I didn't know what to expect not being a big Wayne Newton fan. The film, narrated by Mr. Newton, is about his life in and out of show business. It is also about the preparation of his 50 acre ranch just outside Las Vegas, Casa de Shenendoa, into a living museum and tribute to him and his legacy, similar to Elvis's Graceland (Elvis is King! Forever the King! Hail the King! King, King, King!).
The big difference here between Graceland and Casa de Shenendoa, is that Mr. Las Vegas is living and in residence at the Casa. But that is where the differences, particularly in taste and style, stop.
This film is about a living legend, a man about whom I knew very little. But now I have learned that Wayne Newton is a very down to earth man with a huge heart who is committed to his family and friendships first above all. He is also very committed to animals, veterans, his collections of fancy cars and memorabilia and Casa de Shenendoa.
This film is an excellent documentary, everyone should see it.
The evening took an interesting turn after the screening with a live performance by Mr. Las Vegas himself who came riding on stage in a tuxedo on an Arabian horse. His show was a full 90 minutes of nonstop songs, stories, cute jokes and retrospective TV and news clips of Mr. Newton. He is a riveting entertainer in the true Las Vegas style, a style that has fallen by the wayside as the newer shows have come along.
Wayne Newton is certainly the only living and performing connection to the Las Vegas strip of yesteryear who has enjoyed continued stardom and popularity. You can see it in his show and in his film. I don't know if it was the dry air of the outdoor venue or just the years, but Mr. Las Vegas was not singing in his best voice last night. But by golly it didn't matter; just like Frank and others before him, when Wayne might not hit the note, his charisma takes him past the note, babe.
The Gala was a great and I got to meet dozens of other film makers and local supporters of the DocUtah film festival. Many of those attending the pre-show mixer were those who had chosen Beaverbrook after screening the hundreds of films submitted to DocUtah. I was very surprised to meet many fans of "Beaverbrook". Heartwarming indeed. Photos tomorrow, I swear!
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