From: Julie Carter (julie@devnull.omahug.org)
Date: Wed Jan 08 2003 - 07:18:44 CST
Yvonne,
Just a little history about your "correct me if I'm wrong".
The 1971 Bond movie "Diamonds are Forever" was filmed mostly in the
downtown areas (the car chase) and the "Willard Whyte House" (outside
building scenes) were that of the Las Vegas Hilton.
The ground breaking for the MGM Grand started in April 1972 and opened
in December 1973.
In November of 1980, the MGM was adding a 782 room wing and rehearsing
for a new show that was to premiere in December - Donn Arden's $7
million extravaganza Jubliee. This show involved reenactments of
disasters, mythical and historical events. These included the
Hindenberg, Titanic, French Revolution and London Blitz.
On November 21, 1980, at approximately 7:17am, Las Vegas Fire
Department's Stations 8, 11, 12, and 21 received a call to respond to a
fire at the MGM Grand Hotel. Started by an electrical short, it is
estimated that during the first 90 seconds of the fire, 14 people were
killed. The fire crashed through the street level restaurant end of the
casino, going to the main entrance.
MGM closed after the fire and reopened on July 29, 1981. The first
guest to register a room on the 20th floor was Cary Grant, who strolled
through the resort greeting guests.
On July 30, 1981, the MGM Grand proved the old lady was back and doing
just fine by opening its $10 million Jubliee! in the Ziegfeld Theatre.
Bally's bought the MGM in 1986.
I hope this enlightened a few history buffs.
Julie
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