Bill Miller's Riviera

by Austin, Tom; Kase, Ron

• ISBN13: 9781609494568
• ISBN10: 1609494563
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-11-02
• Publisher: History Pr

Summary

Where did Frank Sinatra, Mickey Mantle, Sugar Ray Robinson, Ava Gardner and hundreds of other A-listers-along with mobsters like Frank Costello and Meyer Lansky-eat, drink and enjoy fabulous entertainment? It wasn't in Hollywood but at Bill Miller's Riviera in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The Riviera's breathtaking views of the George Washington Bridge, its stunning showgirls and its secret gambling casino drew the famous and the infamous to its tables. Bill Miller's Riviera was perched on the edge of the Palisades and attracted the most sought-after performers of the day when nightclubs were the only place they could be seen. Relive the days of the Riviera and experience Bill Miller's special touch. Book jacket.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. 9
Introduction	p. 11
1919: The Year Jean Richard Created the Villa Richard	p. 13
America's Showplace	p. 20
1931: The Year Ben Marden Opened the Riviera	p. 28
Ben Marden	p. 31
Building the Riviera	p. 40
1946: The Year Bill Miller Bought the Riviera	p. 55
Bill Miller and the Riviera Years	p. 61
The Stage Is Set	p. 72
Here Come the Headliners	p. 90
The "Boys" Are Back in Town	p. 108
Saving the Palisades	p. 115
1953: The Year the Riviera Closed	p. 120
Encore	p. 126
Bibliography	p. 135
Index	p. 139
About the Authors	p. 143
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