I have to admit that I'm not always a fan of the "Rat-Pack". Frank Sinatra, as an actor often seems dry and just doesn't appeal to me and Dean Martin likewise.However, Robin and the 7 Hoods is lightened enormously by both the very funny script but mainly by Peter Falk. He is excellent. As wise-guy, wise-cracking new gangster-on-the-block Guy Gisborne, his characterful face eschews wit and confidence and brings back fond memories of this 'Columbo' legend.Yes, it's that old chestnut - Prohibition-era Chicago - done in spectacular style - witness Sammy Davis Jnr singing and tap-dancing on the saloon bar and then sprays machine-gun bullets into everything in time with the big-band music. For song & dance fanciers, it's pretty good, though none of the songs are classics.Not really having seen too much of other Rat-Pack films, I cannot really give more advice; the 60s when they were made is before my time. But, I would suggest that 7 Hoods is more family friendly than their others and of course, if you're a fan of any of the film's chief players, then you'll enjoy it, too.I saw it on BBC2, a highlight on terrestrial TV but not one that I like enough to buy on DVD.

Delightful musical with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the other guys playing gangsters in the way that Robin Hood would have done so, of course, with a twist.The film begins with a rub-out of mob king Edward G. Robinson, in a scene very similar to the birthday party thrown for Spats Columbo (George Raft) in "Some Like it Hot."The big surprise in the film is Barbara Rush, who suddenly appears from nowhere and announces that she is Big Jim's (Robinson's) daughter. As he kept her away from the family business, she is well educated but soon resorts to rub-outs, shakedowns and all other types of criminal activity.Peter Falk steals the film with his typical gangster-like accent.Sinatra and Dean Martin but aren't dominant in their parts, as Sammy Davis, Jr., other than singing about how he likes shooting, is given little else to do in the film.The film disappoints in the end because from the Rush part, crime does pay. It is true that you can't fight the public.

When you combine talent such as Crosby, Davis, Sinatra and Martin, plus the great songs of Kahn and Van Heusen... but what's to complain about? This is enough for an evening's treat! Add to that the wonderful (should have been better, but still wonderful) "Mr. Booze" number, the fabulous Peter Falk (much under-rated in this role) and Bang! you've got memorable stuff, such as, in no particular order: Sammy's "Bang! Bang!" not only allows us to see/hear all of Sammy's performing skills, but is a very clever "gangster number." (If they ever make "The Godfather" into a musical, I hope they include this!) Then, there is the tongue-in-cheek "Style," employing the three biggest stars in show business at the time, two of them veritable legends; thirdly, the aforementioned, "Mr. Booze," is a brilliant piece of musical/theatrical chicanery.Catch it, and keep an open mind. This ain't Shakespeare.

...no, but that might have made a more interesting picture than this. It's Prohibition-era Chicago, and Frank Sinatra coasts indifferently through his role as a gangster in 1928 trying to stay one step ahead of the law, aided by his faithful cronies. Sappy semi-musical doesn't even look good! It's a poor excuse to get the gang together. Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. are joined this time by Bing Crosby, Edward G. Robinson (uncredited), Victor Buono and--in the proverbial pretty girl role--Barbara Rush. Yet everyone here seems to be either distracted or suffering from a bad case of the blues, particularly Ol' Blue Eyes, who looks wrung-out. The film's only kick comes in seeing Crosby and Sinatra reunited from "High Society", and by Peter Falk doing lively work in a dim part. *1/2 from ****