What was the first movie you fell in love with?
I remember being a little girl, sitting in the Bruin Theatre in Westwood, California … my feet didn’t even touch the floor and the screen was filled with the most amazing movie … The Wizard of Oz.
What artist or figure has been most influential in your life?
My father Dean Martin was the most influential person in my life. He taught me my morals, principals and ethics. He said, ‘Deana, always treat people the way you want to be treated, always be on time, hit your mark and sing from your heart.’ And he introduced me to my Uncle Frank Sinatra and together, they taught me how to sing and dance.
What is one skill people would be surprised to know you have?
People would be surprised to learn that I am a licensed pilot and I love to fly our 310Q Twin Cessna named ‘Volare’. And as I said in AOPA Magazine when asked about my love of flying, I said, ‘It’s not about the destination, it’s the journey along the way.’
What is the first thing you do in the morning?
The first thing I do in the morning is make the bed … even if my husband is still in it.
How do you relax during stressful times?
To relax during stressful times I take several deep breaths, have a glass of very nice wine and watch whatever is playing on TCM.
What is your favorite movie moment?
I remember my very first favorite movie moment like it was yesterday … It was in The Wizard of Oz, when everything changed from Black & White to Color. It was magical.
Which movie do you watch when you need to escape?
When I want to escape, I cuddle up with my handsome husband John and watch my favorite classic movies … starring Dean Martin of course … did I mention a glass of wine?
What’s your perfect double feature?
The perfect double feature for me has to be The Godfather 1 & 2. ‘May their first child be a masculine child’, ‘I’m smart’, ‘Leave the gun … take the cannolis’ …
What’s one movie you enjoy watching with your friends/family?
I absolutely love watching the fabulous Bonnie Hunt movie Return To Me with all my friends and family. It’s always entertaining.
What movie would you describe as “perfect” in every way?
It's difficult to choose just one, but when I think of perfect movies I think of Billy Budd or It's A Wonderful Life.
What is the one movie you would recommend to someone to get them started on their journey into classics?
To get someone started on their journey into ‘Classic Movies,’ I would suggest they watch Casablanca … with a nice glass of wine.
What was the last film that made you cry or laugh?
The last film that that made me laugh was Love Actually … and the last film that made me cry was also Love Actually. It was a wonderful movie.
What movie have you watched so often that you can quote it?
Because of my husband, I have watched Young Frankenstein so many times that I can easily recall lines like ‘Put zee candle back’, ‘Frau Blucher’, ‘He was my boyfriend’, ‘Hump, What Hump’, ‘It's pronounced Fronkensteen’ … please make it stop!
If you could watch any movie with someone living or dead, whom would it be and what movie?
I think it would be a dream to watch Top Hat with Fred Astaire.
