COOL OFF WITH “SPEAKEASY CINEMA,” CLASSIC MOB NOIR FILM SERIES AT THE MOB MUSEUM THIS SUMMER
Program Made Possible by Grant from Nevada Humanities
For the first time, The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, will host “Speakeasy Cinema,” a summertime after-work film series featuring classic mobster noir movies and complimentary alcoholic beverages in the Museum’s historic courtroom. Tickets are available for each individual film, or guests may opt to purchase tickets for the entire series. The movies will take place on July 1, July 8, July 15 and July 22 at 6:30 p.m. and the program is made possible by a grant from Nevada Humanities.
Space is limited to 100 at each screening, which will be preceded by a short presentation providing historical context and surprising, behind-the-scenes facts about the film. Wine, beer, popcorn and snacks will be available for purchase.
“One aspect of Mob history we explore at the Museum is the cinematic portrayal of organized crime and law enforcement,” explains Geoff Schumacher, director of content, The Mob Museum. “Midcentury Mob films often reflected actual current events, and they provide insights into the public’s evolving understanding of organized crime and its impact on society.”
The schedule follows:
Wednesday, July 1: “The Captive City” (1952, MGM); starring John Forsythe, Joan Camden
Shot entirely in Reno, Nev., this film surrounds a small-town newspaperman’s investigation into a local bookie operation, which uncovers a network of organized crime.
Wednesday, July 8: “Dark City” (1950, Olive Films/Paramount); starring Charlton Heston, Jack Webb, Lizabeth Scott, Ed Begley, Sr., Harry Morgan
Gamblers who conned an out-of-town sucker in a fixed poker game find themselves the targets of underworld vengeance. “Dark City” features Heston in his first Hollywood starring role.
Wednesday, July 15: “711 Ocean Drive” (1950, Columbia Pictures); starting Edmond O’Brien, Otto Kruger, Joanne Dru
An ordinary telephone repairman uses his technical know-how to help a bookie set up a betting operation. When the bookie is murdered, the repairman takes over the business and soon finds himself at the top of the local organized crime syndicate. Matters grow complicated, however, when mobsters from the East Coast arrive on the scene wanting a share in the take.
Wednesday, July 22: “Hoodlum Empire” (1952, Olive Films/Paramount); starring Brian Donlevy, Claire Trevor, Forrest Tucker, Vera Ralston, Gene Lockhart
A former-gangster-turned-war-hero retreats from Mob life following his stint in World War II. However, when summoned for a grand jury probing organized crime activity, old gangster associates fear he’ll rat them out and start maneuvering to make sure he can’t.
Tickets for each movie at “Speakeasy Cinema” are $15 for non-members and $12 for Museum Members. To purchase tickets for the entire series, the cost is $50 for non-Members and $40 for Members. Prices include one alcoholic beverage per film. For more information, go to www.TheMobMuseum.org or call (702) 229-2734.
ABOUT THE MOB MUSEUM
The Mob Museum is a world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas dedicated to the thrilling story of organized crime and law enforcement. It presents an exciting and authentic view of the Mob’s impact on Las Vegas history and its unique imprint on the world. True stories of Mob history are brought to life in a bold and contemporary style via engaging exhibits, high-tech theater presentations and more than 885 artifacts, the largest collection of Mob and related law enforcement memorabilia under one roof. Since opening in 2012, The Mob Museum has accumulated numerous accolades, including being named one of the “Best Places to Travel in 2015” by Travel + Leisure Magazine, “A Must for Travelers” by The New York Times, one of “20 Places Every American Should See” by Fox News and Budget Travel magazine, “Las Vegas’ Best New Attractions for 2012” by Travel + Leisure magazine, “9 Reasons to Visit Las Vegas” by CNNgo, a finalist for the “Best Wider World Project Award,” by the British Guild of Travel Writers and “Best Museum” by Nevada Magazine. Admission is $21.95 for adults ages 18 and over with special pricing for online purchase, children, seniors, military, law enforcement, Nevada residents, and teachers. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, September through June; in July and August, hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. For more information, call (702) 229-2734 or visit www.TheMobMuseum.org. Connect on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TheMobMuseum, on Twitter: @TheMobMuseum and subscribe to the Museum’s Mobcast here.