanks for providing us with a bit more info. about their relationship! I loooove that first pic, btw!
ReplyDeletexoxox,
CC
Hey pallie Keith, interestin' info on the frankie...
ReplyDeletethanks for your comment
ReplyDeletegreat pics
Hey Carrie. Thanks. I'm glad you liked this post. I love that first pic myself. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThanks pallie DMP. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteThanks Electric!
ReplyDeleteI love Ava Gardner!! Those two look cute together :)
ReplyDeleteBoy does that guy in the table behind them look wasted or what?????
ReplyDeleteThanks Pop. I'm a big fan of her. I love these two together.
ReplyDeleteHey Joe. I hadn't noticed before, but you are so right. lol
ReplyDeletethanks for your comment! come visit anytime, i like yours too! i wish i could say cheers back...but doing so would make me seem like the stupid new yorker brit poser that i am, haha.
ReplyDeletegreat post! i enjoyed reading that! =)
ReplyDeletethank you for your lovely comment! have a great day! i'm following ur blog!
joelyne
xxx
www.thesydneygirl.blogspot.com
She is absolutely beautiful! And that's so sweet that they remained friends even after the divorce - and even more amazing that Frank would pay her medical expenses! Hope all is well with you Keith :)
ReplyDeleteHey Katy. Thanks. It was great to hear from you. I'll definitely stop by again. I hope you'll do the same. Take care. Cheers! (You can say it if you want).
ReplyDeleteHey Joelyne. Thanks. Great to hear from you. I'm glad you enjoyed this post. I've added your blog to my blog links. I definitely plan to visit it again soon. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteHey Allison. Thanks. Great to hear from you. I always enjoyed reading about the love story between Frank and Ava. I'm glad they remained friends. I'm doing well. I hope you are too.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful... great post dear Keith!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gabbi!
ReplyDeleteThey both were the loves of each other's lives. They couldn't live together and couldn't live apart... true love ;-)
ReplyDeleteI can see why frank loved her and visa versa.
Hey Mel. I know what you mean. They were quite the couple. They loved each other so much, but at the same time couldn't stand to be together. It's a shame though.
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