Photos From The Bob Dolfi Collection

 

Enjoying a Coke with Betty

 

George Eifermann, Mr. America and Mr. Universe and friend of Mario, with Damon and Paul, President of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  Bob: "I don't recall his last name but the bust went into the Walk of Fame in the MGM Grand Hall. The replica was done by me."

 

Ed Mazzarino with Damon.  Ed owned the restaurant 'Mario' and Joe Pasternack and many stars would frequently dine there.  In the photo on the right is Ed next to Mario,  Picture shows Ed on far right and Felix, the MGM tattler for LBM on the far left.   This great story came from a picture of Mario holding a matchbook on the scene of Because You're Mine which I zoomed in on and discovered the name of the restaurant on the matchbook cover.  I traced it down and eventually located Ed who told me many wonderful stories.  Mario would often order food from the restaurant when working late on the film.  Ed would personally deliver the meal and would stay around to watch rehearsals Mario was doing late in the day.

 

Damon With Giuseppi DiStefano's Cousins

This is former Mayor Mancini who greeted Mario in Italy in 1957. He gave me about 25 pictures of that meeting. Unfortunately, he passed on shortly after we met him.

 

Mario's First VW Van In Italy

 

Mario's Boyhood Home On Mercy Street

 

Mario, Sam Weiler, Andy Russell, Mrs. Weiler and Della Russell and their two boys.

 

Damon and the ever-radiant Ann Blyth

 

With Ethel Barrymore in her dressing room during filming of That Midnight Kiss. Kathryn Grayson, always smiling, shares a laugh. Looks like Ms. Barrymore was reading a book during the production...The Blue Ribbon.

 

Mario gets a trim.  The barbers were Joseph Bullaro left and Sal Grisanti...both long-time friends of Mario. It was taken in the Hearst Building.  Mario's comment on this haircut: "It wouldn't have been so bad had it not been for Joe's singing."   Friends for ten years, Mario said the next haircut was in Joe's home and cost Mario an extra ten dollars playing Gin Rummy.  Date of photo uncertain.

 

Off-Camera During The Seven Hills Of Rome

 

Mario laying Bocce in Italy in 1957

 

Entering the theater for the fateful live national television program The Shower Of Stars, 1954