Hollywood continues to take our breath away with its movie-making precision and state-of-the-art graphics. These films can make us cry, laugh, and even inspire us in the right direction. With so many beloved movie genres available, the one that is often overlooked is the casino genre.
Being movie buffs ourselves, this important film genre hasn’t escaped our notice. Inspired to share our love for these elegant films, we decided to put together this article about iconic casino games from the most memorable movies.
“Casablanca” (1942) – French Roulette
“Here’s looking at you, kid.” Without a doubt, it is one of the most memorable quotes in movie history, delivered to perfection by the legendary Humphrey Boggart. In a film of several memorable scenes, including the legendary “Play it Again Sam,” the display of French Roulette with Rick Blaine (Humphrey Boggart) continues to inspire.
With the fantastic film noir lighting inside Rick’s Cafe, Rick becomes aware of a Bulgarian couple desperate to escape to America. While actually playing French Roulette, Rick tells the stressed-out husband to make a straight-up bet on number 22.
Of course, winning straight-up bets pay 35:1. Having put all his money on 22, the win paid off, and the couple had all the funds they needed to get to America.
Casablanca’s portrayal of French Roulette in a moment of need continues to inspire with these main factors:
- Although the scene gives the impression that the wheel is rigged, it inspires and highlights the importance of beginner’s luck and the power of faith.
- This scene inspired the casino revolution in Nevada, especially in Reno and Lake Tahoe.
- Moviegoers saw firsthand how awesome and elegant roulette is and inspired a new legion of players.
These are only some of the main elements that make “Casablanca” one of the most beloved films of all time. Of course, beyond the roulette wheel, we are treated to a tragic romance story.
“Guys and Dolls” (1955) – Craps
In somewhat of a departure, the legendary screen icon Marlon Brando stars in this musical adaption of the Broadway play. Frank Sinatra stars in the inspiring musical. Besides random musical scenes and slick dancing, “Guys and Dolls” heavily features craps.
Marlon Brando stars as Sky Masterson, a charming gambler who loves craps. He is in love with Sarah Brown, however, Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra) soon gives him a run for his money for Sarah’s affections.
As this comedic musical romance unfolds, moviegoers are treated to an incredible ensemble of craps games with engaging singing. Even competing for the love of a woman, Sky and Nathan eventually bond over playing craps.
Even nearly seventy years since hitting movie theaters, “Guys and Dolls” continues to endure for these amazing reasons:
- Believe it or not, despite all of the heavy craps action, “Guys and Dolls’ does emphasize the importance of gambling with sense and responsibly and the dangers of gambling addiction.
- Known for his dramatic acting, “Guys and Dolls” showcases Marlon Brando’s amazing range as an actor and his singing chops.
- Due to its monster success, “Guys and Dolls” inspired other musicals to close out the 1950s.
Even after seventy years, “Guys and Dolls” continues to inspire Broadway shows.
“Oceans Eleven” (1960) – Slot Machines
While today’s moviegoers might be more familiar with the 2000s’ trilogy with George Clooney and Brad Pitt, the original “Oceans Eleven” was one of the first films to truly glamorize the Las Vegas Strio and to feature an ensemble cast. Frank Sinatra stars as Danny Ocean, a career felon who is at a crossroads in his life.
Fresh out of prison, Danny recruits other talented criminals to his scheme to rob five of the largest casinos in America on New Year’s Eve. Movie buffs will recognize other members of the legendary Rat Pack, Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin, as accomplices. However, Danny also competes for matters of the heart as he tries to win back his ex-wife, who is played by Angie Dickinson.
Over sixty years later, the original “Oceans Eleven” continues to endure for these fascinating reasons:
- Experience Old Las Vegas in its heyday. Before the rampant expansion of today’s Las Vegas Strip, moviegoers got to see the rise of Las Vegas into the gambling power that it is today.
- Moviegoers witness the glory days of showtime. Throughout the film, there are iconic scenes of showgirls and other live concerts.
- A true brotherhood. Despite their differences, the original “Oceans Eleven” highlights that there is truly honor among thieves.
Forty years later, after hitting theaters, the main “Oceans Eleven” principles carry over to the remakes. However, the remakes evolved the casino robbery theme to include more games like blackjack and roulette.
“Dr. No” (1962) – Baccarat
“Dr. No” is the first of the legendary James Bond films taken from Ian Fleming’s novels. While Dr. No put Sean Connery into the limelight, it ushered in many firsts. Over an elegant baccarat game of Chemin de Fer, moviegoers got their first glimpse of the iconic James Bond. It was also playing Chemin de Fer, that we heard for the first time, the immortal phrase, “Bond…James Bond.” Beyond the baccarat table, we also see the tradition of leading ladies that has also become synonymous with the James Bond experience all over baccarat.
Even after Daniel Craig departed the role of the latest James Bond, “Dr. No” still delights audiences with these main qualities:
- High society. Dr. No started a trend of James Bond playing baccarat in other bond films like “Thunderball” and “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Baccarat isn’t usually portrayed in films.
- Besides baccarat, “Dr. No” also inspired other movies to feature exotic and high-scale foreign casinos like Monte Carlo and Monte Negro.
- The gadgets. The James Bond films continue to develop a loyal following to see the latest gadgets that are now household items, in some cases from Q’s laboratory.
Conclusion: Timeless Movie Scenes from the World of Gambling
Other notable mentions include 21, which is based on the real-life story of the MIT team beating Las Vegas with blackjack math strategies. Also, the 2006 Casino Royale remake, another James Bond film, helped to usher in the insane popularity of high-stakes Texas Hold’em poker tournaments. Even with the credits long rolled and the screen fading to black, these iconic casino films still feel like yesterday.
