© 2025 Hawaiʻi Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Give to HPR and keep local support firmly rooted. The greater our local support, the greater our strength and resilience to serve you and future generations. Tap to get started.

Las Vegas Documentary Goes Beyond Casinos

People think of Las Vegas as Sin City, a version of Disneyland, or maybe a little of both. But as the town's place in American culture continues to evolve, people seeking to change their fortune are still drawn there.

A new installment of PBS' American Experience explores the ups and downs of America's fast-growing rollercoaster of a town.

Las Vegas: An Unconventional History follows the development of the town's all-important casinos, but it also delves into the stories of those who come to Vegas for everything from entertainment to a fresh start on life. The film features the stories of 10 Las Vegas residents, including a strip club "house mom," a hotel maid and a local schoolteacher.

Director Stephen Ives talks with Scott Simon about the film, which airs on PBS stations Nov. 14 and 15.

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Related Stories