Although Pileggi had already written the book and wanted it published in advance of the film version, Scorsese tried to persuade him to forgo the usual chronology and to release the book after the film. The screenplay for Casino was by Pileggi and Scorsese.
The book is the basis for the Academy Award-nominated 1995 film Casino directed by Martin Scorsese. Kirkus Reviews called the book 'riveting,' writing that 'Pileggi offers a blow-by-blow account of how organized crime looted the casinos they controlled as silent but deadly partners during the 1970s.' Film version
Rosenthal supervises the casino operations, while Spilotro provides protection, security and also masterminds jewelry raids that lead to his crew being nicknamed the Hole in the Wall Gang. Pileggi focuses on the story of Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal, a Chicago bookmaker working for organized crime, and his friend, partner and also Mafia member, Anthony Spilotro. Print ( hardcover & paperback), eBook, audio cassette, audio CD, Audible Audio Edition, Amazon KindleĬasino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas ( ISBN 0684808323) is a 1995 non-fiction book by crime reporter Nicholas Pileggi that depicts the story of the alliance of Mafia mobsters Lefty Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro and their exploits working in Mafia controlled casinos in Las Vegas.Ĭasino covers the period during the 1970s and early 1980s when the Mafia controlled certain Las Vegas casinos.
