Aw Marty, 'samattawitchoo?

Just last week, I was heralding the forthcoming reunion of actor Robert De Niro and director Martin Scorsese.De Niro in 'Casino'

The two were slated to collaborate on a 2008 gangster picture, "Frankie Machine."

Now, the blogger Frosty at Collider.com believes the deal is off.

According to Frosty, "a very reliable source" reports "Mr. Scorsese has dropped out of directing 'Frankie Machine' and ... it seems quite likely the production will fall apart without his involvement."

Ordinarily, I don't give anonymous Internet rumors much credence. I hope this one turns out to be false.

The last film Scorsese and De Niro worked on together was 1995's "Casino." Prior to that, the two share a long history of producing fine work. The only two creative missteps in their partnership were "Cape Fear" and "New York, New York."

"Cape Fear" was an interesting but failed remake of a film noir classic. I suspect it was a "paycheck" film for both of them.

"New York, New York," was a musical. Imagine Scorsese at the helm of a musical starring De Niro. Liza Minelli co-starred. She's a great singer, when she's not dodging chairs thrown by a raging De Niro.

Anyway, here's hoping my two favorite native New Yorkers get to amaze moviegoers again ... and soon.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)