Alan Dale

In 1953 gossip columns reported that Universal Pictures was floating the idea of teaming Dale with his pal Buddy Hackett, as its answer to Paramount's box-office sensations Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Nothing came of the idea because Dale preferred to remain a solo act.

In 1955 he was approached by producers who were planning a film on the life of legendary crooner Russ Columbo, who was a major romantic idol in the early 1930s. Columbo was in the midst of a well publicized romance with Carole Lombard (which her studio was said to be strongly against) when he was killed in a bizarre shooting "accident" at the age of 26. Dale's voice had a quality reminiscent of the ill-fated singer's, and in view of the dramatic facts of Columbo's life, a picture about him seemed a good bet. For some unknown reason the project never materialized.

One of Dale's great allies was record producer (and husband of singer Teresa Brewer) Bob Thiele. In his book, "What a Wonderful World: A Lifetime of Recordings", Thiele writes admiringly about Dale, and offers his theory of why his career crashed. He said that Dale was adamant in refusing to accept "help" from mobsters, who not only owned a large number of nightclubs but also influenced record sales through their control of the jukebox industry, among other means. Thiele lists several other Italian singers who had hit records partly due to mob influence. Dale was not only stubbornly independent, but outspoken in his disrespect toward these would-be mentors. Thiele claims that a 1960 incident at the Latin Quarter nightclub in which Dale was attacked by an unknown assailant,and sent hurtling through the club's plate-glass window, was no accident. Fortunately, Dale's reflexes were quick; he raised his hands over his face and was spared more serious injury]. However, this headlined incident sent a message to all the other nightclubs: To avoid trouble, stay away from Alan Dale.