The Las Vegas Story

Jane Russell, (Linda Rollins),"Outlaw", was very pretty in 1952 and gave an outstanding performance as well as a singing act performed with Hoagy Carmichael (Happy) at the piano. Linda is married to a gambling con-artist named Lloyd Rollins, (Vincent Price) who is hitting rock bottom with large gambling debts and tries for a big break at the Casion's in Las Vegas. However, Victor Mature,(Lt. Dave Andrews) knows Las Vegas and the people behind the scenes who informed him that Lloyd Rollins was in town to start some trouble in the Casion's. Dave Andrews spots Linda Rollins and realizes she was a gal he was in love with and their relationship drifted a part, however, the spark was instantly rekindled when they meet face to face. Russell, Mature and Carmichael make this a very entertaining film with murder and plenty of old time tunes. Enjoy.

While on a cross country train ride, businessman Lloyd Rollins (Vincent Price) insists on stopping at Las Vegas to do some gambling despite the objection of his former lounge singer wife Linda (Jane Russell). She finds a telegram asking for cash from her husband who seems to be desperately gambling big. She runs into former flame police Lt Dave Andrews (Victor Mature). A murder mystery surrounding Linda's diamond necklace ensues. This is produced by Howard Hughes and that's probably why the movie got Jane Russell. It is polished with a gleam of noir. There is a lot of surface work and that goes a little way. Then Happy starts singing. The movie is desperate to be a stylish noir like Lloyd is desperate for money. There is a fascination with that but it eventually wears thin. This has its ups and downs. Just as I want to say that this movie needs some action, it ramps up a nice helicopter chase. Overall, it's fine but limited.

The historical aspects of this flick are fascinating. Mature is head-on one of the screens all-time great performers, and his deadpan expressions prove that an actor need not try to act, just be oneself. This movie was shot three years after he got his haircut from Delilah, and it shows the versatility of this guy with one of Hollywood's most ethnic faces. Jane Russell is smashing as the co-star here, and her close-ups have never been more telling as to her true beauty without zooming in on her bra; and like Mature, she too, is superb just non acting and being herself. Their kissing scenes come off quite authentically, too. Vince Price is perfect as the no-good gambling hubby, and Brad Dexter provides a top-notch lecher role. Hoagy is Hoagy as Hoagy always is in these adventure tales, playing his piano and weaving through the plot. A perfect escape movie.

Sadly, we learn today of the passing of Victor Mature. And while not receiving critical acclaim, The Las Vegas Story stands in my memory as an all-time favorite. Victor Mature, when coupled with Jane Russell make the screen absolutely 'sizzle'. And who could ever forget the lovable Hoagy Carmichael? But few have seen it. And even film historians when discussing Victor Mature's work rarely even mention it. However, I became hopelessly enthralled with this picture in the 50's and in a curious way, it still 'does it' for me today. The Las Vegas Story was and and remains my personal "Casablanca".

This is a pretty good movie. Vincent Price and Jane Russell are great together, real screen magic. There is also a great character performance by Hoagy Carmicheal as the piano player Happy. This movie can be a little long and tedious at some parts, but the "chase" scene at the end is great! Therefore, I give this movie an 8/10.

This is a 1952 film, and you can tell we haven't quite left the '40s. Jane Russell plays a former Las Vegas club singer who travels to Vegas with her wealthy. somewhat slimy husband (Vincent Price) - but she has a past with a local police officer (Victor Mature). And you just know what's going to happen. Russell sings as well, she looks sexy, and does a great job with the snappy dialogue. Hoagy Carmichael is terrific, and the two of them make the movie. There's a huge chase on foot scene at the end that is quite elaborate. This is a Howard Hughes production; because he interfered so much with the filming, it lost money.