Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin's 1966 Brawl: A Near-Fatal Incident in Beverly Hills

Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin's 1966 Brawl: A Near-Fatal Incident in Beverly Hills

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• In his new book, Beverly Hills Noir: Crime, Sin, & Scandal in 90210, author Scott Huver recounts a 1966 barroom brawl involving Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin that nearly resulted in a fatality. The incident occurred during a celebration for Martin's 49th birthday at the Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills, where tensions escalated over loud laughter and racial slurs.
• The altercation began when Frederick Rand Weisman, a prominent art collector, confronted Sinatra and his friends about their noise. Huver notes that Weisman allegedly told Sinatra, 'You talk too f------g loud, and you have a bunch of loudmouthed friends,' which led to a heated exchange and ultimately a physical confrontation.
• During the brawl, Sinatra reportedly hurled a telephone at Weisman, knocking him unconscious. Huver describes the chaotic scene, stating, 'Weisman had landed on the floor and was flat on his back amid an upturned ashtray... It sounded as if he were snoring. And he wasn’t getting up.' Weisman later underwent surgery for a skull fracture, raising concerns about his survival.
• Following the incident, both Sinatra and Martin fled Los Angeles to avoid media scrutiny while police investigated. Huver explains that conflicting accounts emerged, with no clear consensus on who initiated the violence, stating, 'Nobody gave the same story.' This ambiguity has fueled speculation about the true nature of the altercation.
• Rumors have persisted over the years regarding the involvement of Sinatra's bodyguard, Jilly Rizzo, in delivering the blow that incapacitated Weisman. Huver emphasizes Rizzo's loyalty to Sinatra, noting, 'Jilly was at his side pretty much until the end of Jilly’s days.' However, Rizzo denied any official capacity as Sinatra's bodyguard.
• Despite the severity of the incident, Weisman chose not to press charges against Sinatra, which Huver suggests may have involved a financial settlement. He states, 'There are... rumors that Frederick Weisman... and his family may have received a payout because they never chose to press charges.' Weisman eventually recovered but suffered from amnesia regarding the events of that night.
• Ultimately, the brawl did not derail Sinatra's career, as he quickly moved on, purchasing an expensive engagement ring for actress Mia Farrow. Huver concludes that the incident remains shrouded in mystery, with many unanswered questions about what truly transpired that night.