Saturday Diversion: Viva Las Vegas
Some movies, books, songs, and travel tips for this uniquely American city in the desert.
“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” is the promotional tagline for “Sin City,” a place where millions of Americans and people from around the world have gone for more than a century to escape and forget about life for a while. The city also has a history that in many ways parallels the American experience throughout most of the 20th and 21st Centuries, and there’s nothing like taking in everything this place has to offer in person.
But here are some movies, television programs, books, and songs that give you a flavor of Vegas:
Movies and television programs
Casino. This 1995 Martin Scorsese film stars Robert De Niro in a story about the rise and fall of a gangster in Las Vegas.
Ocean’s 11. The original 1960 heist film takes place in Las Vegas and stars Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Angie Dickenson, among many other stars. Watch the 2001 film with more recent Hollywood stars and compare and contrast the two movies.
Viva Las Vegas. Featuring Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, this 1964 movie is a fun diversion to watch still these days.
Vegas: The Story of Sin City. This CNN documentary series from 2023 does a nice job capturing the history of the city in four episodes.
The Hangover. The comedy movie by Todd Phillips from 2009 is a silly delight that offers a whiff of the wild side of Vegas.
Swingers. This buddy comedy starts out in Los Angeles but takes the main characters, Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn on an excursion to Las Vegas to look for a good time. “Vegas Baby!” they exclaim when they catch a first glimpse of the shimmering city on a nighttime drive.
Books and articles
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream by Hunter S. Thompson. This 1971 novel based on autobiographical incidents captures the vibe of the city from that time in a blend of fact and fiction typical of the highly personalized perspective of gonzo journalism.
The Gambler: How Penniless Dropout Kirk Kerkorian Became the Greatest Deal Maker in Capitalist History by William C. Rempel. This biography tells the story of one of the key figures who made Las Vegas what it is today.
“Royal Flush” by Jonah Lehrer in The New Yorker. This 2012 profile of Roger Thomas, an interior designer, offers insights into the planning and thought that goes into shaping how some key landmarks in Las Vegas look from the inside.
Songs
“Viva Las Vegas” by Elvis Presley. First recorded in 1963 by Presley for the 1964 movie, the song has been covered by many bands and performers including ZZ Top, Dead Kennedys, and Bruce Springsteen.
“Checkout Time in Vegas” by Drive-By Truckers. “Bloody nose, empty pockets/A rented car with trunk full of guns/ It ain't true that the sun don't rise in Vegas/I've seen it once.” The opening lines of this tune by the Southern rock band exude the strong smell of regret and shame with a note of disappointment that some Vegas visitors experience the morning after a night out on the town.
“Luck Be a Lady” by Frank Sinatra. It’s a very good chance that if you visit Las Vegas, you’ll hear this tune playing in the background somewhere. Originally written by Frank Loessner for the 1950 musical “Guys and Dolls,” Sinatra and many others have covered this tune. Check out Sinatra singing this song live at the Sands Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1966 here.
“Sin City” by AC/DC. The lyrics in this 1978 song by the Australian rock band evoke the alluring pleasures offered by the city.
“Vegas” by Sara Bareilles. This soulful tune doesn’t get as much play time and attention as other songs like “Leaving Los Vegas” by Sheryl Crow or “Waking Up in Vegas” by Katy Perry.
“If You Go” Travel Tips
Las Vegas is dominated by gambling with hundreds of casinos, but it also has many great restaurants and things to do like take in a concert or ride roller coasters. A few suggestions based on my recent visit during spring break:
1. Visit the Mob Museum. The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement has exhibits that detail the history of organized crime in America and efforts to combat it.
2. Have lunch and catch at game at Blondie's Sports Bar & Grill. You don’t have to get stuck in the sports book at a casino to watch some sports. Tucked in the back of the Miracle Mall Shops, this restaurant has good burgers, nachos, and beer.
3. Hop on a thrill ride. The city has several roller coasters and other rides that give you a great view of the city and surrounding area. The Strat is one of many options.
4. Eat dinner at Scarpetta Las Vegas. This restaurant, which has locations in New York, Rome, Doha, Tokyo, among other cities, has a great view overlooking the famed fountains of Bellagio and excellent pasta.
5. Catch a concert at Sphere. An immersive concert hall, the Irish rock band U2 played for several months here, with shows by Phish and Dead and Company scheduled and more to come.
You missed Gram Parsons’ songs about Las Vegas! Sin City and Ooh Las Vegas on his album Grievous Angel.