Viva Las Vegas
Seen it?1964 | 85 min | Music, Romance, Comedy
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 9 times its budget, though it had a lukewarm 6.1 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Pretty Woman or It Happened One Night, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny, romantic.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 25 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1964: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Lucky Jackson arrives in Las Vegas with his car literally in tow ready for the first Grand Prix — once he has the money for an engine. He gets the cash easily enough but mislays it when the pretty pool manageress takes his mind off things. It seems he'll lose both race and girl, problems complicated by rivalry from womanizing fellow racer Elmo Mancini.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.1 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$9 million worldwide on a $1 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 100K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Pretty Woman
Saturday SpecialAnother romantic comedy, and a Saturday Special.
It Happened One Night
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romantic comedy.
The Wrong Paris
Weeknight WatchAnother romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Victor/Victoria Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed romantic comedy.
Funny Face Saturday SpecialAnother romantic comedy that's easy to miss.
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Cast & crew
Directed by George Sidney
- Elvis PresleyLucky Jackson
- Ann-MargretRusty Martin
- Cesare DanovaCount Elmo Mancini
- William DemarestMr. Martin
- Nicky BlairShorty Fansworth
- Robert AikenDriver (uncredited)
- Don AndersonWedding Guest (uncredited)
- Larry BartonSon of the Lone Star State (uncredited)
- Toni BasilDancer (uncredited)
- Herman BodenCasino Patron (uncredited)