Bugsy: Fact vs. Fiction

In 1991, Warren Beatty jumped onto the big screen to portray one the most feared and most famous mobsters of all time...Bugsy.

The film, directed by Barry Levinson and co-starring Annette Bening (as Bugsy's longtime girlfriend, Virginia Hill) tells the story of Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel and his role in the creation of The Flamingo and the building of Las Vegas as an "oasis in the desert".

Bugsy was minor hit, grossing just over $49 Million at the box office, receiving high praise from critics, and garnering several Academy Award & Golden Globe nominations including a Golden Globe win for "Best Picture - Drama".  But despite all these accolades, just how historically accurate was the film?

My guest for this episode of the podcast is here to tell us.

Making his FOURTH appearance on the podcast is Geoff Schumacher, the Vice President of Exhibits and Programs at the Mob Museum in Las Vegas.  Geoff was kind enough to join me once again to help separate fact from fiction when it comes to the story of Bugsy Siegel.

Did Bugsy actually try to get into acting during his time in Hollywood?  Who actually came up with the idea for The Flamingo?  And was opening night at the casino really a total flop?

If you want to learn more about Bugsy & his associates and their place in Las Vegas history, plan a visit to the Mob Museum on your next Vegas vacation.  You can also follow the Mob Museum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

And be sure to check out Geoff's previous appearances on the podcast including:

Episode #22: Mob Rules

Episode #62: Howard Hughes - Aviator, Innovator & Las Vegas Legend

And Episode #87: Casino - Fact vs. Fiction

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