Letter: Vegas documentary was best of them all

Sunday, Nov. 27, 2005 | 7:53 a.m.

Hal Rothman's Nov. 20 characterization of outside critics of Las Vegas architecture and decoration is right on the mark. They do have a tendency to demonstrate a built-in hostility, probably due to all the whimsy and kitsch so immediately evident, and consequently don't give themselves a chance to appreciate the good stuff.

I've seen dozens of documentaries about Las Vegas. Stephen Ives' "Las Vegas: An Unconventional History," which ran on PBS, was the best of them all. Mr. Rothman, however, belittles it. Sounds like sour grapes to me. As a consultant on the film, he admits that they didn't listen to his advice, so ... he doesn't like the film.

He is critical of the "left wing" narrator and a "conservative" architecture critic, which were gratuitous labels in the context of the column. Talk about labels, Rothman refers to himself as a Junior Mint -- what the heck is that?

The architect-critic, by the way, lives in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., so Mr. Rothman takes another gratuitous swipe at Saratoga Springs, a place I have visited with some frequency. When the critic says that higher energy costs would hurt Las Vegas' trucking shipments, Rothman retaliates by asking what would make trucks bring goods to Saratoga Springs? Petty, petty. Well, let me tell him.

Where else in the cool summer evenings can you go to a Philadelphia Orchestra concert nearly every night, or attend a New York City Ballet performance nearly every night, or best of all, for me, to be able to attend a month of horse racing where each day brings out a collection of the best horses, best jockeys and trainers in the country? But wait, best of all, one can walk in the delightful, holiday atmosphere, outdoor cafe and bistro laden streets to any or all of these events from your hotel, motel, B&B or rented room or tent for that matter.

Herman Gordon

Las Vegas