The Real Casino Behind the Iconic Movie 'Casino'

In the world of cinema, few films have left a lasting impact quite like Martin Scorsese's 'Casino.' The 1995 film, starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, is renowned for its gritty portrayal of organized crime, gambling, and the glamorous world of Las Vegas. One of the most intriguing aspects of the movie is the question of which real-life casino inspired its creation. This article delves into the mystery behind the real casino that served as the backdrop for 'Casino.'

The Real Casino: The Stardust

The Stardust Resort and Casino, located on the Las Vegas Strip, was the real-life casino that inspired the film 'Casino.' Opened in 1958, the Stardust was one of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas during the 1960s and 1970s. It was a place where high rollers, celebrities, and organized crime figures mingled, making it the perfect setting for the story of 'Casino.'

The Stardust's connection to organized crime was well-documented, with reports of mobsters running the show and even the casino's founder, Olaf Alonzo, having ties to the mob. The film's depiction of the casino's corrupt and violent environment is a reflection of the Stardust's history during that era.

The Stardust's Unique Features

The Stardust had several unique features that made it an ideal setting for 'Casino.' Some of these features include:

1. The Famous 'Stardust Follies' Show: The Stardust was famous for its 'Stardust Follies' show, which featured a variety of acts, including acrobats, dancers, and singers. The film 'Casino' showcases a similar show, albeit with a darker tone.

2. The Swimming Pool: The Stardust had one of the most famous swimming pools in Las Vegas, which was often used as a meeting place for organized crime figures. The movie features a tense scene involving a mobster and his wife at the Stardust's pool.

3. The Bingo Hall: The Stardust had a large bingo hall, which was a popular place for gamblers. The film 'Casino' uses the bingo hall as a setting for a crucial scene involving a high-stakes gambling game.

The Characters and Storylines

The characters and storylines in 'Casino' were inspired by real-life events and individuals associated with the Stardust. Some of the key inspirations include:

1. Sam 'Ace' Rothstein: The film's protagonist, Sam 'Ace' Rothstein, is loosely based on Frank Rosenthal, who was a real-life gambler and organized crime figure who managed the Stardust during the 1970s.

2. Ginger McKenna: The character of Ginger McKenna, played by Sharon Stone, is inspired by Geri McGee, a former showgirl and stripper who was romantically involved with Frank Rosenthal.

3. The Mobster Characters: The film's mobster characters, including Joe Pesci's character, are based on real-life mobsters who had connections to the Stardust.

The Impact of 'Casino'

The film 'Casino' had a significant impact on the public's perception of Las Vegas and organized crime. It was one of the first major films to depict the seedy underbelly of the city, which had previously been portrayed as a glamorous playground for the rich and famous.

The film also brought attention to the Stardust's role in the history of organized crime in Las Vegas. The Stardust was closed in 2007, but its legacy continues to be remembered through films like 'Casino.'

FAQs

1. Q: Who wrote the script for the film 'Casino'?

A: The script for 'Casino' was written by Martin Scorsese and Nicholas Pileggi, based on Pileggi's non-fiction book 'Casino: The Battle for High Stakes Gambling in Las Vegas.'

2. Q: Why was the Stardust chosen as the setting for 'Casino'?

A: The Stardust was chosen as the setting for 'Casino' because of its unique features and history of being associated with organized crime during the 1960s and 1970s.

3. Q: Was the film 'Casino' a critical and commercial success?

A: Yes, the film 'Casino' was both a critical and commercial success. It was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Robert De Niro.

4. Q: Who produced the film 'Casino'?

A: The film 'Casino' was produced by Robert Evans, Irwin Winkler, and Martin Scorsese.

5. Q: How did the film 'Casino' affect the public's perception of Las Vegas?

A: The film 'Casino' brought attention to the seedy underbelly of Las Vegas and organized crime, which had previously been portrayed as glamorous. The film also highlighted the Stardust's role in the history of organized crime in Las Vegas.