The Joker is Wild (1957) Poster, British

The Joker is Wild (1957) Poster, British

Unframed: 30 x 40 in. (76 x 102 cm)

This musical was directed by Charles Vidor and is based on Art Cohn's book Life of Joe E. Lewis. Joe E. Lewis (played by Sinatra) was a famous Chicago nightclub singer in the 1920s to 1950s, who declined to renew his contract at one of the nightclubs partly owned by Al Capone. Because of this, he was assaulted and his throat and tongue were cut. It took Lewis several years before he could speak again. Lewis wasn't able to sing, but he resumed his career as a stand-up comedian and was given a break by Sophie Tucker, who plays herself in the film. The cast includes Frank Sinatra, Mitzi Gaynor, Jeanne Crain, and Eddie Albert. The film won an Academy for Best Original Song for All the Way by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn.