My June column gave some examples of what Las Vegas venues could offer during these lazy hazy crazy days of summer. But one example I left out was the idea of movies. Silly mistake, because, after all, what could be more relaxing and cooling than watching a film in an air-conditioned theater?
If we carry this theme forward, and, of course, incorporate it into the Vegas zeitgeist, we could watch classic “hot movies” (represented by atmospherics, climate or environment) in the cool comfort of a movie theater. Just a little rewriting of plot or title and voila!…classic Hollywood films for you to enjoy.
Now appearing at a Strip resort movie theater:
Cool Hand Luke (1967): Paul Newman starred in this classic. But how would Vegas play it? While there are no chain gangs in Nevada, the newly-edited version features prisoners who were forced to make a decision to either stay in the cooler or build barricades for F1.
Lawrence of Arabia (1962): Here, the name changes to Lawrence of Aladdin. It’s now the story of a great leader who led his army in an attempt to save the Aladdin Hotel from imploding. His bravery was noble, but futile, as he lost the battle. However, he was later given shares in Planet Hollywood, which was built on the Aladdin site.
Easy Rider (1969): Motorcycles and counterculture. What more could you ask for? A little rewriting and the action takes place at Hogs & Heifers Saloon in Downtown Las Vegas, where characters Wyatt and Billy roar in with their bikes. Unfortunately for them, the “Life is Beautiful” festival is in full blast, so they spend all their drug money on music.
African Queen (1951): In this version, renamed African Queen of Hearts, Venetian Las Vegas gondolier Humphrey Bogart offers Kate Hepburn safe passage from excessive shopping while steering down the Grand Canal beneath bridges, beside cafes and under balconies.
12 Angry Men (1957): Renamed Five Angry Dealers. In this Vegas update, a casino forces craps dealers to share their tokes with their supervisors and they file suit to stop the practice. The jury, sequestered in a stifling small room, finally decides in their favor.
Some Like It Hot (1959): Renamed Some Like It Vegas, it’s the same story of two Chicago musicians who witness the St. Valentine’s Day massacre, leave town, but instead of going to Florida, go to Las Vegas. They end up in an all-girl band playing at the Silver Slipper. Both the Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon parts are played by Kenny Kerr.
These are but a few of the many classic films to enjoy in air-conditioned comfort during the hot summer months in Las Vegas. With these time-honored movies changed to Vegas-centric titles and/or plots, it’s a cool way to spend a hot afternoon.
Viva Las Vegas!…or it could be The Long, Hot Summer (1958)!
