This image, taken in 1968 by celebrity photographer Terry O’Neill, could quite easily be mistaken for photographic confirmation of Frank Sinatra’s much-rumoured Mafia ties, such is the posse’s menacing demeanour while swaggering through Miami Beach…
Last week, we brought you the curious sight of singer, actor (and Mafia associate?) Frank Sinatra sunbathing in a suit while filming 1967 action thriller, Tony Rome. The following year, he was back in Miami to film the sequel, Lady in Cement – and was accompanied by a rather ominous-looking entourage. Flanked by bodyguards, Sinatra is also shadowed by his body double; although he doesn’t pull off the identical suit with quite the same panache as old Frank. That could be down to the protagonist having prior knowledge of the paparazzi-style shot, however, as it was taken by Terry O’Neill – the legendary celebrity photographer to whom Sinatra was introduced by Ava Gardner.
Photo: Terry O'Neill, courtesy of Loughran Gallery
The shot above is part of a group show currently being exhibited at the newly opened Loughran Gallery on Motcomb Street in Belgravia, London. Other selected artists include Damien Hirst, Dave White, Douglas Kirkland, Harland Miller, Jessica Zoob and Nick Jeffrey. Exhibition dates 22 April - 15 May 2015.
