“They Came to Rob Las Vegas” is a thrilling heist story that follows Tony Ferris, a professional thief, as he plans and executes a daring robbery of a casino in Las Vegas. The book was written by André Lay and published in 1968, while the movie was directed by Antonio Isasi-Isasmendi and released in 1969. Both versions have their own unique qualities and merits, and in this article, we will explore them in detail.
Brief Summary of the Book: Plot and Characters
The book version of “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” follows the story of Tony Ferris, a skilled thief who is hired by a wealthy businessman to steal $3 million from a casino in Las Vegas. Tony enlists the help of his ex-girlfriend Ann Bennett, a talented driver, and a team of criminals with different specialities. The heist is meticulously planned and executed, but not everything goes according to plan, and Tony finds himself facing unexpected challenges and dangers.
The book is fast-paced and action-packed, with vivid descriptions of the characters and settings. Tony Ferris is a complex and charismatic protagonist, with a troubled past and a deep sense of loyalty to his team. Ann Bennett is a strong and independent woman, who is not afraid to take risks and fight for what she believes in. The other characters are also well-developed, with their own quirks and motivations.
Brief Summary of the Movie: Plot and Characters
The movie version of “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” follows a similar plot, but with some significant differences. Tony Ferris is played by Gary Lockwood, while Ann Bennett is played by Elke Sommer. The heist is still the main focus of the story, but there are some added elements, such as a love triangle between Tony, Ann, and a casino employee named Johnny. The movie also features some thrilling car chases and shootouts, which were not present in the book.
The characters in the movie are also slightly different from their book counterparts. Tony Ferris is more of a suave and confident ladies’ man, while Ann Bennett is more of a damsel in distress. The other characters are more stereotypical and less fleshed out than in the book.
Setting: When and Where the Story Takes Place
The story of “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” takes place in the 1960s, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The book version of the story is more focused on the city itself, with detailed descriptions of the casinos and hotels. The movie version also showcases the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Hoover Dam and the Strip. Both versions capture the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas, but in slightly different ways.
Film Locations: Captivating Scenes and Filming Locations
The movie version of “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” was filmed on location in Las Vegas and its surroundings. Some of the most memorable scenes were shot at the Hoover Dam, which provides a stunning backdrop for the movie’s climax. Other scenes were shot at the Sands Hotel and Casino, which was a popular destination for celebrities and high rollers in the 1960s. The movie also features some beautiful shots of the desert landscape, which add to the atmosphere of the story.
Character Analysis: Who’s Who in the Book and Movie
As mentioned earlier, the characters in the book and movie versions of “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” are slightly different. In the book, Tony Ferris is a more complex and sympathetic character, with a tragic backstory and a strong sense of loyalty. Ann Bennett is a more independent and capable character, who is not afraid to challenge Tony’s authority. The other characters in the book are also well-developed, with their own motivations and personalities.
In the movie, the characters are more one-dimensional, with less depth and complexity. Tony Ferris is more of a stereotypical “cool guy”, while Ann Bennett is more of a classic damsel in distress. The other characters are also less fleshed out, and serve mostly as plot devices.
Memorable Quotes: Standout Lines from the Book and Movie
“They Came to Rob Las Vegas” is full of memorable quotes and one-liners. Some of the most famous lines from the book include:
- “Life is a game, and the winners are the ones who know how to play it.”
- “There’s no such thing as an honest man in this world. We’re all crooks, one way or another.”
- “Money can’t buy happiness, but it sure can buy a lot of things that look like happiness.”
The movie version also has some memorable quotes, such as:
- “I’m the best driver in Vegas.”
- “I don’t need a gun. I am the gun.”
- “I’ve got a plan, and it doesn’t involve getting killed.”
Soundtrack: Georges Garvarentz’s Musical Contribution
The movie version of “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” features a memorable soundtrack by French composer Georges Garvarentz. The score is a mix of jazz and orchestral music, with catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms. Some of the most famous tracks from the soundtrack include “Las Vegas Party”, “The Robbery”, and “The Chase”. The music adds to the excitement and glamour of the movie, and is a testament to Garvarentz’s talent as a composer.
Curiosities: Interesting Facts and Trivia about the Book and Movie
“They Came to Rob Las Vegas” is a fascinating story, with many interesting facts and trivia. Did you know that the book was originally written in French, and was later translated into English? Or that the movie was partly financed by the Spanish government, as a way to promote Spanish cinema abroad? There are many other fun facts and trivia about the book and movie, which add to their mystique and appeal.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing like Tony Ferris and Ann Bennett
If you’re a fan of “They Came to Rob Las Vegas”, you might be interested in cosplaying as your favorite characters. Tony Ferris and Ann Bennett have iconic looks, with stylish clothes and accessories. To dress like Tony, you’ll need a leather jacket, a turtleneck sweater, and a pair of aviator sunglasses. To dress like Ann, you’ll need a white blouse, a pencil skirt, and a pair of high heels. There are many other details and accessories that you can add to your cosplay, such as a fedora or a scarf.
André Lay: A Closer Look at the Author’s Biography
André Lay was a French writer and journalist, who was born in 1922 and died in 2008. He was a prolific author, with over 50 books to his name, including “They Came to Rob Las Vegas”. Lay was also a respected journalist, who wrote for several French newspapers and magazines. He was known for his sharp wit and his insightful commentary on politics and society.
Top 5 Works by André Lay: Must-Read Novels by the Author
If you’re interested in reading more of André Lay’s work, here are five must-read novels by the author:
- “The Tall Blond Man with One Black Shoe”
- “The Return of the Tall Blond Man”
- “The Great Spy Chase”
- “The Black Windmill”
- “The French Detective”
These novels showcase Lay’s talent for suspenseful and entertaining storytelling, with memorable characters and exciting plots.
Other Media by Antonio Isasi-Isasmendi: Exploring the Director’s Work
Antonio Isasi-Isasmendi was a Spanish film director, who was born in 1927 and died in 2017. He was a prolific filmmaker, with over 20 movies to his name, including “They Came to Rob Las Vegas”. Isasi-Isasmendi was known for his action-packed thrillers, which often featured car chases and shootouts. Some of his other notable movies include “The House That Screamed” and “The Dogs of War”.
10 Similar Movies to “They Came to Rob Las Vegas”
If you enjoyed “They Came to Rob Las Vegas”, here are 10 similar movies that you might also enjoy:
- “Ocean’s Eleven” (1960)
- “The Italian Job” (1969)
- “The Thomas Crown Affair” (1968)
- “The Getaway” (1972)
- “The Sting” (1973)
- “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975)
- “Thief” (1981)
- “Heat” (1995)
- “The Town” (2010)
- “Baby Driver” (2017)
These movies share some similarities with “They Came to Rob Las Vegas”, such as their focus on heists and crime, their stylish visuals, and their memorable characters.
Book Club Questions: Discussion Points for Book and Movie Lovers
If you’re part of a book club or a movie club, here are some discussion points that you might find interesting:
- Which version of “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” do you prefer, the book or the movie, and why?
- What do you think of the characters in the book and movie? Are they well-developed and realistic?
- What themes and motifs can you identify in the story of “They Came to Rob Las Vegas”?
- How does the setting of Las Vegas contribute to the story and atmosphere of the book and movie?
- What do you think of the soundtrack of the movie, and how does it add to the experience of watching the movie?
- What similarities and differences can you identify between “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” and other heist movies or books?
10 Similar Novels to “Les Hommes De Las Vegas”
If you enjoyed “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” and want to read more books in a similar vein, here are 10 similar novels that you might enjoy:
- “The Friends of Eddie Coyle” by George V. Higgins
- “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo
- “The Hunter” by Richard Stark
- “The Getaway” by Jim Thompson
- “The Grifters” by Jim Thompson
- “The Hot Rock” by Donald E. Westlake
- “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett
- “The Score” by Richard Stark
- “The Killer Inside Me” by Jim Thompson
- “The Asphalt Jungle” by W.R. Burnett
These novels share some similarities with “They Came to Rob Las Vegas”, such as their focus on crime and heists, their gritty realism, and their memorable characters.
Parent Guide: Is the Movie Suitable for Children?
If you’re a parent who is considering watching “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” with your children, you might be wondering if the movie is appropriate for them. The movie is rated PG-13, which means that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. The movie contains some violence, including gunshots and fistfights, as well as some mild sexual content and language. Parents should use their discretion when deciding whether or not to let their children watch the movie.
Buying Guide and Gift Ideas: Merchandise for Fans of the Book and Movie
If you’re a fan of “They Came to Rob Las Vegas”, you might be interested in buying some merchandise related to the book or movie. Some popular items include:
- The book version of “They Came to Rob Las Vegas”
- The DVD or Blu-ray version of the movie
- Posters or prints of the movie’s iconic scenes
- T-shirts or hoodies with quotes or images from the movie
- Collectible figurines of the characters
- Soundtrack CD or vinyl record
These items make great gifts for fans of the book or movie, or for anyone who loves heist stories and action movies.
Conclusion: Comparing the Book and Movie – Which One Reigns Supreme?
In conclusion, “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” is a thrilling and entertaining story, which has been adapted into both a book and a movie. Both versions have their own unique qualities and merits, and it’s up to each individual reader or viewer to decide which one they prefer. The book is more focused on the characters and their motivations, while the movie is more focused on the action and excitement. Regardless of which version you prefer, “They Came to Rob Las Vegas” is a classic heist story that deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
