THE LAS VEGAS STORY

US, 1951, 88 minutes, Black and white.
Jane Russell, Victor Mature, Vincent Price, Hoagy Carmichael, Brad Dexter.
Directed by Robert Stephenson.

The Las Vegas Story is a vehicle for Jane Russell who had come to fame in the late 40s in The Outlaw. She was a protégé of Howard Hughes who produced this film.

It is a routine story of romance, a nightclub singer, a former army veteran who is a policeman, a husband who dabbles in gambling and manipulation of business as well as a crooked insurance agent and sundry other personnel from the casinos. It does offer a glimpse of life in Las Vegas as perceived in the early 50s.

Jane Russell has an opportunity to sing, Victor Mature has an opportunity to glower. Vincent Price is interesting in support as the husband. Musician Hoagy Carmichael has several opportunities to play the piano, sing and compose the songs for the film. Routine material.

1. The popularity of this kind of romantic melodrama in its time? Seen in perspective from fifty years or more? Impact now?

2. Black and white photography, the studio reconstruction of Las Vegas? The atmosphere of the nightclubs and hotels? The musical score, Hoagy Carmichael's songs, piano playing, Jane Russell's singing?

3. The symbolism of Las Vegas, a place for gambling, out in the desert, the associations of the Mafia, violence and murder in the desert? The contrast with the casinos, the gambling, the marriage chapels? The realism of the police precincts?

4. Linda and her marriage to Lloyd, his business deals, the credibility of her marrying him? The decision to go to Las Vegas, the revelation by telegram of his need for money? Her memories of the past, singing, her relationship with David and his sitting watching her sing? His going to the war? Her leaving and marrying?

5. Her return, her confronting her past? The growing tension with Lloyd, his gambling? Suspicions of murder? The insurance agent and his interest in the jewellery? David and his reappearance, the meetings, the clashes, the intensity of their feelings? Happy and the memories, his playing, songs?

6. The change of ownership of the hotel, the former owner and his being humiliated, the new owner and his dominance? The personnel at the various hotels, money lending, deals?

7. David, the police force, his wanting to go on leave, the intuitions of his superior officer - but wrong? The young couple wanting to get married, his giving them the talk, making sure that Linda heard it? Their happy marriage, the support of their parents?

8. The murder, the various suspects, the reconstruction of the scene, Linda and the body, Lloyd and his wanting to get out of town? The irony that it was the crooked insurance man?

9. Lloyd and his farewell, having to build up his business again? Linda and David and happy ever after?