This movie wanted to be what 'Bugsy' was, but failed terribly.Even for a low-budget TV movie, it's miserably inept. It's a fictionalized account of Bugsy Siegel's founding of Las Vegas. See the 'Trivia' notes on this film.
4 Reviews
Guilty pleasure if ever there was one, Sharkey is great
yocsmotel17 February 2009
This is a guilty pleasure if ever there was one. For those of you who haven't seen him, Ray Sharkey made everything he was in great. If you look at the New York Times review that was written when this was new, it's actually pretty positive, but notes that the movie fades at the end because Sharkey isn't in it as much. Fortunately, he's in most of it.
For those of you who enjoyed the (probably greatest) story arc that Ray Sharkey starred in on the classic TV series WISEGY, this production was made around the same time. You don't get Ken Wahl, and it ain't WISEGUY, but Ray's performance is definitely reminiscent of the Sonny Steelgrave character.
I loved the sets and scenery, as they evoked the feel of a lost Vegas, drowsing in the sun and unaware of its destiny. Unfortunately, there also are "filler" scenes with narration and old footage that is painful to watch. Thankfully, that doesn't last long, and is probably to be expected from a production that was budgeted for late '80's premium cable rather than the big screen.
Gary Busey seems somewhat wooden and has a bit of a pot belly in this, but he's fun too. Martin Landau is very very good in this one. The story has elements of the real history of the founding of Las Vegas, but twists them around and makes no effort to be a historical drama. But--anybody who loves Ray Sharkey as much as me will consider this one a DO NOT MISS fun ride with a very much mourned and beloved actor.
For those of you who enjoyed the (probably greatest) story arc that Ray Sharkey starred in on the classic TV series WISEGY, this production was made around the same time. You don't get Ken Wahl, and it ain't WISEGUY, but Ray's performance is definitely reminiscent of the Sonny Steelgrave character.
I loved the sets and scenery, as they evoked the feel of a lost Vegas, drowsing in the sun and unaware of its destiny. Unfortunately, there also are "filler" scenes with narration and old footage that is painful to watch. Thankfully, that doesn't last long, and is probably to be expected from a production that was budgeted for late '80's premium cable rather than the big screen.
Gary Busey seems somewhat wooden and has a bit of a pot belly in this, but he's fun too. Martin Landau is very very good in this one. The story has elements of the real history of the founding of Las Vegas, but twists them around and makes no effort to be a historical drama. But--anybody who loves Ray Sharkey as much as me will consider this one a DO NOT MISS fun ride with a very much mourned and beloved actor.
I love this Classic Gangster movie
Rwwood4814 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I have this on VHS. If your into the history of Las Vegas...This comes real close.Ray Sharkey,and Gary Busey carry the movie,when Ray tries to move in on Gary's business. Martin Landau really tries to keep the lid from blowing every thing up that Ray is trying to do. Linda is a real treat to watch. Then she got ran off the road. Shows just how far the New York gangsters will go to take over. That includes shutting the town down from outsiders To see some of the old casinos that are not around anymore is a real treat for us who have been there years ago. The new casinos now don't hold the history of the old ones. Not to be missed,great story line.
An OK movie
mandyhorn2628 April 2003
I think that this was an OK movie. I thought the cast did really well considering what they had to work with as far as storyline. The casting of Ray Sharkey was perfect as "Junior Molov". Overall I would recommend this film for a lazy Sunday afternoon.
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