The Origins and Formation of the Rat Pack
The Coined Term: Rat Pack
The term “Rat Pack” was reportedly coined by Lauren Bacall, who saw her husband Humphrey Bogart and his friends returning from a night in Las Vegas and said, “You look like a goddamn rat pack” (CBS News).
The Original Members
The original Rat Pack consisted of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop, and others (Wikipedia).
The Reign of Frank Sinatra
The group originated with actor Humphrey Bogart as its leader, and after his death, Frank Sinatra took over (Wikipedia).
A Wild Lifestyle
The Rat Pack’s wild lifestyle included drinking martinis, smoking cigars, and wooing elegant women (Wikipedia).
The Sands Hotel and Beyond
They were known for their performances in movies and their regular hangout at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas (Wikipedia).
A Language of Their Own
The group had their own lingo, with terms like “the big casino” for death, “Clyde” for the average guy on the street, and “Dullsville, Ohio” for any place other than Las Vegas (Wikipedia).
The Filming of “Ocean’s Eleven”
The Rat Pack’s notoriety was cemented with the filming of the casino flick “Ocean’s Eleven” in 1960, which also starred the group (Wikipedia).
An Influence on Politics
The Rat Pack’s influence extended to politics, as they were involved in supporting John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign and performed at the opening of the Democratic National Convention in 1960 (Wikipedia).
The Mafia and the End of an Era
The group’s association with the Mafia and the assassination of JFK led to the end of their carefree partying and the breakup of the group (Wikipedia).
Generosity of Individual Members
Despite their reputation, individual members of the Rat Pack, such as Frank Sinatra, were known for their generosity (Wikipedia).
In conclusion, the Rat Pack, with its iconic members and rebellious lifestyle, emerged as a legendary group that defined an era of entertainment. From their origins in Las Vegas to their influence on politics, their legacy continues to captivate audiences.
FAQs
Who coined the term “Rat Pack”?
The term “Rat Pack” was reportedly coined by Lauren Bacall, who used it to describe her husband Humphrey Bogart and his friends returning from a night in Las Vegas (CBS News).
Who were the original members of the Rat Pack?
The original Rat Pack consisted of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop, and others (Wikipedia).
How did the Rat Pack originate?
The group originated with actor Humphrey Bogart as its leader, and after his death, Frank Sinatra took over (Wikipedia).
What was the lifestyle of the Rat Pack like?
The Rat Pack’s lifestyle was characterized by drinking martinis, smoking cigars, and pursuing elegant women (Wikipedia).
Where did the Rat Pack frequently gather?
The Rat Pack was known for their regular hangout at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas (Wikipedia).
Did the Rat Pack have their own language or lingo?
Yes, the Rat Pack had their own lingo, using terms like “the big casino” for death, “Clyde” for the average person on the street, and “Dullsville, Ohio” for any place other than Las Vegas (Wikipedia).
What was the significance of the film “Ocean’s Eleven” for the Rat Pack?
The Rat Pack’s notoriety was cemented with the filming of “Ocean’s Eleven” in 1960, a casino heist film that starred the group (Wikipedia).
Did the Rat Pack have any political involvement?
Yes, the Rat Pack was involved in supporting John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign and performed at the opening of the Democratic National Convention in 1960 (Wikipedia).