Stardust casino shines one last time before demolition [audio 3min @18:10]

Ah, the late 1950s! A more innocent time -- even in terms of sin and indulgence. Back in those days of post-war intemperance and hedonism, the Stardust Resort and Casino was a Las Vegas supernova of glitz and flash. The Stardust exploded onto the Las Vegas scene at noon on July 2nd 1958 -- literally, with the detonation of several bombs. At the time, it was the largest resort ever built on Planet Earth -- a $10-million complex comprising more than 1,000 rooms, a 32-metre-long swimming pool called the "Big Dipper", a 1,500-square-metre casino, and a semiotician's dream, or nightmare: the world's largest sign. Over the next decade, it added a drive-in theatre, a Polynesian restaurant with an outsized stone Tiki head, and a much-needed sign replacement, featuring animation of falling stardust. And, later, more swimming pools, a golf course, a racetrack, and even more guest rooms. Now this Sin City landmark has served its last blender drink. On Saturday, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme -- in many ways, Mr. and Mrs. Las Vegas -- were the last act to play the Stardust Theatre. And next year, something called "Echelon Place" will be built in its place -- a 5,300-room complex that will cost $4 billion. Apparently, the once-proud monument to excess is no longer excessive enough.