‘Jethro’ still hopes to build Reno Beverly Hillbillies casino

Monday, Nov. 27, 2000 | 10:50 a.m.

The actor known to a generation of TV viewers as Jethro says he's still interested in building a Reno-based casino themed after "The Beverly Hillbillies" -- but a deadlock with a Reno mall owner has the project on indefinite hold.

In 1998, Max Baer Jr. first proposed "Jethro's Mansion and Casino," a $175 million themed casino with 390 rooms and 390 timeshare units. The resort's most distinctive feature would be a distinctive oil derrick sign. The casino would be based at Park Lane Mall, about one mile from the Peppermill.

But following zoning approval by Reno officials in 1999, negotiations between Baer and mall owner Macerich Co. of Santa Monica broke down, after Macerich officials said they couldn't wait for financing to be arranged. Those talks still haven't been revived.

"We have commitments for the equity dollars, and we'll be able to raise the debt," Baer said in an interview with the Sun last month. "But I am not going to make a deal (to build a casino) next to a mall that's 30 years old, dilapidated and doesn't have any major tenants.

"They could elect to go forward or to sell it. Either one would be fine with me."

Macerich has until July 2001 to seek approval for the project. The company declined to comment on the dispute with Baer in a story for today's online Wall Street Journal.

Despite difficulties in the negotiating process, Baer said he's still committed to the concept of a Beverly Hillbillies casino. Baer has licensed the rights to use the Beverly Hillbillies theme commercially, and last month, helped unveil an International Game Technology slot machine based on the TV show.

The casino's distinctive feature would be a 240-foot oil derrick that shoots flame 70 feet into the air -- a feature the Federal Aviation Administration has already approved, the Journal reported.

Baer's partner in the project is Roger Camras, with whom Baer produced drive-in movie hit "Macon County Line" in 1974. The two have put up at least $500,000 for their Beverly Hillbillies casino venture.

With a mall nearby, Baer said his casino could appeal to both locals and tourists, despite fears that the Reno market could suffer once Indian gaming takes hold in California.

"We wouldn't have to concern ourselves (with difficulties) because we would have a broader group to draw from," Baer said. "There is no other show on TV with the premise that poor people got lucky and struck it rich."

Baer also said a Las Vegas Beverly Hillbillies casino should not be ruled out, saying he has looked at several proposals here.

"If I had my druthers, I would have a casino in Las Vegas and a casino in Reno," Baer said. "I don't need anything else. If the opportunity arises (in Las Vegas), we're prepared to move forward immediately."