The costumes worn in Casino are as flashy and gaudy as the city in which the film is set. Ace’s wife, Ginger McKenna, based on Rosenthal’s real life spouse, Geri McGee, a Las Vegas call girl, is played by Sharon Stone. His friend Nicky Santoro, played by Joe Pesci, was based on Tony Spilotro, a violent mob enforcer who protected the “skim,” or illegal casino profits. It is the eighth film of a remarkable series of collaborations between actor Robert De Niro and director Martin Scorsese.Ī film based on true events, Casino stars De Niro as Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a character based on Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, a sports handicapper from Chicago who earned the attention of the mob due to his genius with numbers. Throughout the series, Cultural Compass will highlight an exhibition item related to each film.Ī story of greed, violence, deception, money, and power, Casino is set amid the world of gangsters in 1970s Las Vegas. Tonight, the Ransom Center will screen Martin Scorsese’s Casino (1995), starring Robert De Niro, Sharon Stone, and Joe Pesci. The Making Movies Film Series runs throughout the summer and features films that are highlighted in the Making Movies exhibition. Costume worn by Robert De Niro in 'Casino.' Photo by Anthony Maddaloni.
