Here's a pretty clear video of the famous Martin and Lewis Reunion from the 1976 Reunion. There's such a wonderful jolt when Dino strides out with that big grin on his face…but watching it, I find myself wishing that Mr. Sinatra had realized that the moment wasn't about him; that he should have just brought Dean out and gotten the heck outta the way.
I know Dean and Jerry had nothing prepared or rehearsed but you can almost hear audiences across the nation groaning when Jerry gets shoved aside so the other two guys can perform. Yeah, I know a Sinatra/Martin medley was a big deal but seeing Martin and Lewis together was a bigger deal…and it's not like they had to keep it short because Norm Crosby's appearance couldn't be delayed. If an 18 hour telethon has nothing else, it's plenty of time.
Still, it's one of those moments…