Martin Scorsese is gifted enough to be assessed at a higher level than most filmmakers. Also, he's self-destructively bound to childhood gangster-pal Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci), who wants to control his corner of Vegas with a dangerously conspicuous protection racket. However, Rothstein falls in love with, then marries Ginger McKenna (Sharon Stone), a classy hustler who drains him of money and trust. Sent to oversee four of their casinos in Las Vegas, he has to make sure this easy-cash system runs smoothly and lucratively.Īs long as he toes the line with the local politicians (who expect royal treatment), keeps an eye out for the professional scam artists and ensures a regular flow of cash to his superiors, Rothstein can live like a lord.
In the early 1970s, Sam 'Ace' Rothstein (Robert De Niro), a brilliant bookie, has been thrown a golden bone by his Midwestern mob bosses.
