In the high-stakes world of Las Vegas casinos, danger lurks around every corner in this gripping crime drama.
Watch the original version of Casino
Prologue:
The neon lights illuminated the Las Vegas skyline, a beacon of hope and glamour that drew people from all walks of life. It was the 1970s, and the city was in its prime. The Tangiers Casino was the crown jewel of the Strip, and its owner, the powerful and wealthy mafia boss, Remo Gaggi, was in need of a new manager. That’s when Sam “Ace” Rothstein came into the picture.
Sam was a master at his craft, a man who could read the cards and the people at the same time. With his keen eye for detail and his sharp mind, he was the perfect candidate to take on this monumental task. But little did he know, the road ahead was paved with treachery, betrayal, and danger.
Chapter 1: The Empire Begins
Sam Rothstein stood at the entrance of the Tangiers Casino, admiring the sprawling complex that lay before him. He knew he had a lot of work to do if he was going to turn this place into the crown jewel of Las Vegas.
As he made his way through the casino floor, he couldn’t help but notice the hustle and bustle of it all. Slot machines ringing, chips clinking, and dealers dealing. It was a symphony of sounds that only added to the excitement and energy of the place.
But as he met with his new team, Sam knew that the job ahead of him was no easy task. He needed to weed out the weak links, find the right people for the job, and keep them in line. His enforcer, Nicky Santoro, was a hothead who liked to play by his own rules. His ex-hustler wife, Ginger McKenna, was a wild card who came with her own baggage. And then there was Lester Diamond, Ginger’s ex-husband and a con artist who was always looking to get his hands on some quick cash.
Despite the challenges, Sam was determined to make the Tangiers Casino a success. He implemented new strategies, brought in new clientele, and watched as the profits began to soar. But the road to success was not without its bumps. Nicky’s temper was getting out of control, and Ginger’s past was coming back to haunt her. Plus, there were corrupt politicians who wanted a piece of the action, and the FBI was starting to take notice.
Sam knew he needed to keep his wits about him if he was going to keep his empire intact. But as the stakes grew higher, the risks only became greater. Would he be able to keep everything under control, or would the Tangiers Casino crumble under the weight of its own success? Only time would tell.
As the sounds of the casino faded into the background, Sam couldn’t help but wonder what lay ahead. Little did he know, his life was about to take a dangerous turn, one that would test him to his very limits.
Chapter 2: The Rise and Fall of Nicky Santoro
Sam “Ace” Rothstein knew he needed muscle on the ground to keep his casino in line. That’s where Nicky Santoro came in. A tough, street-smart enforcer who had been a friend of Sam’s for years. Nicky was the kind of guy who could get things done, no matter what the cost. But as time passed, Nicky’s methods grew more brutal, and Sam found himself struggling to keep him under control.
It started with a disagreement between Nicky and a card dealer who had been skimming money off the top. Nicky’s solution was to beat the guy to a pulp, in front of the entire casino. Sam was furious, but he couldn’t afford to lose Nicky’s loyalty.
Things only got worse from there. Nicky started shaking down the casino’s employees for their tips, demanding they pay him a cut for “protection.” He began getting involved with the local mob, making deals behind Sam’s back. Sam knew that if he didn’t act fast, Nicky would ruin everything he had worked so hard to build.
One night, Sam confronted Nicky in his hotel room. He told him that he had to stop his violent ways, or he would be fired. Nicky laughed in his face. “You can’t get rid of me, Ace. I know too much,” he sneered.
Sam knew he was right. Nicky had dirt on everyone, including some of the most powerful men in Las Vegas. But he couldn’t let Nicky keep causing chaos in his casino. So he came up with a plan.
He reached out to some of his old contacts in Chicago, where he had grown up. He had a favor to call in, and he knew just the guy who could help him. A man named Frank Marino, a tough-as-nails gangster who owed Sam a debt.
Sam arranged for Frank to come to Las Vegas and take over Nicky’s duties as enforcer. He offered Nicky a new job as a consultant, but Nicky refused, sensing that he was being pushed out.
Things came to a head when Nicky was caught on camera beating up a customer in the parking lot. Sam had no choice but to fire him on the spot. Nicky didn’t take it well.
He stormed into the casino, gun in hand, and started shooting up the place. Sam and his team were caught off guard, but they managed to take cover and call the police. Nicky was eventually apprehended, but not before causing a lot of damage.
Sam knew that things would never be the same. His empire had been tainted by Nicky’s actions, and he couldn’t help but wonder if he had made the right decision in hiring him in the first place.
As he walked through the wreckage of his casino, Sam knew one thing for sure. He would never let anyone like Nicky Santoro get close to him or his business again.
Chapter 3: The Temptation of Ginger McKenna
Sam’s head was spinning as he watched Ginger McKenna saunter across the casino floor. She was breathtakingly beautiful, with her long red hair and tall, curvy figure. He had never seen anything like her before, and he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
He knew that he should be focusing on his job, but he couldn’t help himself. He wanted to know more about her, to get closer to her.
Ginger was a hustler, and she knew how to work the room. She had a way of making every man in the place feel like he was the only one who mattered. She knew how to play the game, and she was damn good at it.
Sam knew that he was playing with fire by getting involved with her, but he couldn’t resist. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He knew that she was trouble, but he didn’t care.
He started to spend more and more time with her, taking her out to fancy dinners and buying her expensive gifts. He loved the way she looked at him, like he was the most important person in the world.
But as much as he enjoyed her company, he couldn’t help but feel like there was something off about her. She had a dark side, a past that she didn’t want to talk about.
One night, after they had been seeing each other for a few weeks, Sam decided to confront her.
“Ginger, I need to know something,” he said, looking into her eyes. “What’s your deal? What are you hiding?”
Ginger hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath. “I’m a hustler, Sam,” she said. “I’ve done some things that I’m not proud of. But I’m trying to turn my life around. You make me feel like there’s a chance for me to be somebody.”
Sam was taken aback by her honesty. He had suspected that she was hiding something, but he didn’t expect her to come clean like this.
“I want to help you, Ginger,” he said, taking her hand. “But you have to be honest with me. I can’t have any secrets between us.”
Ginger nodded, looking up at him with tears in her eyes. “I’ll tell you everything,” she said. “But you have to promise me that you won’t judge me.”
Sam promised, and Ginger started to tell him about her past. She had grown up on the streets, hustling and stealing to survive. She had been involved with some dangerous people, and she had done things that she wasn’t proud of.
But Sam didn’t judge her. He listened to her story with an open heart, and he could feel himself falling even more in love with her.
As the weeks went on, Sam and Ginger grew closer. They spent more and more time together, and their relationship became more intense.
But there were warning signs. Ginger’s temper was unpredictable, and she had a tendency to lash out when she was upset. She also had a history of drug abuse, and Sam could tell that she was struggling to stay clean.
Despite these red flags, Sam was determined to make their relationship work. He loved her more than anything, and he was willing to overlook her flaws.
But he didn’t know what was coming. He didn’t know that his life was about to be turned upside down by the woman he loved.
To be continued…
Chapter 4: Lester Diamond’s Return
Ginger McKenna’s ex-husband Lester Diamond had always been trouble, and when he returned to Las Vegas, Sam knew he was in for a world of headaches. Diamond had a history of scamming and manipulating people, and Sam had no reason to think he had changed.
Ginger was in high spirits when she introduced Sam to Lester. She gave him a warm hug and held his hand as they walked around the casino. Sam’s unease grew as they chatted, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that Lester was up to no good.
After Lester left, Ginger defended him, insisting that he was a “good man” who had just made some mistakes. She confided in Sam about Lester’s financial troubles and how he needed to get back on his feet. Sam thought it all sounded fishy, but he didn’t want to upset Ginger.
The next day, Sam received a call from Lester. He explained that he had an opportunity to invest in a new nightclub and needed Sam’s help. Sam was skeptical but agreed to meet with him at a nearby bar.
When Sam arrived, he found a drunk Lester Diamond surrounded by shady characters. They were all trying to convince Sam to invest in the nightclub. Sam knew better than to get involved with people like this, but he couldn’t help feeling sorry for Lester.
Ginger continued to spend time with Lester, and soon Sam noticed a change in her behavior. She was more erratic and anxious, and Sam suspected that Lester was behind it. He tried to talk to her about it, but she became defensive and accused him of not trusting her.
One night, Sam followed Ginger to Lester’s hotel room. He caught them in bed together and realized that Lester was using her to gain access to the casino. He confronted Ginger and Lester, and they both denied any wrongdoing. Sam knew he had to get rid of Lester before he caused any more trouble.
He went to his bosses and explained the situation. They agreed to have Lester banned from the casino, but warned Sam not to make a scene. However, when Lester showed up at the casino, Sam lost his temper and confronted him in public. The situation quickly escalated, and Sam ended up getting badly beaten by Lester and his cronies.
After the incident, Sam decided it was time to cut ties with Ginger once and for all. He couldn’t risk her getting involved in any more dangerous situations. He broke up with her, and she left Las Vegas soon after.
As for Lester Diamond, Sam never saw or heard from him again. He knew that he had made the right decision in getting rid of him, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he would be back someday.
Chapter 5: The Corrupt Politicians
Sam was well aware that the Tangiers Casino was a goldmine and that many politicians wanted a slice of the profits. What he didn’t anticipate was just how many of them were lining up with their hands out, expecting to be paid off.
It all started with a small-time councilman who showed up at the casino, flashing his gold watch and making idle threats. Sam brushed him off, thinking he was just another blowhard looking for attention. But then the councilman escalated, bringing in his connections and making demands for increasingly larger sums of money.
At first, Sam tried to handle the situation discreetly, hoping to nip it in the bud before it became a full-blown problem. He paid off the councilman’s initial demands, hoping it would be enough to satisfy him. But it was not. Soon, other councilmen and politicians started showing up, looking for their piece of the pie.
Sam knew that he couldn’t keep playing this game forever. His bosses were already starting to question the amount of money he was spending on bribes, and the FBI was always lurking in the shadows, looking for an opening to bring down the casino. He had to find a way to put an end to the corruption, once and for all.
He called a meeting with the key players in the game – the politicians, the union bosses, and the local mobsters. He made it clear that he was willing to play ball, but that he was not going to be extorted anymore. He laid out a plan that would pay off everyone who had been demanding money, but would do so in a way that didn’t draw any undue attention.
It was a risky move, but Sam knew that he had to take the chance. He was playing a dangerous game, pitting himself against some of the most powerful people in the city. But he also knew that he was good at this – he had spent his entire life reading people and knowing when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. He was confident that he could come out on top.
The plan was simple – instead of paying out cash, Sam would give the politicians and union bosses a stake in the casino. They would be able to make money off of the Tangiers’ profits, but they wouldn’t be able to take out large sums of money all at once. It was a slow and steady plan that would pay off in the long run.
Sam knew that the meeting was a success when the politicians left with smiles on their faces and promises of loyalty on their lips. He also knew that he had some new enemies – the local mobsters, who weren’t happy about being left out of the deal. But Sam didn’t care about them – he knew that he had bigger fish to fry.
For the next few months, things seemed to be going smoothly. The corrupt politicians and union bosses were making money off of the casino, but they weren’t causing any more problems. Sam felt like he had finally gained the upper hand.
But then, something unexpected happened. One of the politicians he had bribed was caught in a major scandal, and suddenly, the FBI was poking around again. Sam knew that this was bad news – if the FBI started digging too deep, they would discover the bribes he had paid out. He had to act fast.
He called a meeting with his team and laid out a new plan. They would bury the evidence and make it look like the bribes had never happened. It was risky, but Sam knew that he had no other choice.
In the end, the plan worked. The FBI moved on to other targets, and Sam and his team were left breathing a sigh of relief. But Sam knew that the corruption would never truly go away. It was a part of the game, and he would always have to be ready to play it.
Chapter 6: The FBI Investigation
Sam paced back and forth in his office, his mind racing with worry. The FBI was onto them, and he knew it was only a matter of time before they came knocking. He had to come up with a plan, and fast.
He called a meeting with his top lieutenants, Nicky Santoro and Frankie Marino. They sat around the conference table, each of them looking just as worried as Sam felt.
“We have to be careful,” Sam said, his voice low. “The FBI is tapping our phones, watching our every move. We can’t let them catch us doing anything illegal.”
Nicky snorted. “Too late for that, boss. We’ve been breaking the law for years.”
Sam glared at him. “I’m serious, Nicky. We have to clean up our act. The last thing we need is a full-scale investigation.”
Frankie nodded in agreement. “He’s right. We have to watch our backs, make sure we’re not doing anything that could get us in trouble.”
Sam rubbed his temples, trying to think. “What about Ginger? She’s been getting into trouble lately. We have to make sure she’s not leading the FBI right to our doorstep.”
Nicky smirked. “I’ll take care of Ginger. She won’t be a problem.”
Sam frowned. He didn’t like the sound of that. He knew Nicky had a temper, and he didn’t want him doing anything to hurt Ginger.
“Be careful, Nicky,” he warned. “I don’t want any trouble.”
Nicky just grinned. “Relax, boss. I’ve got it under control.”
Sam knew he couldn’t trust Nicky completely, but he didn’t have much of a choice. He just had to hope that he wouldn’t do anything too reckless.
Over the next few weeks, Sam and his team were on high alert. They made sure to avoid any illegal activity, keeping their noses clean. But the FBI was still closing in, and Sam knew it was only a matter of time before they made a move.
One day, Sam received a call from his lawyer. “Sam, we have a problem,” he said, his voice urgent.
“What kind of problem?” Sam asked, feeling a knot forming in his stomach.
“It’s the FBI. They’re getting ready to make their move. We need to act fast.”
Sam knew he had to think quickly. He called a meeting with his lieutenants, and they hatched a plan. They would move their illegal activities to a new location, away from the Tangiers Casino. They would keep a low profile, avoiding anything that might attract the attention of the FBI.
But just as they were getting ready to put their plan into action, disaster struck. Nicky had gone off the rails, getting into a violent altercation with a man at a bar. The man turned out to be an FBI agent, and Nicky was arrested on the spot.
Sam knew the game was up. He called his lawyer and told him to come up with a plea deal for Nicky. He knew it was the only way to avoid a full-scale investigation that would bring down the entire operation.
In the end, Nicky was sentenced to ten years in prison. Sam and his team managed to avoid any serious consequences, but the damage had been done. The FBI investigation had put a dark cloud over the once-glamorous world of Las Vegas gambling.
Sam sat in his office, staring out the window at the bright lights of the city. He wondered what would happen next, and whether he would ever be able to regain the power and influence he once had.
Chapter 7: The Downward Spiral of Ginger McKenna
Ginger McKenna had always been a wild card in Sam Rothstein’s life. A hustler with a heart of gold, Ginger was the woman that Sam had fallen in love with. But he soon discovered that there was more to Ginger than met the eye. She was a drug addict, and her addiction was spiraling out of control.
Sam tried to help her, but it seemed like she was beyond help. Ginger was constantly high, and her erratic behavior was becoming a problem for everyone around her. Sam tried to intervene, but Ginger just pushed him away.
It was a hot summer day, and Sam was on his way to the casino when he got a call from one of his associates. “Sam, you need to come quick. It’s Ginger. She’s in trouble.”
Sam rushed over to Ginger’s apartment, and when he arrived, he saw that she was in bad shape. She was lying on the floor, unconscious, with a needle in her arm. It was a sight that broke Sam’s heart.
He immediately called an ambulance, and Ginger was rushed to the hospital. Sam stayed by her side, praying that she would pull through. But as the days went by, it became clear that Ginger’s situation was dire.
Her organs were failing, and her body was shutting down. It was a miracle that she had survived this long. Sam couldn’t bear to see her suffer, so he made the difficult decision to take her off life support.
Ginger slipped away peacefully, and Sam was left to mourn the loss of the woman he had loved. He couldn’t help but feel guilty, wondering if there was anything more he could have done to save her.
But as he looked back on their tumultuous relationship, he realized that Ginger had been a lost cause from the start. Her addiction had consumed her, and no one could have saved her from herself.
Sam knew that he had to pick up the pieces and move on. The casino was still his life, and he couldn’t let Ginger’s death distract him from his work. But he couldn’t help feeling a sense of emptiness, knowing that the woman he had loved was gone forever.
As Sam walked out of the hospital, he knew that his life would never be the same again. Ginger’s death had taught him that there were some things that he couldn’t control, no matter how hard he tried. He vowed to never let anyone get in the way of his success again, no matter how much he loved them.
Chapter 8: The Final Showdown with Nicky Santoro
Sam’s worst fears come true when his enforcer Nicky Santoro’s temper gets the best of him. It’s been a long time coming, and Sam knows that he needs to act fast before Nicky does something he can’t take back.
It all starts when Nicky gets wind of an FBI investigation into the Tangiers Casino. He’s convinced that Sam is behind the investigation and starts to take matters into his own hands. He becomes increasingly paranoid, lashing out at anyone who questions his authority.
Sam tries to calm him down, but Nicky is beyond reason. He’s become a liability, and Sam knows that he needs to take him out of the picture before things get any worse.
The tension between the two men comes to a head one night when Nicky gets into a fight with a customer at the casino. Sam intervenes, trying to break up the fight, but Nicky turns on him.
“You think you’re better than me, don’t you?” Nicky sneers, grabbing Sam by the collar. “You think you can just boss me around?”
Sam tries to reason with him, but Nicky is beyond reason. He’s been pushed to the brink, and he’s not going to back down.
The situation escalates quickly, with Nicky pulling out a gun and pointing it at Sam. The other members of the team are frozen in fear, not sure what to do.
Sam takes a step back, trying to defuse the situation. “Put the gun down, Nicky,” he says calmly. “Let’s talk about this.”
But Nicky doesn’t listen. He pulls the trigger, and the sound echoes throughout the casino.
The team springs into action, trying to stop Nicky before he can do any more damage. There’s a scuffle, with fists flying and chairs being thrown, but eventually, they manage to subdue him.
Sam is shaken but relieved that the situation didn’t end worse. He knows that he needs to take action now before things spiral out of control.
He calls a meeting with the other members of the team, laying out his plan to get rid of Nicky once and for all. It’s a risky move, but they all agree that it’s the only option left.
They lure Nicky to a remote location, telling him that there’s a big score to be had. When he arrives, he’s ambushed and beaten within an inch of his life. Sam watches from a distance, knowing that he’s done what he had to do.
It’s a brutal end to a once-promising partnership, but Sam knows that there was no other way. He’s just glad that it’s over and that he can focus on running the casino once again.
But as he walks away from the scene, he can’t shake the memories of Nicky’s outburst. He wonders if he could have done something different, something to prevent this from happening.
He knows that he can never forget what happened that night, but he also knows that he can’t let it consume him. He has a casino to run, and he can’t let anything stand in his way.
As he drives away, he looks ahead, wondering what the future holds. The Tangiers Casino may be his empire, but he knows that it’s a dangerous game he’s playing. He’s just hoping that he can keep it up for a little while longer.
Chapter 9: The Price of Success
Sam Rothstein sat alone in his office, staring out at the glittering lights of the Las Vegas strip. It had been a long and tumultuous journey, but he had finally achieved the success he had always dreamed of. He had built a casino empire, amassed a fortune, and become one of the most powerful men in the city. But as he looked back on his life, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of emptiness. He had sacrificed everything for his success, and now he wondered if it was all worth it.
As he sat there lost in thought, his mind drifted back to his early years. He had grown up in a tough neighborhood in Chicago, surrounded by crime and violence. But he had always been a smart kid, and he knew that education was his ticket out. He put himself through college, earning a degree in accounting, and soon found himself working for some of the biggest names in organized crime.
It didn’t take long for him to rise through the ranks. He had a gift for numbers and a shrewd business sense, and he quickly became one of the most trusted advisors to his bosses. When they decided to expand their operations to Las Vegas, they knew they needed someone with Sam’s skills to run the show.
And so, Sam was given the task of building the Tangiers Casino from the ground up. It was a daunting challenge, but he was up to the task. He hired the best staff, implemented strict policies and procedures, and turned the casino into a massive success.
But as Sam’s wealth and power grew, so did the threats to his empire. Nicky Santoro, his volatile enforcer, had become increasingly out of control, and Sam knew that he had to rein him in. He also had to deal with Ginger, his troubled wife, and her drug addiction. And then there were the corrupt politicians who were always looking for a cut of the casino’s profits.
Sam had done everything in his power to keep his empire intact, but it was taking a toll on him. He had become a recluse, rarely leaving the casino except to attend to business. He had no close friends or confidants, and he had lost touch with the things that had once brought him joy.
As he sat there in his office, lost in thought, he realized that he had become a prisoner of his own success. He had everything that he had ever wanted, but he was miserable. He longed for the days when life was simple, when he didn’t have to worry about Nicky or Ginger or the politicians. He longed for the days when he could just be himself.
But it was too late for that now. He had made his choices, and he would have to live with the consequences. He knew that his days at the top were numbered, that eventually someone would come along to knock him off his pedestal. But for now, he was content to sit in his office and reflect on his life.
As the night wore on, Sam finally got up from his desk and made his way to the casino floor. He watched as the patrons gambled away their money, oblivious to the fact that they were being fleeced by the house. He watched as his staff went about their business, smiling and greeting customers as if they were genuinely happy to be there.
Sam knew that he had created an illusion, a fantasy world in which people could escape their problems and pretend that everything was perfect. He had built a palace of dreams, but he knew that those dreams were built on a foundation of greed and corruption.
As he made his way back to his office, he knew that he couldn’t keep living like this. He had to make a change, to find a way to break free from the chains of his success. He didn’t know what that change would be, but he knew that it was necessary.
And so, Sam Rothstein sat alone in his office, staring out at the glittering lights of the Las Vegas strip, wondering what the future held. He had achieved everything that he had ever wanted, but he knew that it had come at a price. The price of success was high, and he wondered if it was worth it.
Chapter 10: The End of an Era
Sam “Ace” Rothstein sat at his desk, surrounded by stacks of paperwork and empty coffee cups. He had just received the news that his bosses wanted him to step down from his position at the Tangiers Casino. It was a crushing blow to his ego, but he knew it was coming. He had been under investigation by the FBI for months, and he was lucky to walk away with his freedom.
As he looked around the office, he realized how much he had sacrificed for his success. He had lost his wife, his friends, and his sense of self. The casino had become his entire world, and now it was slipping away from him.
He picked up the phone and dialed Nicky’s number. They hadn’t spoken in months, but he needed someone to talk to. Nicky answered on the first ring.
“Hey, Ace. What’s up?” Nicky asked.
“I need to see you,” Sam said.
“Sure thing. Where and when?”
“Tonight. The usual place.”
Nicky knew exactly what Sam meant by “the usual place.” It was a rundown bar on the outskirts of town, where they used to go to unwind after a long day at the casino. They hadn’t been there in years, not since things started to get complicated.
Sam hung up the phone and took a deep breath. He knew that meeting with Nicky was risky, but he didn’t care. He needed someone to commiserate with, someone who understood what it was like to be on top and then fall from grace.
He drove to the bar and parked in the back, away from prying eyes. The bar was dimly lit, and the air was thick with cigarette smoke. Nicky was already there, sitting at a booth in the corner.
Sam sat down opposite him and ordered a scotch. They sat in silence for a few minutes, just staring at each other.
“What happened, Ace?” Nicky finally asked.
Sam took a sip of his drink and sighed. “They want me to step down. The FBI investigation was too much for them to handle. They want someone who’s clean, someone who can make them money without attracting attention.”
Nicky nodded. “It was bound to happen sooner or later. You can’t expect to run a casino like the Tangiers without making a few enemies.”
Sam smiled ruefully. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
They sat in silence for a few more minutes, each lost in their own thoughts. Sam couldn’t help but think about Ginger and how he had failed her. He had promised her a life of luxury and happiness, but he had only brought her pain and misery.
“What are you going to do now?” Nicky asked.
Sam shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe retire. Maybe start over somewhere else. The casino business is all I know, but I’m not sure I want to do it anymore.”
Nicky nodded. “I hear you. I’ve been thinking about getting out of the game myself. Maybe start a business, something legitimate.”
Sam smiled. “That’s a novel idea. You and me, running a legitimate business.”
Nicky laughed. “Who would have thought?”
They talked for a few more hours, reminiscing about old times and discussing their plans for the future. As the night wore on, the bar emptied out, and they were the only ones left.
“You know, Ace,” Nicky said, “despite everything that’s happened, I still consider you a friend. We’ve been through a lot together.”
Sam nodded. “Same here, Nicky. Same here.”
They shook hands and got up to leave. As they walked out of the bar, Sam couldn’t help but feel nostalgic for the old days. He knew that things would never be the same again, but he was grateful for the memories.
He got in his car and drove off into the night, not sure where he was going but knowing that he had to keep moving forward. The end of an era had come, but he was ready for whatever the future held.
Some scenes from the movie Casino written by A.I.
Scene 1
Logline: In early-1970s Las Vegas, Sam “Ace” Rothstein gets tapped by his bosses to head the Tangiers Casino. But with corrupt politicians, loose-cannon enforcer Nicky Santoro, ex-hustler wife Ginger, and her con-artist ex Lester Diamond, Sam’s life soon becomes a high-stakes game of survival.
Setting: The Tangiers Casino, Las Vegas, 1971.
Characters:
Sam “Ace” Rothstein – A shrewd and calculating casino executive, who has been tasked with running the Tangiers by the Mob.
Nicky Santoro – Ace’s hot-headed enforcer, who is always looking for the next big score.
Ginger McKenna – Ace’s ex-hustler wife, who is trying to leave her past behind and start a new life.
Lester Diamond – Ginger’s smooth-talking ex-husband, who is never far from trouble.
Senator Harrison Roberts – A crooked politician, who wants a cut of the Tangiers’ profits.
Phillip Green – The Mob’s frontman, who is keeping a close eye on Ace.
Scene 1: THE EMPIRE BEGINS
EXT. TANGIERS CASINO – DAY
The sun beats down on the Tangiers Casino as SAM “ACE” ROTHSTEIN, 38, steps out of his car. He surveys the sprawling complex before him, with its flashing lights, ringing slot machines, and the constant hum of activity.
Ace approaches the entrance, where he is greeted by PHILLIP GREEN, a slick-looking man in his late 40s.
PHILLIP: Welcome to the Tangiers, Mr. Rothstein.
ACE: (nodding) Thank you, Phillip.
As they walk inside, Ace takes in every detail of the casino, his sharp eyes roving over the floor, the dealers, the staff. He is a man who notices everything.
PHILLIP: You know, Mr. Rothstein, it’s not every day that the Mob gives someone like you a shot at the big time.
ACE: (smiling) I’m fully aware of that, Phillip.
PHILLIP: And you know what they say about the Mob – they only trust their own.
ACE: (nodding) That’s why they gave me the job.
Phillip leads Ace to a private room at the back of the casino, where several men are waiting for him.
SAM (V.O.): (voiceover) I knew the stakes were high from the start. The Mob was giving me a chance to run the Tangiers, but they were also keeping a close eye on me.
Ace greets the men cordially, knowing that he needs to earn their trust if he’s going to keep his job. They discuss the finer points of running a casino, with Ace impressing them with his knowledge and razor-sharp wit.
SAM (V.O.): (voiceover) I had to stay one step ahead of them at all times. But I was up for the challenge.
The meeting ends, and Ace is left alone in the room. He looks out the window, the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas stretched out before him.
SAM (V.O.): (voiceover) This was it. I had made it to the top. But little did I know, the real challenge was just beginning.
Scene 2
Setting: Early-1970s Las Vegas
Characters:
– Sam “Ace” Rothstein – Head of Tangiers Casino
– Nicky Santoro – Sam’s enforcer and right-hand man
– Frankie Marino – Nicky’s associate and friend
Scene 2: The Rise and Fall of Nicky Santoro
INT. TANGIERS CASINO – DAY
Sam walks through the casino, observing the dealers and customers. Nicky approaches him.
NICKY: Hey boss, got a minute?
SAM: (nodding) Sure, what’s up?
NICKY: Just wanted to talk to you about Frankie.
SAM: (skeptical) What about him?
NICKY: (pauses) He’s been acting weird lately. I think he’s up to something.
SAM: (sighs) Nicky, you’re always thinking someone’s up to something. Frankie’s been with us for years, he’s loyal.
NICKY: (firmly) I don’t trust him. He’s been spending a lot of time with some guys I don’t recognize.
SAM: (concerned) Alright, I’ll keep an eye out. But be careful, Nicky. You can’t just go accusing people without any proof.
NICKY: (smirks) I’m always careful, Ace.
As Nicky walks away, Sam watches him, knowing that his loose-cannon enforcer could cause problems if left unchecked.
CUT TO:
INT. TANGIERS CASINO – NIGHT
Nicky and Frankie are sitting at a booth in the back of the casino, discussing business.
NICKY: (whispering) You sure you can handle this job?
FRANKIE: (confidently) Yeah, I got it covered. Don’t worry about it.
Suddenly, they hear a commotion coming from the roulette table. They rush over to see what’s going on.
CUSTOMER: (angrily) Hey, this table’s rigged! I demand to speak to the manager!
SAM: (approaching) What’s the problem here?
CUSTOMER: (pointing) This dealer’s cheating! He’s making the ball land where he wants!
SAM: (surprised) That’s a serious accusation. Let me take a look.
Sam inspects the table, noticing that one of the dealers is indeed cheating.
SAM: (firmly) Get him out of here. And get me a new dealer.
As the cheating dealer is escorted out, Nicky and Frankie exchange a knowing look, realizing that they have to be careful with their own schemes.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
Setting: Las Vegas, early 1970s
Characters:
– Sam “Ace” Rothstein, a shrewd and successful casino manager
– Ginger McKenna, a beautiful hustler
– Nicky Santoro, Sam’s enforcer and right-hand man
– Lester Diamond, Ginger’s manipulative ex-husband.
Scene 3: The Temptation of Ginger McKenna
INT. TANGIERS CASINO – NIGHT
Sam “Ace” Rothstein surveys the crowded casino floor, his mind racing with strategy and calculation. Suddenly, his attention is diverted by the arrival of a stunning blonde in a skimpy dress. It’s Ginger McKenna, a known hustler who’s just caught Sam’s eye.
SAM: (to himself) Don’t get distracted. Stay focused.
But there’s something about Ginger that draws him in. Sam approaches her, his eyes locked on hers.
SAM: (smiling) Can I buy you a drink?
GINGER: (flirtatiously) I don’t drink.
SAM: (raises an eyebrow) Ah, a woman with self-control. I like that.
Ginger giggles, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Sam can feel himself getting caught up in her charm, but he knows better than to let his guard down.
SAM: (aside) She’s trouble. But damn, she’s intriguing.
As the night wears on, Sam and Ginger strike up a conversation. They discuss everything from gambling strategy to personal history. Sam is intrigued by Ginger’s wit and intelligence, but he can’t shake the feeling that she’s hiding something.
GINGER: (leaning in) There’s something I need to tell you, Sam. I’m not exactly who I seem to be.
SAM: (skeptical) Oh? And who might that be?
GINGER: (sighs) Let’s just say I’ve had a colorful past.
SAM: (smiling) You don’t say. I think I like you even more now.
Ginger smiles back, but Sam can tell there’s more to the story than she’s letting on. As he watches her walk away, his mind races with possibilities.
SAM: (to himself) She’s a con artist. But is she conning me, or is she being conned herself?
The future of the Tangiers Casino may depend on his ability to figure it out.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
INT. TANGIERS CASINO – DAY
Sam sits in his office, studying the ledgers. He hears a knock at the door and looks up to see Ginger enter.
SAM
(interrupting)
What are you doing here? I told you not to come around anymore.
GINGER
I need your help, Sam. Lester’s back in town and he’s been threatening me.
Sam stands up, his anger growing.
SAM
Did he hurt you?
GINGER
No, not yet. But he’s been following me and leaving messages. I don’t know what to do.
Sam takes a deep breath and tries to calm down.
SAM
Okay, okay. We’ll take care of it. Just give me a minute to think.
Ginger nods and sits down in one of the chairs in front of Sam’s desk. A moment of silence passes between them.
SAM (CONT’D)
You know I can’t help you if you keep going back to him.
GINGER
I know, I know. But I can’t help it. He’s got some sort of hold on me.
SAM
(angrily)
What hold? You’re better than this, Ginger. You don’t need him.
GINGER
(defeated)
I know, Sam. I know.
Sam looks at her with a mix of frustration and concern.
SAM
Okay, here’s what we’re going to do. I’ll have Nicky and his guys keep an eye on you. If Lester comes near you, they’ll take care of him. But you need to promise me that you’ll stay away from him.
GINGER
(tearfully)
I promise, Sam. I’ll do anything you ask.
Sam nods, satisfied.
SAM
Good. Now let’s get back to work.
Ginger stands up and heads for the door. As she opens it, she turns back to Sam.
GINGER
Thank you, Sam. You’re the only one I can trust.
Sam watches her leave, his expression unreadable. He knows that he’s just made a promise that he might not be able to keep.
Scene 5
INT. TANGIERS CASINO – DAY
Sam sits in his office, pouring over paperwork. The door bursts open and in walks a group of politicians, led by State Senator Harrison.
SENATOR HARRISON
(smiling)
Well, well, well, Sam. How’s business?
SAM “ACE” ROTHSTEIN
(seriously)
Good, Senator. What brings you here?
SENATOR HARRISON
(pulling out a wad of cash)
We want our cut, Sam. You know how it works.
Sam narrows his eyes at the money.
SAM “ACE” ROTHSTEIN
(tightly)
I’m running a clean operation here, Senator. I don’t need your dirty money.
SENATOR HARRISON
(leaning in)
Oh come on, Sam. Everyone’s doing it. Don’t be the odd man out.
Sam stands up from his desk, his temper flaring.
SAM “ACE” ROTHSTEIN
(fiercely)
I said no. And if you or any of your colleagues come back here again, I’ll have you thrown out on your asses.
The politicians exchange uneasy glances before making their exit.
Sam sighs, running a hand through his hair. He knows this won’t be the last he hears of them. But for now, he’ll take his stand against their corruption.
Scene 6
EXT. TANGIERS CASINO – DAY
Sam walks out of the Tangiers Casino, looking around nervously. He looks at his watch and sees that he’s running late for his meeting with Nicky.
INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS – DAY
Agent Ray McKenna sits at his desk, reading through papers related to the Tangiers Casino case. He picks up the phone and dials a number.
AGENT RAY MCKENNA
(into phone)
Yeah, it’s me. Listen, we need to ramp up surveillance on Sam Rothstein. Something’s not right.
INT. TANGIERS CASINO – DAY
Sam meets with Nicky in his office.
NICKY SANTORO
(to Sam)
What’s up, Ace?
SAM ROTHSTEIN
(nervously)
I need you to keep a low profile for the time being. The FBI is getting too close.
NICKY SANTORO
(mockingly)
The FBI? Don’t worry about them, I’ll take care of it.
Sam shakes his head.
SAM ROTHSTEIN
(sternly)
No, Nicky. This is serious. We can’t afford any mistakes.
Nicky looks at Sam, sizing him up.
NICKY SANTORO
(skeptically)
Alright, Ace. But don’t forget who’s really in charge here.
INT. FBI HEADQUARTERS – DAY
Agent McKenna listens in on the conversation between Sam and Nicky, taking notes.
AGENT RAY MCKENNA
(to his team)
We need to step up our game. These guys are getting bolder every day.
INT. TANGIERS CASINO – DAY
As Sam walks out of his office, he sees a shadowy figure lurking in the shadows.
SAM ROTHSTEIN
(suspiciously)
Who’s there?
The figure steps out into the light, revealing himself to be Lester Diamond.
LESTER DIAMOND
(smiling)
Hey, Sammy. Long time no see.
Sam looks at him coldly.
SAM ROTHSTEIN
(dismissively)
What do you want, Lester?
LESTER DIAMOND
(slyly)
Just to say hello. And to give you a little warning. You better watch your back, Sammy. There are people out there who want to see you fail.
Sam narrows his eyes, realizing that Lester may be telling the truth.
SAM ROTHSTEIN
(defiantly)
I can handle myself.
Lester laughs.
LESTER DIAMOND
(mockingly)
We’ll see about that.
As Sam walks away, he can’t shake the feeling that his world is about to come crashing down around him.
Scene 7
FADE IN:
INT. TANGIERS CASINO – NIGHT
Ginger sits at a slot machine, her eyes glazed over as she feeds it quarters. Sam approaches her and places a hand on her shoulder, startling her.
SAM: Ginger, we need to talk.
GINGER: (sighs) What is it, Sam?
SAM: I’m worried about you. You haven’t been yourself lately.
GINGER: (defensive) I’m fine, Sam. Just leave me alone.
SAM: (firmly) No, I won’t. You’re my wife and I care about you. What’s going on? Is it the drugs?
Ginger looks away, unable to meet Sam’s gaze.
SAM: (softer) Ginger, please. Talk to me.
GINGER: (tearfully) I’m sorry, Sam. I just can’t stop. It’s like a part of me needs it.
Sam takes her hand, his voice gentle.
SAM: We’ll get you help, Ginger. You don’t have to go through this alone.
GINGER: (hopeful) Do you really mean that?
SAM: (nodding) Of course. We’ll do whatever it takes. I love you, Ginger.
Ginger breaks down in tears, and Sam holds her as she sobs.
FADE OUT.
