January 28, 1963, Variety Memo Regarding Frank Sinatra’s Call Threatening The Editor

1963 was not a good year for Frank Sinatra’s Nevada business interest because of his battle with the Nevada Gaming Commission to remove Mr. Sinatra from eligibility to hold a gaming license as a result of his ties and acquaintances with organized crime. The federal government placed tremendous pressure on the Nevada Gaming Commission because Sinatra had a close relationship with Chicago crime boss Sam Giancana. Sinatra was very cautious in trying to limit any adverse press about himself while the Gaming Commission was reviewing his case. The many conflicts that Sinatra had with the press are well known. 

This documented call of an irate Frank Sinatra to Tom Pryor, editor of Variety Is one of the few hard copies relics that presents Sinatra's anger towards the Press. in this message, Sinatra threatens to put Tom Pryor “in the hospital if you (Variety) don't quit printing those lies about me. I guess that's the only way to stop you, to put you in the hospital.”  the secretary makes mentioned that she called Mickey Rudin (Sinatra's lawyer) about the irate and threatening Sinatra and Ruden said "I can't tell you what to print and I can't tell him what to say.”

Milton Mickey Ruden was a top entertainment attorney who represented Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra. This item is a one-of-a-kind piece that has Sinatra's writing all over it without him holding a pen while he did hold his phone.