Ocean’s Eleven is the best known of the series of movies featuring the original Rat Pack. The idea to film it originated with actor Peter Lawford, who had purchased the screenplay and brought it to Frank Sinatra. Figuring it would be a good project for him and his pals, Frank put it in motion. Then, since all the action would take place in Las Vegas, Frank decided that he and his co-stars should film by day and perform at the Sands at night. He decided that the gathering on the Sands showroom stage would be a summit, much like the political summit planned by world leaders at that time. And the “summit” is a name he actually preferred to Rat Pack.
Once plans for the shows were announced, every hotel room in Las Vegas was booked. Each night, Frank, Dean and Sammy performed and partied on stage along with Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford. The shows were lively and unpredictable, and it’s those shows that are re-created today by Rat Pack Tribute groups.
Most of the comedy performed on stage by the Rat Pack was written by comedian and Rat Pack member Joey Bishop. Early in his career, he was part of a comedy team with his older brother, and then became a solo act, working nightclubs around the U.S. In the early 50′s, he started opening for Frank Sinatra, and then joined up with Frank, Dean, Sammy, and Peter Lawford, although he didn’t have a partying lifestyle as intense as theirs. 
