The world lost an amazing performer when Bobby Darin left us in 1973, more than thirty-five years ago.  He was only 37 years old when he died, and yet he’s immortal, still a show business legend and continuing to entertain us everytime we think of him or hear him or watch one of his performances.  I’m not going to do a biographical piece in honor of his birthday — there are several wonderful, exhaustive and fascinating websites devoted to him, including The Official Bobby Darin Website and DarinLand.  Instead I’m going to recommend that you all watch Beyond The Sea, Kevin Spacey’s imaginative and heartfelt film biography of Darin from 2004.  Despite mixed reviews on its initial release, Beyond The Sea is an amazing achievement, a vibrant musical drama that will make you a fan of Darin even if you didn’t start out that way. 

Kevin Spacey did, of course, and he fought hard for many years to be able to bring the movie to fruition, eventually getting his vision onscreen as director and co-writer, and more controversially playing Darin and singing Darin’s tunes.  Though some scoffed at the older-than-Darin Spacey playing the singer, who better to capture Bobby Darin’s verve and talent than someone equally talented and more importantly dedicated to getting it right.  Spacey’s performance isn’t exactly a channeling of Bobby Darin, rather it’s an interpretation, a creative version of Darin, a stylized and completely mesmerizing portrayal on so many levels. 

What could be better, also, than a terrific actor playing another terrific actor?  Though Bobby Darin’s probably best remembered for his singing, he made positive impressions in a number of films, including his Best Supporting Actor nomination for his role in 1963′s Captain Newman, M.D., and other dramatic parts in the war movie Hell is for Heroes, the John Cassavetes’ directed Too Late Blues, and the racially-charged prison drama Pressure Point.  He also breezed through several comedies and musicals, including the 1962 remake of State Fair with Pat Boone and Ann-Margret, and a number of films with his wife Sandra Dee, who had a very successful career of her own.  Even more impressive, I think, are the number of television guest star roles undertaken by Bobby Darin.  His television resume is varied and interesting — Wagon Train, Burke’s Law, Run For Your Life, Ironside, Night Gallery — and while you might think it was stunt casting, what they got from Darin were great performances. 

If you haven’t seen Beyond The Sea, it’s time to share a few clips of this larger-than-life production.  Yes, Spacey does his own singing, and he’s just swell.   Here’s the trailer:

You should also check out  Spacey as Darin and Kate Bosworth as Sandra Dee in a playful version of “Beyond the Sea” set during the filming of Come September, where the couple first met.  Available on YouTube here.

How about this amusing scene as a fuming Darin comes home empty-handed after his Oscar quest?

How about the actual Bobby Darin doing his signature tune “Mack the Knife”?

(You can watch Kevin’s version here.)

Something from a little later in the movie, as Darin changes styles and sings an original folk tune –

And again, the real deal Bobby Darin singing the same song –

The final musical number from the film and the real Bobby Darin singing it from an episode of  The Jack Benny Show can be found here.

So, on this anniversary of the amazing Bobby Darin’s birth, tip your hat to Kevin Spacey, too, for his committment to and appreciation of Darin’s artistry.  That’s the best birthday salute anybody can get.