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===King's Crown Tallyho (1963–1966)===
Kings Crown Inns of America, Incorporated, a chain of hotels,<ref name=Glance/> purchased the Tallyho at a cost of $7 million,<ref>{{cite news
Lighting and sound system details for the showroom were being finalized in March 1964, while Kings Crown planned to have the showroom opened in the summer. Sound men who designed the showroom consulted with sound engineers at the [[University of California, Los Angeles]].<ref>{{cite news|title=New Tallyho Showroom to Open During Summer|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-mar-12-1964-425674/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=March 12, 1964|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref> Film producer Steve Parker, husband of actress [[Shirley MacLaine]], was named as the head of the hotel's showroom, to be named the Crown Room Theater-Restaurant. In addition, Parker was named as a part owner in the resort.<ref name=TheatricalHead1>{{cite news|title=Parker Named Tallyho Theatrical Head (page one)|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-apr-09-1964-427068/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=April 9, 1964|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref><ref name=TheatricalHead2>{{cite news|title=Parker Named Tallyho Theatrical Head (page two)|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-apr-09-1964-427070/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=April 9, 1964|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref> In April 1964, a fire started in one of the hotel rooms and caused smoke damage to part of the hotel. The fire was believed to have been started by a cigarette.<ref>{{cite news|title=Blaze Hits Strip Hotel|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-apr-13-1964-425679/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=April 13, 1964|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref>
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===Aladdin (1966–1998)===
[[File:Aladdins lamp.jpg|thumb|right|The original Aladdin's Lamp in 2008, now part of the [[Neon Museum]]]]
On January 1, 1966,<ref name=Prell-LV/> [[Milton Prell]] agreed to purchase the King's Crown Tallyho,<ref name=Seeks/> which was owned by three trusts overseen by the Cook brothers of Indiana.<ref>{{cite news
Prell announced plans to remove the old English theme and reopen the resort as the [[Oriental]]-themed Aladdin on April 16 following an extensive $3 million renovation. Prell also planned to construct a $20 million, 40-story hotel addition with 600 rooms. Construction of the high-rise was expected to begin later in the year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Prell Completes Tallyho Takeover: Aladdin Debuts April 16 (page one)|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-jan-02-1966-427014/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=January 2, 1966|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Prell Completes Tallyho Takeover: Aladdin Debuts April 16 (page two)|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-jan-02-1966-427021/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=January 2, 1966|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Aladdin Reaches Skyward|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-jan-02-1966-427010/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=January 2, 1966|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref> [[Martin Stern Jr.]] was the architect for the Aladdin project, while R. C. Johnson and Associates was the contractor and was hired to construct new facilities and renovate existing structures. Renovation plans included the remodeling of the showroom and lounge, as well as the casino and the hotel's front side. Elevators and escalators were also installed at the hotel's two main front entrances.<ref name=GrandOpen/> The original English-themed room wings were kept, but received an ''[[Arabian Nights]]'' theme along with the rest of the resort.<ref name=A2Z/> The Aladdin was named after the [[Aladdin|character of the same name]].<ref name=Bucks/> A serrated [[Canopy (building)|canopy]] was added along with a $750,000, 15-foot "[[Oil lamp|Aladdin's Lamp]]" sign.<ref name=A2Z/>
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====Opening and ownership changes====
The resort opened as Milton Prell's Aladdin at midnight on April 1, 1966, becoming the first major resort to open on the Las Vegas Strip in nine years.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dazzling Aladdin Debuts Thursday|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-mar-28-1966-427170/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=March 28, 1966|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref><ref name=Prell-LV/><ref name=Carpet>{{cite news |title=Aladdin Rolls Out Red Carpet Tonight |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1966/mar/31/aladdin-rolls-out-red-carpet-tonight/?framing=history |accessdate=July 17, 2019 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 31, 1966}}</ref> The Aladdin included the largest casino on the Las Vegas Strip and the 500-seat Bagdad Theatre.<ref name=Prell-LV>{{cite news|title=First in 9 years… Aladdin Debuts|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-apr-01-1966-427182/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=April 1, 1966|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref> People present at the grand opening included Prell and his wife, as well as County Commission Chairman [[William H. Briare]], Las Vegas mayor [[Oran K. Gragson]], and ''[[Las Vegas Sun]]'' publisher [[Hank Greenspun]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Aladdin Opens|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-apr-02-1966-427192/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=April 2, 1966|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref> The Aladdin, located on {{convert|35|acre|abbr=on}}, included a golf course and five dining facilities.<ref name=Carpet/> A week after opening, the sign for the Dunes casino welcomed the Aladdin and wished the new resort "good luck."<ref>{{cite news|title=Howdy Neighbor|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-apr-06-1966-427195/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=April 6, 1966|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref> The Aladdin was considered one of the most luxurious resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, although profits were usually low.<ref name="Implosion">{{cite web |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Aladdin implosion possible |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Sep-24-Wed-1997/news/6115571.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 24, 1997 |
In September 1966, nine people – including Prell's daughter Sheila – were approved to invest $287,500 for a combined 11.5 percent interest in the Aladdin.<ref>{{cite news
In May 1967, the Aladdin was host to [[Elvis Presley|Elvis]] and [[Priscilla Presley]]'s wedding.<ref>{{cite book|last=Burbank|first=Jeff|title=Las Vegas babylon : true tales of glitter, glamour, and greed / Jeff Burbank.|year=2000|publisher=Robson Books|location=London|isbn=1861059663|page=228}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rice |first=Jeff |title=Presley, Brunette Beauty in Surprise Vegas Wedding |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1967/may/02/presley-brunette-beauty-surprise-vegas-wedding/?framing=history |accessdate=July 17, 2019 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 2, 1967}}</ref>
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In 1968, MK Investment Corporation made a failed offer to purchase the Aladdin.<ref name=Series/> Renovations totaling $750,000 were completed in August 1969, which included making the [[Sinbad the Sailor|Sinbad]] Lounge enclosed and leveled above the casino floor with Arabic motif.<ref name=A2Z/>
In 1969, Parvin Dohrmann Corporation took over the Aladdin, and the company was renamed as Recrion Corporation.<ref name=A2Z/> In February 1971, a group led by Las Vegas resident Walter Gardner agreed to purchase the Aladdin at a cost of $16.5 million.<ref name=Resold>{{cite news
By the end of 1971, Recrion was planning a $5 million sale of the Aladdin, which would help pay off the resort's debts.<ref>{{cite news |last=Heinzel |first=Ron S. |title=Recrion Planning $5 Million Sale of Aladdin in Vegas |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/385388865/ |work=Los Angeles Times |date=November 2, 1971 |accessdate=July 23, 2019 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Heinzel |first=Ron S. |title=Recrion Planning $5 Million Sale of Aladdin in Vegas (page 2) |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/385388970/ |work=Los Angeles Times |date=November 2, 1971 |accessdate=July 23, 2019 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}</ref> The Aladdin was sold to Sam Diamond, St. Louis politicians Peter Webbe and Sorkis Webbe, and St. Louis attorney Richard L. Daly for $5 million.<ref name=A2Z/> The new owners announced plans for the $25 million, 24-story, 800-room Regency Tower, to be built adjacent to the Aladdin and expected to be opened in late 1973.<ref>{{cite news|title=New High-Rise Plans Announced for Vegas Strip|url=https://newspaperarchive.com/a-j-other-articles-clipping-jan-03-1972-427210/|accessdate=October 19, 2017|agency=United Press International|work=Nevada State Journal|date=January 3, 1972|via=NewspaperArchive.com}}</ref> Under the new owners, a $60 million face lift was conducted, including the addition of a 17-story tower and the new 7,500-seat Performing Arts Center replacing the golf course, which was $4 million over budget.<ref name=A2Z/>
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A $250,000 [[porte-cochere]] continued the tower's [[Arabesque (Islamic art)|arabesque]]s. The Aladdin added a new $300,000 {{convert|140|ft|m|adj=on}} blockbuster sign with little [[neon sign|neon]], huge attraction panels and none of the arabesque of the Aladdin's original sign. The Aladdin celebrated the grand opening of their new "[[Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts]]" with singer [[Neil Diamond]] being paid $650,000 for four shows; July 2 through July 5, 1976. In 1981, heavy metal band [[Iron Maiden]] played at the Aladdin – it was their first ever concert in America.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}
In August 1979, several individuals were convicted by a Detroit Federal Jury of conspiring to allow hidden owners to exert control over the resort, and the Nevada Gaming Commission then closed the hotel.<ref name=A2Z>{{cite web|url=http://www.a2zlasvegas.com/hotels/history/h-aladdin.html |title=History of the Aladdin – Las Vegas Strip |publisher=A2zlasvegas.com
The resort was sold to [[Wayne Newton]] and Ed Torres in 1980 for $85 million, snubbing an offer from comedian [[Johnny Carson]]. Newton sold his share to Torres 21 months later.<ref name="PuffOfSmoke">{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1998/apr/26/local/me-43165?pg=2|title=Las Vegas' Famed Aladdin Casino Ready to Go Up in Puff of Smoke|last=Macy|first=Robert|date=1998-04-26|accessdate=2010-03-22|work=Los Angeles Times}}</ref> Newton sued [[NBC]], who had alleged in broadcasts, that his purchase of the Aladdin was tied to the mafia. He won a $22.8 million judgement, which was overturned on appeal.<ref name="PuffOfSmoke" /> In February 1984, the Aladdin went into [[Chapter 11]] bankruptcy.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}
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In 1986, Japanese businessman Ginji Yasuda purchased the Aladdin out of bankruptcy for $54 million. Yasuda spent an additional $35 million to refurbish the resort.<ref name=Market1990>{{cite news|title=Aladdin goes to market|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9149127/reno_gazettejournal/|accessdate=February 24, 2017|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=September 27, 1990}}</ref> Yasuda was removed as the casino's operator by state regulators in September 1988.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}} Yasuda placed the resort in Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 1989, and died two months later. The property was publicly put up for sale in 1990, after months of unsuccessful private attempts to locate a buyer.<ref name=Market1990/>
The New Jersey-based Bell Atlantic-Tricon Leasing Corporation acquired the resort out of bankruptcy from Ginji Corporation in 1991. That year, Bell Atlantic-Tricon put the property up for sale at a minimum price of $44 million. In January 1994, businessman [[Donald Trump]] considered purchasing the Aladdin for $51 million, although Bell Atlantic-Tricon declined to sell the property for less than $60 million. Trump decided not to purchase the Aladdin as he felt the price was too high. Interest in the property increased following the news of Trump's potential purchase, with several prospective buyers emerging. At the time, the resort consisted of a 1,000-room hotel and a 37,000 square-foot casino.<ref>{{cite news|title=Trump 'not thrilled' with Aladdin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9149197/reno_gazettejournal/|accessdate=February 24, 2017|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=January 10, 1994}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Sealed bids for Vegas resort|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9149283/reno_gazettejournal/|accessdate=February 24, 2017|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=January 12, 1994}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Aladdin Hotel: Trump Says He Won't Buy Vegas Casino|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9149365/reno_gazettejournal/|accessdate=February 24, 2017|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=January 19, 1994}}</ref> Later in 1994, Jack Sommer, a Las Vegas real estate developer, and the Sommer Family Trust purchased the hotel.<ref name=Shemeligian>{{cite news|last=Shemeligian|first=Bob|title=Aladdin's history dotted with troubled owners|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/1998/apr/24/aladdins-history-dotted-with-troubled-owners/|accessdate=23 September 2011|newspaper=Las Vegas Sun|date=24 April 1998}}</ref> The Sommer Family Trust owned the Aladdin through Aladdin Gaming Corporation – which also operated the resort – and Aladdin Holdings LLC.<ref name=Caruso/><ref name=Big/> A pair of endangered [[peregrine falcon]]s nested on the hotel tower during the mid-1990s.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rogers |first=Keith |title=Aladdin could be fowled up |url=http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Oct-12-Sun-1997/news/6224451.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 12, 1997 |
In May 1996, plans were approved by the [[Clark County Commission]] for a $600 million renovation and expansion of the Aladdin, which had 1,100 hotel rooms at the time. Sommer and the county spent six months working on the design of the project, which would retain the original hotel tower and theater. The expansion would include four new hotel towers, including a centerpiece 400-foot-high rectangular tower. Other additions would include a 256-room timeshare condominium, a 300-room hotel-casino, and a shopping mall that would be co-managed by [[Edward J. DeBartolo Jr.|Eddie DeBartolo]]. The hotel would continue operations during the expansion project, which was expected to take 24 to 30 months.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Aladdin owner receives wish |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/may/09/aladdin-owner-receives-wish/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 9, 1996 |accessdate=July 26, 2019}}</ref> On December 6, 1996, American [[psychedelic rock]] band [[Phish]] performed at the Aladdin, marking the first appearance in Las Vegas by the band. The performance was ultimately released as a CD/DVD release entitled ''[[Vegas 96]]''. The concert featured a guest appearance by members of the band [[Primus (band)|Primus]] and a group of [[Elvis impersonator]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Phish Makes Las Vegas Debut With Help From Les Claypool On This Date In 1996 |url=https://www.jambase.com/article/phish-makes-las-vegas-debut-help-les-claypool-date-1996 |website=JamBase |accessdate=7 December 2018 |date=6 December 2016}}</ref>
In January 1997, Aladdin Gaming Corporation announced that [[London Clubs International]] would invest $50 million for a 25 percent interest in the Aladdin resort. London Clubs planned to add a luxury gaming facility to the Aladdin, aimed at attracting [[high roller]]s. The new facility would include 30 gaming tables and 100 slot machines. It would be part of the two-year renovation and expansion project, which was expected to cost $750 million and was scheduled to begin later in 1997. The new gaming facility would feature a European design.<ref name=Caruso>{{cite web |last=Caruso |first=Monica |title=British company buys into Aladdin |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Jan-24-Fri-1997/business/4737072.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=January 24, 1997 |
In March 1997, Aladdin Holdings announced that the resort would add a {{convert|450000|sqft|abbr=on}} shopping mall as part of the expansion project. It would feature the Aladdin's Arabian theme and was expected to open in 1999, with [[Trizec Properties|TrizecHahn Corporation]] handling construction, leasing, and operations.<ref name=Big>{{cite web |last=Caruso |first=Monica |title=Big retail center planned as addition to Aladdin |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Mar-21-Fri-1997/business/5070702.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 21, 1997 |
====Closure and demolition====
On September 25, 1997, it was announced that the Aladdin would close in two months and eventually be demolished to make room for a new Aladdin resort that would be three times larger than the original, and would include the Desert Passage mall. The Aladdin had 1,485 employees, while the new resort would employ over 7,000 people.<ref>{{cite news |title=Venerable Strip resort to close for new hotel |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/sep/25/venerable-strip-resort-to-close-for-new-hotel/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 25, 1997 |accessdate=July 26, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Shemeligian |first=Bob |title=Aladdin slated to be demolished |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/sep/26/aladdin-slated-to-be-demolished/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 26, 1997 |accessdate=July 26, 2019}}</ref><ref name=Closing>{{cite web |last1=Steinhauer |first1=Adam |last2=Zapler |first2=Mike |title=Aladdin closing its doors |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Sep-26-Fri-1997/news/6134007.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 26, 1997 |
The Aladdin closed at 6:00 p.m. on November 25, 1997.<ref name=Burns>{{cite news |last=Zekan |first=Karen |title=Aladdin's lamp burns out |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/nov/25/aladdins-lamp-burns-out/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 25, 1997 |accessdate=July 26, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Dickensheets |first=Scott |title=Sayonara to the Aladdin |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/nov/25/columnist-scott-dickensheets-sayonara-to-the-aladd/ |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 25, 1997 |accessdate=July 26, 2019}}</ref> Few casino guests expressed sadness about the closure.<ref name=Burns/> The Aladdin theater hosted its final performance later that night, with a show by [[Mötley Crüe]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Motley Crue to help close down Aladdin theater |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=July 26, 2019 |date=November 21, 1997 |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Weatherford |first=Mike |title=Timeout |url=http://lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Nov-23-Sun-1997/lifestyles/6475182.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 23, 1997 |
On April 27, 1998, the hotel tower was imploded at 7:27 p.m. to make way for construction of the new Aladdin resort.<ref name=Poof>{{cite news|last=Berns|first=Dave|title=Abracadabra ... Poof!|url=http://www.lvrj.com:80/lvrj_home/1998/Apr-28-Tue-1998/news/7395479.html|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=April 28, 1998|
An estimated 20,000 people arrived to watch the implosion from nearby.<ref name=Poof/> Aladdin executives set up a 1,000-person tent near the Aladdin and charged $250 a ticket for people to watch the implosion from inside the tent, with the proceeds benefiting the [[Make-A-Wish Foundation|Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Edwards|first=John G.|title=Aladdin to disappear|url=http://www.lvrj.com:80/lvrj_home/1998/Apr-08-Wed-1998/news/7277150.html|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=April 8, 1998|
===New resort (2000–present)===
{{main|Planet Hollywood Las Vegas}}
[[File:CASSINO-ALADIM.JPG|thumb|The new Aladdin in 2005 before being rebranded as Planet Hollywood]]
The new Aladdin resort opened in August 2000. It experienced financial problems and entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2001. In February 2002, Aladdin Gaming was searching for potential buyers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Berns|first=Dave|title=Aladdin Gaming seeks buyers for Strip resort|url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2002/Feb-27-Wed-2002/business/18188361.html|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=February 27, 2002|
==Film history==
Robert Hirsch, a Las Vegas location consultant and the former director of the Nevada Motion Picture Division, said that film and television crews "always loved the porte cochere" of the Aladdin, but that they "just didn't like the rest of the place."<ref name=Cling/> The Aladdin's casino was featured substantially in the 1979 film ''[[Going in Style]]'' and the 1986 film ''[[Heat (1986 film)|Heat]]''. The porte cochere and casino appeared in the 1993 film, ''[[Best of the Best II]]'', while the theatre appeared in the 1997 documentary film, ''Dancing for Dollars''. ''[[Behind Closed Doors (1996 TV series)|Behind Closed Doors]]'', a documentary series, shot footage of the hotel tower's demolition preparations prior to its implosion. The series also placed cameras inside the tower to give an interior view of the building during the implosion. The Aladdin was also featured in a 1998 episode of ''[[Ohh Nooo! Mr. Bill Presents]]'', in which the character of [[Mr. Bill]] performs at the resort.<ref name=Cling>{{cite news|last=Cling|first=Carol|title=ABC taking closer look as the Aladdin prepares to check out|url=http://www.lvrj.com:80/lvrj_home/1998/Apr-27-Mon-1998/lifestyles/7381304.html|work=Las Vegas Review-Journal|date=April 27, 1998|
==See also==
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