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Produced by A&E. Las Vegas existed before the mob came to town but not in any way that would be familiar to the millions of people who flock to the city today. It took the vision of legendary mobster Bugsy Siegel to start the transformation of Vegas and his monumental Flamingo Hotel became the anchor of "the strip." Follow the influence of the mob in Vegas from Siegel through the "Strawman Trials" which today's gaming giants claim marked the end of mob influence in Vegas. See how Jimmy Hoffa worked with the mob to help buildthe heart of Vegas while attracting the attention of J. Edgar Hoover and how the arrival of Howard Hughes began the remarkable transformation of Vegas into a "family" entertainment center. Trace the story of legendary front-man Allen Glick the basis for the hit movie Casino and meet mob lawyers, Nevada officials, gambling moguls and entertainers who reveal the hidden history of Vegas. From the Flamingo to the Luxor, this is the complete story of how the mob exploited legal gambling to make billions of dollars. Original media VHS, color, aspect ratio 4 x 3, frame size 720 x 486.
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Oral history interview with Toni Clark conducted by Joanne L. Goodwin on July 02, 1996 for the Women's Research Institute of Nevada (WRIN) Las Vegas Women Oral History Project. Clark opens her interview describing her childhood in Seattle, Washington. Clark then discusses moving to San Diego, California in 1941 and becoming a waitress at the Monte Carlo bar and restaurant. Clark then discusses how war rationing affected daily life and the nightclub industry. Clark then talks about marrying Wilbur Clark, moving with him to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1944, and the history of the El Rancho Vegas. Clark discusses the opening of the Monte Carlo Club, living in Las Vegas in the 1950s, and the opening of the Desert Inn Hotel. Clark goes on to describe the management of the Desert Inn, the food, and lounges. Clark then mentions the celebrities she has met and entertained, and the opening of the Flamingo Hotel.
Archival Collection
