5 Jun 2022

Unmasking the King of Cool

From Sunday Morning, 10:04 am on 5 June 2022

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Tom Donahue's new documentary, 'Dean Martin: King of Cool,' takes an affectionate look at the life and times of one of the most popular and enduring American entertainers of the 20th century.

Featuring a treasure trove of archive material and new interviews with Martin's friends and family, including his daughter, Deana Martin, Donahue sets out to discover what made the intensely private star and founding member of the Rat Pack the ultimate cool cat.

Martin was a multi-talented performer who was part of the No 1 comedy act in America, a chart-topping singer for over half a century and one of the biggest stars in Hollywood and on TV. Yet he was an extremely guarded figure who, despite living an extremely colourful life, went to great lengths to keep people at arm's length.

Donahue joins the show to discuss the new documentary, which is about to screen as part of Doc Edge, and why everyone loved Dean Martin.

Tom Donahue's new documentary, 'Dean Martin: King of Cool,' takes an affectionate look at the life and times of one of the most popular and enduring American entertainers of the 20th century.

Tom Donahue's new documentary, 'Dean Martin: King of Cool,' takes an affectionate look at the life and times of one of the most popular and enduring American entertainers of the 20th century. Photo: Supplied/Michael Ochs