Las Vegas & The Movies

May 14
20:52

2024

Iulia Pascanu

Iulia Pascanu

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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.

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The Rat Pack Era

The Beginnings

While the Rat Pack era is often cited as the golden age of Las Vegas in film,Las Vegas & The Movies Articles 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 Members

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.

Films and Legacy

The Rat Pack era produced seven notable films:

  1. Some Came Running (1958)
  2. Ocean's 11 (1960)
  3. Sergeants 3 (1962)
  4. 4 for Texas (1963)
  5. Robin and the 7 Hoods (1964)
  6. Marriage on the Rocks (1965)
  7. Cannonball Run II (1984)

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 Las Vegas

Iconic Films

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.

Documentaries and Biopics

Elvis's connection to Las Vegas continued with several documentaries and biopics:

  • Elvis (1979), starring Kurt Russell
  • Elvis and Me (1988), based on Priscilla Presley's autobiography
  • The Burger and the King: The Life and Cuisine of Elvis Presley (1995), a BBC documentary

Casino: A Cinematic Masterpiece

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: A Lucky Charm

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.

Other Notable Films

Las Vegas has been the backdrop for numerous other films, each adding to the city's cinematic legacy:

  • Diamonds Are Forever (1971) - James Bond film starring Sean Connery
  • The Godfather Part II (1974)
  • Rocky III (1982) and Rocky IV (1985)
  • Heat (1987) - Starring Burt Reynolds
  • Rain Man (1988) - Featuring scenes at Caesars Palace
  • Bugsy (1991) - The story of Bugsy Siegel and the Flamingo, starring Warren Beatty and Annette Bening
  • Indecent Proposal (1993)
  • Heat (1995) - Starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino
  • Showgirls (1995) - Featuring many scenes at the Stardust

Interesting Stats

  • Las Vegas has been featured in over 500 films and TV shows. Source: IMDb
  • The 2001 remake of Ocean's 11 grossed over $450 million worldwide. Source: Box Office Mojo
  • Elvis Presley performed 837 consecutive sold-out shows at the International Hotel from 1969 to 1976. Source: Graceland

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.