First Casino Ever Built

Las Vegas was in the middle of a slump. It was April 1957, and the town was still coming to terms with the opening of five major resorts two years earlier. The Dunes, Riviera, New Frontier, Royal Nevada and Moulin Rouge had all struggled through ownership changes, some slipping into bankruptcy; the latter two never recovered. The previous year's opening of the Hacienda had been a low-key affair with little glamor. So to open the doors of the town's most expensive hotel yet built was going against the grain.

1. First Casino Ever Built In Las Vegas
2. First Casino Ever Built In America
3. First Casino Ever Built
4. First Casino Ever Built
5. What Was The First Casino Ever Built

The Mafia made a comeback to the Las Vegas casinos, albeit for a short time. In the 1980s, the FBI instigated far-reaching assaults on the Las Vegas welfares owned by the Mafia. Casinos and resorts controlled by Mafia were taken by the FBI and vented to legitimate proprietors. Opened since 1941 as both a hotel and casino, the El Cortez is the oldest continuously existing casino in Las Vegas. El Cortez was built by Marion Hicks and J.C. Grayson as the first major resort in downtown Las Vegas.

The Tropicana had been planned since 1955, and on the surface did not seem to have been hurt much by the failures of that year. It had a curious ownership structure: Miami hotelier Ben Jaffe (part owner of the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach) owned the land on which the casino would sit, but Conquistador Inc. would build and operate the resort.

It just so happened that Conquistador's owner, 'Dandy' Phil Kastel, had a long and fruitful partnership with Frank Costello, perhaps the nation's most infamous gangster in the spring of 1957. For years, Kastel had run New Orleans' Beverly Club (an ostensibly illegal but still operating casino) for Costello; the two also shared in a Louisiana slot machine route operation that, similarly, might have been illegal on paper but which police managed to avoid until the Kefauver Committee's spotlight forced them into action. And it almost goes without saying that most 'Miami hotel men' who came to Las Vegas in this era were more than familiar with Meyer Lansky, another famous gangland name.

Kastel was the driving force behind the Tropicana's construction, and was happy to talk about his vision for Las Vegas. In an interview with New York Times reporter Gilbert Millstein, he admitted that while he had been 'good friends' with Frank Costello for years, the reputed Mob boss had 'no interest' in the Tropicana whatsoever because he was too busy and troubled to take on Las Vegas. 'You couldn't give him all of Las Vegas,' Kastel explained.

It was Kastel's experiences with the Beverly Club — and elsewhere — that convinced him to build the Tropicana. 'I've seen a lot,' he said. 'I know all types — underworld, upper world, middle world — and a lot of pretty nice people. I saw where there was a need for a first-class establishment without, you understand, knocking any other hotel. I'm a particular operator. I like to give value.'

That value took the form of a hotel-casino that cost $15 million, making it by far the most expensive Las Vegas resort yet built — closer to the $19 million it would cost for Caesars Palace nine years later than the $8.5 million high-rise Riviera. The Trop earned its nickname 'the Tiffany of the Strip.'

That $15 million delivered 300 rooms in two three-story wings that swept back from the main building in a Y shape. Described as having a 'quiet dignity' in the Las VegasReview-Journal (not precisely the words that first come to mind when discussing Las Vegas casinos today), the hotel was noted for its spacious lobby area and mosaic tile-lined entrance.

And so the doors opened on April 4. 'Lush luxury, extremely good taste, warmth, intimacy, and functional efficiency,' enthused the Las Vegas Sun.

The Theater Restaurant, whose tiered floorplan gave every table an unobstructed view of the semi-circular stage, saw its first action that night with a gala revue that featured nearly three dozen dancers and the Las Vegas big stage debut of singing star Eddie Fisher. Produced by show business veteran Monte Proser, the revue featured original songs in an overarching storyline.

Kastel reached out to Los Angeles for culinary expertise, bringing in restaurateur Alexander Perino, whose Perino's restaurant in L.A. was world renowned — an early example of a Las Vegas casino importing a celebrity chef, although in Perino's case it was decades of superior dining, not television show, that had brought him fame. Perino oversaw the Theater Restaurant, the Brazilian Room and Perino's Gourmet Room.

First Casino Ever Built In Las Vegas

From Fremont Street, the Tropicana lured Ronzone's, a downtown Las Vegas fashionwear staple, which established its first branch store in the new resort.

Unlike many of the resorts that had faltered two years earlier, the Tropicana boasted veteran leadership from day one, with many of its executives hailing from the Sands. Former Sands part-owner Louis Lederer served as secretary-treasurer and as half of the Executive Committee, which called all the shots at the Tropicana. The other half was T.M. Schimberg, the soft drink king of Chicago, who also presided over a Windy City real estate empire. Together, Lederer and Schimberg were responsible for the resort's day-to-day operations, with Lederer presumably taking a more active role than Schimberg, who retained both of his Chicago businesses.

The casino itself was presided over by J.K. Houssels, who was one of the first owners of full-on Las Vegas gambling halls following their 1931 legalization. The former miner and Army Air Force pilot had managed at various times the Las Vegas Club, Showboat and El Cortez in addition to starting a bus line and taxi company. In his free time, he bred thoroughbreds.

A substantial investment in the resort buildings and executive talent promised to give the Tropicana the kind of pop the busts of 1955 had lacked. It wasn't known at the time, but behind the scenes the Tropicana had even more veteran leadership in the form of Costello, who had a more active interest in the casino than his friend Dandy Phil wanted to admit. At the time of the opening, the general public was blissfully (or willfully) ignorant of Costello's involvement, although in a few weeks Costello's private business would become public in the most explosive way imaginable.

On May 2, 1957, while entering a New York apartment building, Costello was shot and wounded by Vincent 'the Chin' Gigante on orders from rival Mafia boss Vito Genovese. Written on a piece of paper found by police inside Costello's coat pocket was the exact gross win from the Tropicana as of April 27, 1957 — $651,284, less $153,745 in markers (loans to players), with the proceeds from slot machines at $62,844. The note mentioned $30,000 for 'L' and $9,000 for 'H,' likely money to be skimmed on behalf of Costello's underworld partner Meyer Lansky and perhaps for Mob-connected Teamsters union boss James Hoffa. It was a big national news story.

Costello survived the shooting with a minor head wound, but six months later, during the famous Apalachin meeting of American crime family leaders on November 14, he agreed to step aside and allow Genovese to become boss of the Luciano family. Months earlier, Nevada's state gaming agency had refused to license the Mob-tainted Kastel, and Tropicana landlord Jaffe convinced veteran local casino executive Houssels to take full control of the casino.

David G. Schwartz, author of several books on Las Vegas gaming history, is director of the Center for Gaming Research and teaches history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

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Mission
The very first screen appearance of James Bond 007, made in 1954 for US TV channel CBS. Bond's task is to destroy the evil Le Chiffre, and his plan is to force him to lose a large sum of money at the gambling tables of Casino Royale.

Release Data
US Premiere: October 21, 1954 (CBS)
Part of the 'Climax!' TV Series (1954-1958)
Running Time: 60 minutes

Best Line
US Leiter: 'Are you the fellow that was shot?'
Bond: 'No, I'm the fellow that was missed'

First Casino Ever Built In America

History
Contrary to popular belief, the honour of being the first actor to play James Bond fell not on Sean Connery, but on American Barry Nelson, who starred in this live 1 hour production of Ian Fleming's Casino Royale. The performance on 21st October 1954 (8.30pm EST) was the first in CBS's 'Climax' series of dramas.

CBS brought the rights for Fleming's first book for $1000. Since then the rights have gone via Charles Feldman's spoof of 1967 to Eon Productions, who picked them up in early 2000. The film, which is black and white, was actually lost until 1981, and even then all of the various VHS incarnations (except the Special Edition from Spy Guise Video) lack the climax of the film, stopping with Le Chiffre apparently dying, but having just got the razorblade from his hat.

Plot
The film is quite loyal to Fleming's version, with a few changes of nationality and sides. It starts with Bond being shot at but ducking behind a pillar outside the casino. Leiter (who is English and whose first name is Clarence) approaches 'Card Sense Jimmy Bond' as he is nicknamed, and is met by the first Bond one-liner (see 'Best Line').

First Casino Ever Built

Over supper Bond explains Baccarat to Leiter and the audience, and Leiter explains the CIA's Bond (not 007) his mission: Le Chiffre, the Soviet spymaster in France, is in financial difficulty, but intends to save his life and Communist funds by winning it back at the casino. Bond's job is to clean him out.

Matters are complicated when Bond's former lover, Valerie Mathis turns out to be a communist agent with Le Chiffre. They meet in Bond's room, and knowing about Le Chiffre's bug they turn up the music and kiss, before acting their parts for the villain.

The next night at the casino the game takes place. Bond is told if he wins, Valerie will die. Bond is beaten by Le Chiffre, but then gets an extra donation, with which he cleans out the 'toad'-like villain. Valerie disappears, and Bond returns to his room after dealing with a henchmen using a gun disguised as a cane. He hides the cheque just before Valerie comes (she is in fact a French agent, who supplied the extra donation), but Le Chiffre and his men capture them. Bond is tied to a bath and tortured by having his toenails removed with pliers (rather than Fleming's version using a seatless cane chair and carpet beater).

Valerie gives away the location of the cheque, but helps Bond reach the razorblade in Le Chiffre's cigarette case, which he had left on the bath. Bond escapes, and overcomes a henchmen. Le Chiffre enters the bathroom with a gun, and he and Bond shoot each other. Le Chiffre is more seriously hurt, but reaches another razorblade, hidden in his hat. Bond says 'call the police' just as Le Chiffre lunges. Bond fans with bad videos will now be infuriated as they miss the climax. Bond dodges the razor blade and finally overcomes Le Chiffre.

Above: The final scene which is missing in all VHS releases except the 1997 Special Edition by Spy Guise Video.

Review
Peter Lorre is superb as the villain Le Chiffre. His toad-like looks and menacing acting make him a great villain. Michael Pate is annoying but acceptable as Englishman Leiter, and Linda Christian is competent enough as Valerie Mathis, although her looks are taken away from by the black and white.

But what about the first James Bond? Barry Nelson is just about okay. He is handsome and about the right age, and unlike Roger Moore he has at least read the books, although his Americanisation of Bond takes away slightly from Fleming's cold character. Nelson was born in San Francisco, California on 16th April 1920, and was a regular actor in mid-sized roles on Broadway in the '40s. Since Casino Royale he has appeared in 'Airport' (1970) and 'The Shining' (1980). So how did he do? Certainly he is credible as Bond, although he lacks flair. He delivers the one-liners sharply, and his interpretation of the role is not too bad, although being an American he will always look out of place. Nelson's Bond is hard and cold, as 007 should be. He struggles at the fight scenes (hardly surprising considering the production was filmed live) but he does a reasonable job, with a similar quality of acting to Lazenby.

The picture itself, directed by William H Brown Jr. and written by Antony Ellis and Charles Bennet, with music by Jerry Goldsmith is reasonably filmed, and remains tense throughout (an effect slightly spoiled by the needless use of Act intros). Obviously the usual special effects are lacking, but overall this is a credible performance of Fleming's book, with good production values and passable performances.

Availability
Spy Guise Video now made this amazing and historic program available back in 1997 - complete with the restored ending missing from previous video versions. The added ending restores the final confrontation between Bond and Le Chiffre in which Bond comes out victorious. There is a traditional Bond ending 'with a kiss' and then the credits appear.

This deluxe collector's edition also featured many extras: an exclusive overview of the life of Ian Fleming and the 'Casino Royale' legacy hosted by Lee Pfeiffer, co-author of the best-selling book 'The Essential Bond: An Authorized Celebration of 007'.

Additionally, this version contained rare promotional advertisements, photographs, and information about James Bond clubs, magazines and officially licensed collectibles.

David G. Schwartz, author of several books on Las Vegas gaming history, is director of the Center for Gaming Research and teaches history at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Most Popular

Tags

Archives

• [+]2020
• [+]2019
• [+]2018
• [+]2017
• [+]2016
• [+]2015
• [+]2014
• [+]2013
• [+]2012

Mission
The very first screen appearance of James Bond 007, made in 1954 for US TV channel CBS. Bond's task is to destroy the evil Le Chiffre, and his plan is to force him to lose a large sum of money at the gambling tables of Casino Royale.

Release Data
US Premiere: October 21, 1954 (CBS)
Part of the 'Climax!' TV Series (1954-1958)
Running Time: 60 minutes

Best Line
US Leiter: 'Are you the fellow that was shot?'
Bond: 'No, I'm the fellow that was missed'

First Casino Ever Built In America

History
Contrary to popular belief, the honour of being the first actor to play James Bond fell not on Sean Connery, but on American Barry Nelson, who starred in this live 1 hour production of Ian Fleming's Casino Royale. The performance on 21st October 1954 (8.30pm EST) was the first in CBS's 'Climax' series of dramas.

CBS brought the rights for Fleming's first book for $1000. Since then the rights have gone via Charles Feldman's spoof of 1967 to Eon Productions, who picked them up in early 2000. The film, which is black and white, was actually lost until 1981, and even then all of the various VHS incarnations (except the Special Edition from Spy Guise Video) lack the climax of the film, stopping with Le Chiffre apparently dying, but having just got the razorblade from his hat.

Plot
The film is quite loyal to Fleming's version, with a few changes of nationality and sides. It starts with Bond being shot at but ducking behind a pillar outside the casino. Leiter (who is English and whose first name is Clarence) approaches 'Card Sense Jimmy Bond' as he is nicknamed, and is met by the first Bond one-liner (see 'Best Line').

First Casino Ever Built

Over supper Bond explains Baccarat to Leiter and the audience, and Leiter explains the CIA's Bond (not 007) his mission: Le Chiffre, the Soviet spymaster in France, is in financial difficulty, but intends to save his life and Communist funds by winning it back at the casino. Bond's job is to clean him out.

Matters are complicated when Bond's former lover, Valerie Mathis turns out to be a communist agent with Le Chiffre. They meet in Bond's room, and knowing about Le Chiffre's bug they turn up the music and kiss, before acting their parts for the villain.

The next night at the casino the game takes place. Bond is told if he wins, Valerie will die. Bond is beaten by Le Chiffre, but then gets an extra donation, with which he cleans out the 'toad'-like villain. Valerie disappears, and Bond returns to his room after dealing with a henchmen using a gun disguised as a cane. He hides the cheque just before Valerie comes (she is in fact a French agent, who supplied the extra donation), but Le Chiffre and his men capture them. Bond is tied to a bath and tortured by having his toenails removed with pliers (rather than Fleming's version using a seatless cane chair and carpet beater).

Valerie gives away the location of the cheque, but helps Bond reach the razorblade in Le Chiffre's cigarette case, which he had left on the bath. Bond escapes, and overcomes a henchmen. Le Chiffre enters the bathroom with a gun, and he and Bond shoot each other. Le Chiffre is more seriously hurt, but reaches another razorblade, hidden in his hat. Bond says 'call the police' just as Le Chiffre lunges. Bond fans with bad videos will now be infuriated as they miss the climax. Bond dodges the razor blade and finally overcomes Le Chiffre.

Above: The final scene which is missing in all VHS releases except the 1997 Special Edition by Spy Guise Video.

Review
Peter Lorre is superb as the villain Le Chiffre. His toad-like looks and menacing acting make him a great villain. Michael Pate is annoying but acceptable as Englishman Leiter, and Linda Christian is competent enough as Valerie Mathis, although her looks are taken away from by the black and white.

But what about the first James Bond? Barry Nelson is just about okay. He is handsome and about the right age, and unlike Roger Moore he has at least read the books, although his Americanisation of Bond takes away slightly from Fleming's cold character. Nelson was born in San Francisco, California on 16th April 1920, and was a regular actor in mid-sized roles on Broadway in the '40s. Since Casino Royale he has appeared in 'Airport' (1970) and 'The Shining' (1980). So how did he do? Certainly he is credible as Bond, although he lacks flair. He delivers the one-liners sharply, and his interpretation of the role is not too bad, although being an American he will always look out of place. Nelson's Bond is hard and cold, as 007 should be. He struggles at the fight scenes (hardly surprising considering the production was filmed live) but he does a reasonable job, with a similar quality of acting to Lazenby.

The picture itself, directed by William H Brown Jr. and written by Antony Ellis and Charles Bennet, with music by Jerry Goldsmith is reasonably filmed, and remains tense throughout (an effect slightly spoiled by the needless use of Act intros). Obviously the usual special effects are lacking, but overall this is a credible performance of Fleming's book, with good production values and passable performances.

Availability
Spy Guise Video now made this amazing and historic program available back in 1997 - complete with the restored ending missing from previous video versions. The added ending restores the final confrontation between Bond and Le Chiffre in which Bond comes out victorious. There is a traditional Bond ending 'with a kiss' and then the credits appear.

This deluxe collector's edition also featured many extras: an exclusive overview of the life of Ian Fleming and the 'Casino Royale' legacy hosted by Lee Pfeiffer, co-author of the best-selling book 'The Essential Bond: An Authorized Celebration of 007'.

Additionally, this version contained rare promotional advertisements, photographs, and information about James Bond clubs, magazines and officially licensed collectibles.

First Casino Ever Built

What Was The First Casino Ever Built