A near-fatal bar fight involving Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin at the Beverly Hills Polo Lounge in 1966 remains an enigma, shrouded in conflicting accounts and unanswered questions.
Author Scott Huver delves into this little-known incident in his book, "Beverly Hills Noir: Crime, Sin, & Scandal in 90210," shedding light on a night that could have drastically altered the trajectories of these two entertainment icons.
The incident, sparked by a seemingly trivial exchange, escalated into a violent confrontation. It began when art collector and former Hunt's Food president Frederick Rand Weisman, seated near Sinatra, Martin, and their entourage, took exception to their boisterous behavior. What followed remains unclear, with conflicting reports about who initiated the physical altercation. However, the confrontation culminated with Weisman unconscious on the floor, possibly struck by a telephone.
Weisman sustained a skull fracture and underwent emergency surgery, his survival uncertain. Meanwhile, Sinatra and Martin left Los Angeles, awaiting news of Weisman's condition. The ensuing police investigation was hampered by contradictory statements from witnesses, with no clear consensus on the sequence of events.
Adding to the intrigue is the persistent rumor that Sinatra's bodyguard, Jilly Rizzo, delivered the blow that felled Weisman. Rizzo, known for his loyalty to Sinatra, consistently denied this allegation. Sinatra himself claimed self-defense, stating that Weisman initiated the fight.
Weisman eventually recovered, though he suffered from amnesia for months. Notably, the Weisman family, initially considering pressing charges, ultimately decided against it, fueling speculation of a financial settlement. Huver’s interview with Sinatra's publicist suggests that hush money may have been paid to witnesses to ensure their silence.
The Polo Lounge incident, while a footnote in Sinatra and Martin's illustrious careers, offers a glimpse into the complexities of their lives and the power dynamics at play in Hollywood's golden age. The truth of what transpired that night may never be fully known, adding to the enduring mystique surrounding these legendary figures.
