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Las Vegas Lady (1975)

This on the money solid and enjoyable Crown International Pictures crime caper affair comes across like a cheerfully low-rent drive-in discount version of “Ocean’s 11.” Adding immensely to this film’s already considerable entertainment value is the always charming and delightful presence of the divine Stella Stevens, who portrays the titular shady lady casino hostess with her customary winning blend of brassy firebrand panache and sassy sophisticated sexiness. Tired of her lackluster lot in life, Stevens plans on stealing a hefty multi-million dollar sum of cash from Circus Circus in order to make things better for herself. Helping Stella out with her daring heist are friendly security guard Stuart Whitman, rascally old high stakes gambler Jessie White, and the foxy salt’n’pepper distaff duo of Linda Scruggs and Lynne Moody. Standing in Stella’s way is ruthless jerk casino manager George DiCenzo. Director Noel (“Youngblood”) Nosseck keeps the pace quick and the suspense well-maintained throughout. Moreover, the thrilling robbery itself is staged and edited with breakneck aplomb, there’s a nicely funky theme song called “Gambling Blues,” Stephen Katz’s sharp cinematography accurately nails the gaudiness of the Glitter Gulch in all its tacky day-glo splendor, and future big deal mainstream Hollywood feature composer Alan (“Back to the Future,” “Predator”) Silvestri supplies a splendidly snazzy’n’jazzy ersatz Lalo Schifrin score. Taut, involving and a definite must-see for Stella Stevens aficionados.