Las Vegas has long been a magnet for filmmakers, hosting hundreds of movies and iconic scenes. Some of these films have won Oscars, while others have faded into obscurity. Yet, Las Vegas remains a timeless attraction for the film industry, dating back to the glory days of the Rat Pack.
While the Rat Pack era is often cited as the golden age of Las Vegas in film, the city's cinematic history began earlier. Frank Sinatra's first movie, Las Vegas Nights, was released in 1941. However, it was the late 1950s and early 1960s that truly cemented Las Vegas as a film destination, thanks to the Rat Pack.
The Rat Pack consisted of five iconic entertainers: Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, and Frank Sinatra. These men were not only good friends but also loved to party, often gathering at the Sands Hotel and Casino, which was demolished in 1996 and is now the site of The Venetian.
The Rat Pack era produced seven notable films:
Ocean's 11 is perhaps the most famous, inspiring a successful 2001 remake starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Julia Roberts. The remake featured robbery scenes at the Bellagio.
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, also left an indelible mark on Las Vegas. His 1964 film Viva Las Vegas remains a classic, showcasing his love for the city. In 1970, Elvis starred in a documentary filmed at the International Hotel (now the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino), titled Elvis: That's the Way It Is.
Elvis's connection to Las Vegas continued with several documentaries and biopics:
Released in 1995, Casino is a classic film that delves into the gritty underbelly of Las Vegas. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the movie is based on the life of Frank Rosenthal, portrayed by Robert De Niro. Sharon Stone plays his wife, Geri. While the film was a box-office hit, Rosenthal criticized Scorsese for not accurately portraying the true story of Las Vegas casinos.
Nicolas Cage has had a notable career with several films set in Las Vegas. He starred in Honeymoon in Vegas (1992), won an Oscar for Leaving Las Vegas (1995), and made a memorable return with Con Air (1997), which featured a dramatic landing at the Hard Rock Hotel.
Las Vegas has been the backdrop for numerous other films, each adding to the city's cinematic legacy:
Las Vegas continues to be a beloved location for filmmakers, offering a unique blend of glamour, grit, and history that few other cities can match.
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