This casino was to be built next to Caesars Palace and would have been called The Roman Circus blending in with the decor of Caesars. When Sarno had to find another site he decided to scrap the plans for a Roman circus, and build a circus like we're all familiar with - a circus circus. That is not only how the casino was named, but that's why there's no hyphen between the two words.

On October 18, 1968, Sarno and associates Stanley L. Mallin of Atlanta, and the Rogers brothers of Beaumont, Texas, opened the $15 million Circus Circus Casino with a Coney Island-style merry-go-round as its sign on the Strip. To replicate the circus theme legendary impresario, Al Dobritch was brought in. It was Dobritch who booked, and even created, all the acts that performed at Circus Circus.

Jay Sarno
Donated by Howard Klein

Architects Rissman and Rissman Associates designed a giant pink and white oval shaped circus tent across from the Riviera. The football field sized casino and big top was built by R.C. Johnson Construction of Las Vegas. The roof followed the curves of draped canvas, and pennants ringed its crown. The workers were paid overtime to speed the completion of the casino. The tent-like canopy had to be poured in a continual fashion so that no one section would harden before any other. The result was a proof that produced the image of a taut canvas. Despite paying overtime, the casino missed its October 1st opening date.

Donated by Dennis Rosen

Helping was Jo Harris, the designer who had worked on all the Cabanas, as well as Caesars Palace.

"I believe very strongly that when you select a theme for a hotel, you ought to follow that theme in every aspect of the operation where it is possible to do so." - Jo Harris, 1975

To make sure everyone knew of the new opening date, Sarno placed an ad in the Fabulous Las Vegas magazine announcing the new opening date.

Before the opening, Al Dobritch received a half hour film on his circus background which included appearances by Ed Sullivan, Louis Armstrong, and Bing Crosby, as well as his wife Rusty with their pet cheetah.

At the October 18, 1968 opening which was broadcast live on the Ed Sullivan Show, Clarence Hoffman, a veteran of the Chicago Opera, along with his wife, was appearing at Caesars in Fiddler of the Roof. Sarno had asked Hoffman to become ringmaster for the opening, Hoffman agreed and joined the Circus Circus staff.

"I was supposed to have had a script written for opening night but when I asked when I'd get it, the response was 'you'll get it tomorrow'. So, it was 6 o'clock on October 18 and I went to Jay Sarno and said 'Mr. Sarno, your $15 million edifice is about to open in one hour. What do I say.' Sarno replied 'You'll think of something'.

"Well it was 7pm. It seemed that people were lined up 12 deep from Sahara to Tropicana to get in. Nobody knew what to do. Conductor Don Heaston gave the fanfare while four lighting technicians stood with their mouths open. So, I opened the mike and said, 'Lights!' and four spotlights hit me. Now, I thought, what does a ringmaster usually say? He says 'Ladies and Gentlemen,' so I did. Then I got a bright idea - ringmasters introduce acts, so I shouted: 'Introducing Circus Circus, the most exciting casino in the world!' and that was it. The first act was the Flying Palacinis." - Clarence Hoffman

The circus acts were scheduled to perform until 2:00am, but instead the excitement lasted until 6:00am, when the acts finally had to stop due to fatigue.

"It was a stupendous idea. 50,000 balloons were firmly anchored, we thought, to the roof by a layer of netting. At the official ribbon cutting, the balloons were to be released. An hour before the ceremony, a camera helicopter made a practice run over the building. The draft from the chopper's rotors tore the net free, and there went the balloons. I was elected to inform the assembled officials." - Mike Hartzell, a subsequent Circus Circus ringmaster

Opening night guests entered through the second floor which gave them a panorama view of the huge, oval-shaped casino stretching below, surrounded by amusement arcades and restaurants. The sounds of slot machines and the drone of the dealers mixed with the squeals of laughter from children who gazed mystified at the jugglers, acrobats, and clowns.

"The aspect of The Circus that has me disturbed is the popcorn, peanuts and kids side of it. . . . And also the Carnival Freaks, and Animal side of it. In other words, the poor dirty, shoddy side of Circus life. The dirt floor, sawdust and elephants. The part of a circus that is associated with the poor boys in town, the hobo clowns, and I repeat, the animals. The part of a circus that is synonymous with the common poor man - with the freckled face kids, the roustabouts driving the stakes with three men and three sledge hammers, etc., etc." - Howard Hughes

"My dad raped and pillaged the big tops for their best acts. Everybody wanted to work for him because it was the first chance they'd had to live in one place and have normal lives. There was a midway full of sideshows and carnival games that even children could play. There was a bar built into a merry-go-round. You could get to the casino floor by sliding down a fireman's pole or a slide." - September Sarno, Jay Sarno's daughter

Three times a day aerialists, including Gladys Gazzo and Eddie Klokman hung from the ceiling while brass bands played and spangled showgirls performed an aerial ballet, and a live pink elephant "flew" around the casino on a sort of overhead tram.

To separate the gamblers from children as required by law, a second level contained midway games and attractions in view of the circus acts.

Above the gaming tables, sponge diver Joe Gerlich would dive 65 feet, at 40 mph, towards a 5x9-foot patch of foam rubber bordered by two gleaming steel girders and imbedded in the main casino floor. Of the virtually continuous stream of clowns, high wire artists, unicycle riders, and fortune tellers, Gerlich's act was the only one that patrons actually watched. Of course, before each dive, patrons would lay bets as to whether or not he would actually hit the foam rubber.

There was a problem filming the Ed Sullivan show.

"Sullivan and Al Dobritch were close friends, and Dobritch suggested that Sullivan do a special. I never saw such chaos. They were cutting holes in the roof to accommodate the huge lights and they even put bleachers in the casino floor. Gina Lollabrigida was a guest and was rehearsing a number on the main floor with this tiger beside her. The tiger apparently took a liking to her gold-chain dress and proceeded to take a bite out of it. Lollabrigida was finally convinced to go on when she was assured that the animal had been removed from the scene." - Mike Hartzell

Another incident involved a person balancing a flaming chandelier on a sword. Once the apparatus broke and the flaming chandelier flew into a change booth causing quite a stir. No one was hurt in this incident.

The Ronritas, a long-time Circus-Circus favorite, were involved in an incident that made their act truly death defying. They performed on the Wheel of Destiny, which was exceptionally dangerous because it was suspended over the slot area with no net. They were approaching the climax of their act with Joachim Ronrita spinning the huge wheel faster and faster as his partner balanced it. Suddenly the lights went out accidentally, and the duo found themselves in pitch blackness, unable to determine where they were. The speed of the wheel increased and they both hung on. Finally, the lights went on, and dizzy and blinded by the lights, they completed their act.

In its first year, Circus showcased in its Main Arena, the Alexanders, Berosini's Jungle Fantasy, Canestrellis, Carlssons, Cavarettas, Cosmos, Joe Gerlich, Three Goetschis, Norbu, Palacios, Mike Pickering, Maria di Roma, Rodriguez Brothers, Stebbings Boxers, and the Circus Circus Band.

Family Portrait
Donated by Jeff Cross

Sarno was so proud of Circus Circus that for a while he charged admission just to come in and look. It was rumored that Sarno was so confident of his idea's drawing power that he opened the casino without hotel rooms, figuring people would be drawn from all those plain-vanilla resorts. In reality, it was to be a resort but Sarno couldn't get a loan to build any rooms. He needed $20 million (which would've been $100 million in 1994).

Circus suffered considerable money problems. There was a problem with paying off the many construction loans that had been taken out to finance the facility. Anticipated revenues from the casino's operation was not as good as had been expected. In April of 1969, the Nevada Gaming Control Board ordered it closed. Only a last minute resignation by Sarno, elevating Mallin to the office of President of the operating company, saved the casino from being shut down. Sarno rejoined the organization in January of 1970, after having arranged to rectify some of the resort's pressing financial matters with a personal load of $200,000.

Sarno had sold the midway concessions and had not been particular with who bought them. Some of the midway games were dishonest, as carnival games sometimes were, and their operators lacked discretion. One Las Vegan remembers stopping at a midway game, on the way in, and winning. His prize turned out to be a deck of cards with every card clearly marked so it could be read from the back. Flagrant disrespect for the honest game, flaunted only a few feet from the casino, did not inspire $1,000 bets.

In February of 1969, Lord Drogheda, Managing Director of the Financial Times in London (comparable to our Wall street Journal) arrived in the states to make a tour of various business offices. He was sidetracked by his visit to Circus and had arranged for Al Dobritch to fly to England to survey the possibility of a Circus Circus in London. Dobritch left on February 24, 1969, but I've been unable to ascertain the results of this proposition.

In March of 1969, Circus Circus advertised 700 musical slots, 14 bars and restaurants, family priced buffet meals, $.25 food specials, Big Top trapeze acts, shows, clowns, games and prizes. "The water fountains are 306 feet long (world's largest), and casino larger than a football field."

In September of 1969, someone tapped the back of former boxing champ Sonny "The Bear" Liston and stated "put up your dukes." When Liston turned around he literally broke up laughing when he was face to face with Norbu The Gorilla.

In October of 1969, Circus lost one of its trampolinists, Mike Pickering, who left the resort to take a position with the Harlem Globetrotters. Also during this month, security guards did a double take then took action, when a young lady went into the restroom with a package and came out wearing a cobra snake.

To celebrate her first birthday, Circus sent out birthday cakes to the press with written invitations to enjoy the fun. On October 17, 1969, the press, radio and TV representatives gathered to help Circus mark that first milestone. The Great Dandino added many heart-stopping moments when he had his eyes heavily bandaged before he drove through the Strip traffic like a bat on radar.

In November of 1969, Nudes in the Night signed on 25 year old, 44-24-38 Babette Bardot.

"I'm a fourth cousin of Brigitte's. I don't like to trade on it because I want to make a name on my own. My agent has insisted on it. My real name is Babette Dominique but the agent says I must be Bardot. I look a lot like Brigitte, which is probably why. I have two boys and two girls. I had my first baby when I was 15 - yes, it was young, wasn't it? - and my last one weight 11 pounds.

I still have a flat tummy, which is wonderful, isn't it? I am 44 inches around the top and it's all natural - no silicone or anything. I had all my babies by natural childbirth and I breast-fed them all. I want four more. I love babies.

I am the highest-paid dancer in America. I studied ballet, which helps. I used to earn $250 a week, but not I get $2,500 a week. I have played before a record 18,000 people in Chicago. I do a very different act. I sing - I love singing - and my act is 45 minutes. Only the last 10 are stripping." - Babette Bardot, 1969

It was reported that Circus' Ruth and Carl Carlsson were quite the actors. They first appeared in Ann-Margret's Made In Paris as Apache dancers, then they appeared with Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret in Vive Las Vegas, then they had a role in Run For Your Life.

In 1969, Main Arena showcased Alexandres, Mike Benton, Bobby Berosini in Berosini's Jungle Fantasy, Canestrellis, Carlssons, The Flying Cavarettas, Circus Circus Band, Coco & Company, Ross Collins, Flying Cosmos, Cuneo Bears & Goldilocks, Joe Gulach, Maria d'Roma, Del Steeles, DeMille, Farfans, Joe Gerlach, Flying Gibsons, Three Goetschis, Hartzell Comedy Bar, Le Lisa, Norbu, Olympiads, Palacios featuring five year old Raphael, Mike Pickering, Rodriguez Brothers, Berosini Risley, Maria de Roma, and Vino Venito. The Ringmasters were Clarence Hoffman & Mike Hartzell, and the Bandmaster Jimmy Ille, and Dandino.

During 1969, Circus opened their new 750 seat Hippodrome showroom with the Nudes in the Night co-starring Chaz Chase/Babette Bardot/Baby Doll/Joe Cappo/Kashmere, and Emcee Marty May. Also shown was Klauser Bears, Marty Heim Trio, and Cuneo's Siberian Tigers. It was noted that the tigers went through their paces in the huge ring set up on the grounds of the Stardust's stable area. Each tiger was worth $10,000.

The Hippodrome featured Dancing Waters direct from Radio City Music Hall with continuous performances. Price of admission was $.75 with children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult.

Even though the exact date isn't known, Circus opened a 175 seat lounge called the Gilded Cage.

On June 30, 1969, Managing Director Burton Cohen moved to the Flamingo. His position was taken over by Don Aikin with Don Biehl appointed as new controller.

In the 1969 the Holiday issue of Fabulous Las Vegas magazine, Circus Circus, Geromino, De Mille, Norbu, The Flying Farfans, Joe Gerlich, The Martzell Family, Maynard-Cristiani, and Mr. Coco took out ads wishing their patrons/fans happy holidays.

Circus joined Hollywood by having an appearance in the 1970 movie The Grasshopper.

Also during this year, Jay Sarno took out full page ads advertising his 2 year old casino.

Ross Collins performed as usual plunging from the uppermost reaches of the tent into a cushioning floor sponge, and then immediately attended his wedding to Barbara Better. Reverend Truesdale officiated over the wedding, with Fabulous Las Vegas magazine owner Etta Cortez as Matron of Honor. The honeymoon was postponed as the groom was obligated to make two more sky-to-earth plunges, as well as two scheduled wrestling matches with a caged tiger.

In June of 1970, the following individuals were listed at the resort: Senior Antonio - Head Balance Trapeze; Marilyn Biehl - Animal Psychiatrist; The Canestrellis - Trampoline; Mr. Coco - Chips; Elsbeth & Ray Cosmo - Clowns; De Mille - Wire; Al Dobritch - Executive Producer; The Far Fans - Flying Trapeze; Joe Gerlach - Sponge Plunge; The Gibsons - Flying Trapeze; The Hartzells - Comedic Musicians; Mike Hartzell - Ringermaster; The Hildalys - Aerial Upside Down Unicycle; The Hillarys - Flying Trapeze; Clarence Hoffman - Ringmaster; Dave Johnsen - Assistant Producer; Le Lisa - Trapeze; Lemke - Chimps; Martinez - Flying Trapeze; Norbu - Gorilla Parody; Palacios - Flying Trapeze; Peluza - Clown; Andre Prince's - Aerial Ballet; The Randels - Trampoline; Tommy Rundell - Ringmaster; Tanya - The Elephant; Vino Venito - Sword Balance.

Mayor Oran Gragson presented Al Dobritch with a proclamation heralding July, 1970 as Circus Month in Las Vegas. Dobritch had moved his International Circus headquarters to Vegas and planned to introduce a college for circus artists and clowns. At the time the only other similar institution of this magnitude was in Moscow, Russia. Graduates of the training center would be given a week's contract at Circus Circus plus a year's option.

In September of 1970, trampoline artists the Canestrellis, quit Circus Circus to join Disney-On-Parade. Marco, the youngest member of the family doubled as Jiminy Cricket during the tour. In October of 1970, Disney-on-Parade held auditions at the Circus for further talent.

In 1970, Main Arena showcased The Alexandroffs, Senor Antonio, The Aerial Ballet, Bobby's Chimps, The Canestrellis, Cavarettas, Mr. Coco, Ross Collins, Condors, Elsbeth & Ray Cosmo, DeMille, Farfans, Joe Gerlach, Flying Gibson, Mr. Fringy's Puppet Palace, Gigi, Hartzells, Hildalys, Hillarys, Le Lisa, Latinos, Lemke Chimps, Martinez Flyers, Norbu, Palacios, Randels, Peluza, Rolland & Marcia, Tanya The Elephant, Veno Venito, and The Zacchinis. The Executive Producer was Al Dobritch, the Bandmasters was Bill Kirkise & Jimmy Ille, and the Ringmasters were Sandy Dobritch, Mike Martzell, and Clarence Hoffman. Sandy Dobritch was also "Scampy" on the TV show Super Circus, appeared on the Ed Sullivan TV show 44 times, and held a degree in Radio and Tube Production.

The Hippodrome showcased the topless show Tom Jones Revue, Dr. Richard Ireland, L.V. Ambassadors, Nudes in the Night co-starring Nancy Austin, Dick Bernie, Dana Diamond, Debbie Duke, Bill Fanning, Baby Doll, Sandra Lee, Jeanne Linero, Little Red Trio, Marty May, The Play Nudes, Tanya The Elephant, Vincene, Arthur Walsh, & Diane Wisdom; Barbara Joyce, Christy Rose Lee, L.V. Ambassadors, L.V. Boys' Choir (on Saturdays and Sundays), and Haji. The outdoor attraction were the human cannonballs The Zacchinis. During this year Dobritch's asssitant, Dave Johnsen, was promoted to producer of the Hippodrome Theatre.

The Ring-A-Ding-A-Ling Bar showcased Count Carlo, Naughty But Nice, Playnudes, and Family Comedy & Animal Show. Playing in the lounge was Bottoms Up, Nudes In The Night featuring Nancy Austin/Arthur Walsh/Baby Doll/Debbie Duke/Dick Bernie/Bill Fanning//Marty May/Kay Houston/The Play Nudes.

Circus Circus Executive Producer Al Dobritch wished everyone a Happy New Year.

In the 1970 Holiday issue of Fabulous Las Vegas magazine, The Flying Farfans, Al Dobritch, Norbu, Tanya the Elephant, Tony Steele, Peluza, Roland & Marcia, and Gigi took out ads wishing their patrons/fans happy holidays.

Patrons all stated that Circus was a place one stopped in to look at but it was a difficult place for serious gamblers. Tanya the elephant was taken for regular strolls through the casino and no one knew when Taynya might reach past blackjack players to pick up the cards with her trunk. Sarno himself strolled the area dressed like a ringmaster. He would jump up in front of a group of gamblers, grab their attention and begin asking trivia questions, tossing pieces of merchandise from hotel shops to those with the answers.

Circus Circus gave six blackjack players the scare of their lives:

"Jenda Smaka owned the famous Tanya elephant, who had been bought as a young elephant and followed him like a puppy. She had been trained to pull the handle of a 'Big Bertha' slot machine, the only one that would fit her trunk, and even throw dice on a crap table. One time, she was in the casino and wanted to see what went on in a blackjack game, so she lumbered over to this table of six high rollers and stuck her trunk in and swished it around. One player, not knowing what was going on, wondered aloud why they were vacuuming the table during the middle of the game. When they turned around and saw her, they all ran like hell! Except one woman, who just sat there, glassy-eyed." - Joyce Gordon, Circus Circus publicist

Another problem arose. Physically, the way the casino was structured allowed for an unobstructed view of the various circus acts from the casino floor. This created chaos for the pit bosses and casino executives who did not want their players distracted by the trapeze artists. The resort built a bridge across the entire casino area, with the exception of the slots to solve this problem. This gave the casino a different look with a lovely chandeliered ceiling covering the main action of the casino and a new stage and performing area on the second floor with an unobstructed view from the arcade and game area that surrounded it.

In 1971, Sarno made the announcement that he expected to complete the new 15 story, 400 room hotel and 850 seat showroom by July of 1972. An ad was place regarding the circus acts and construction. This announcement was made shortly after it was reported that the Teamsters Union purchased 20 acres for $2.6 million and lease it back to Circus Circus. The Nevada Gaming Commission approved Circus borrrowing $15.5 million from Teamsters Pension Fund to be used for the hotel complex.

Circus showed-off her acting talents in Diamonds Are Forever. It was reported in March of 1971 that Clarence Hoffman and Tanya elephant were scripted to be in the movie. It was also reported that Jay Sarno himself would enact the role of the Mad Doctor in the Zambora (human to gorilla transition) sideshow for the cameras.

In January, 1971, it was noted that the Rodriguez Brothers, who performed their startling chair and balance act on the high wire were forced to supsend their performances when they fell (without benefit of a net) during a mid-western performance. Raoul, who suffered partial paralysis as a result, intended to manage the new Rodriguez Brothers. Former partner Rojas teamed with Vicente Cardoza, Olympic medal winner, for a new show to be debuted at Circus in mid-May, 1971.

The Strip was in mourning on March 11, 1971, when both Al Dobritch and Sands' visionary Jack Entratter died. The folowing is regarding Dobritch:

"The athletic figure stood poised on the high perch. His muscles flexed for takeoff. On cue, he spread his arms and the body points were resplendent as he gracefully made the Flyer's Dive, plummeting downward into the bed of concrete 15 stories below.

That's one version of the March 11th that took the life of Alexander Dobritch. The other suggests there was 'a contract' out on him and that the 'pros' made the 'job' look like a suicide.

For the moment, let's assume the first interpretation ended the flamboyant career of the most brilliant of Circus Impressarios. Al Dobritch was the Mike Todd of the circus world.

What would have driven such a vital man to suicide? Could it have begun back in the late 60's, when he 'exploited the idea for a permanently located Big Top' and directed vital construction areas to assure thrilling performances?

Could it have been the silence that crossed his palm instead of the 'points he was promised' in the project? He sacrificed six-figured dates for his own Dobritch International Circuses to apply his driving energies to the success of this stationary Big Top.

Or did the ending begin when the bosses of his lifelong dream began to cut corners, his salary included? That wounded his pride and savagely slashed his spirit. Still, he persisted, with the understanding the reversals would one day be reverted.

Or was it the drug situation that set the acetylene torch to his stateliness? A member of his family 'became deeply involved with a dope pusher,' hereinafter referred to as ADP. ADP eventually demanded thousands of dollars from Family Member X.

With some vitriolic invectives, Dobritch advised the ADP to go to the devil. When ADP's demands persisted, Dobritch took Family Member X 'to the narco agents to file a complaint and demand the apprehension' of ADP. Old refrain responded . . . 'not until we catch him with it - or passing.'

Failing to extract cash from Dobritch, ADP 'threated to cut off both legs and kill' the sole Dobritch heir (not the Family Member X victimized by ADP0. Dobritch set up an alliance with the Narco Squad to institute a citizen's areest of ADP.

Dobritch wrote he 'beat . . . (ADP) more than permitted because during a citizen's arrest he tried to wrestle my gun from me and kicked me in a vital area.' Dobritch took ADP to his apartment and phoned 'Sgt. C and G. C told me to hold . . . (ADP) at gunpoint until his arrival.'

Result: Dobritch arrested (bail arranged) on charges of assault with intent to kill. Then, an unfriendly performer filed extortion charges against Dobritch. According to Dobritch 'He is not a citizen of this country, which prohibits his being an agent. The authorities questioned his agent license. Thinking I had turned him in, he sought vengeance by filing the extortion charge. the so-called extortion was actually the booking fee(s) he owed me. He never paid them anyway and I have witnesses. He also has a mental hospital history.'

Out on bail, the noble Bulgarian discovered a cold world. The management of the place where he originally 'was to have been a stock holder' issued a pink slip instead. The press he had so long respected, cruicified him, printing whimpering accusations instead of exploring the true facts. The almighty press became termites in the foundation of this man's dignity and eroded his 40 year record of respect and unparalled showmanship.

Dobritch became a circus performer at the age of 15. In 1953, he turned producer and established the tube's 'Super Circus' in Chicago, featuring his only son Sandy (Alexander III) as 'Scampy,' the youngest clown . . . and was responsible for Scampy's making close to 50 appearances on the Ed Sullivan TViewer, as the youngest Ringmaster on a national tuber.

The doors began to close, on the strength of the headlines printed in blood, shouting carinal prevarcations. He was 'declared guilty before trial.' The papers labeld Dobritch 'alleged gangster . . . Collector the Mafia . . . Protection racketeer.'

In the short paragraph the LV Sun wrote of his interment . . . 'alleged underworld figure took his own life rather than face trial for arrests on extortion charges made last November.' Merciless reporting . . . unexplored, destructive words, inflected upon the survivors and the man's memory.

In its 'factual way,' the press also stated that Dobritch was 'a Las Vegas resident for two months.' He was a resident since 1968 - three years.

Did the press question ADP's alleged boast to Dobritch that ADP's 'father was with the underworld' (not Dobritch)? Did the press question . . . (casino owner) and . . . (attorney) who told Dobritch that ADP's father 'had a contract' on Dobritch? Did the press know that Dobritch went to Europe and wrote . . . 'Ask . . . (attorney) if it is possible to postpone the pre-trial until April because I have a firm offer to produce four hour circus TV specials in Moscow, Sofia, Paris and London from February 20 thru March 27, for which I will collected $63,000?'

Did the press know that Dobritch sacrificed his money he sorely needed for his trial (and the prestige of producing and earning) in order to avoid a charge of jumping bail? Does the press know that Dobritch would still be alive today if he had remained in Europe through March 27 (he expired on the 11th)? Did the press really care about the truth, which would establish the man Dobritch as a hero? 'I went after ADP and forced my (Family Member X) to testify in order to expose him.'

Since the November incident, the man who moved mountains in his life-time was forced to a standstill, for five tediously long months. His attorney assured him 'no jury would convict him' on the assault charge. Witnesses were standing by to refute the 'extortion' charges. He was not afraid to face the trial, as the Las Vegas Sun 'believed.'

The expansive chest became battered and the majestic heart bruised. The wait was interminable. Funds dissipated. Former enthusiasts now looked the other way. Acts Dobritch booked on the road 'refused to pay' his agent fees. Even this meagre professional courtsy might have deferred the death scene, IF Dobritch took his own life. He was the Great Dobritch . . . but he no longer preened like a lord. He was beaten into a subdued state simply because he had decided to 'become involved' and assist the law in 'removing a menace to society.'

Did Dobritch plan his finale with the same deliberate calm he contracted circus artists for spectaculars . . . or was his dramatic exit the result of 'a contract'?

Our most haunting question . . . Who REALLY killed Alexander Dobritch . . . Was it you . . . YOU . . . or you? - Etta Cortez, March 20, 1971

In August of 1971, patrons saw a sight that they didn't see every day:

"This publisher was appalled to see grown men like Jay Sarno, Pete Cristiani, Jenda Smaha and Carlos Farfan acting like stunted adolesents on the new speedway (bumper cars) at Circus. The next nite, there to stage photos of Paul Anka with Tanya the Elephant (for Jerry Lewis' Muscular Dystophy Labor Day Telethon), again we saw the adult reverting to childhood, even Paul! (Do hope no one spotted Publisher Cortez tearing around on those kiddie cars. Most of the attention was on Paul, and PR guy Martin Black, who literally slipped his toupe on the bumpers)." - Etta Cortez, August 1971

During this year Main Arena showcased Aerial Ballet/Senor Antonio/Berosini's Jungle Fantasy/Cavarettas/Bobby's Chimps/Farfans/Flying Gibsons/Flying Latinos/Gigi/Hidalys/The Hillarys/Le Lisa/Marco Polo/Palacios/Peluza/Playboy & Bunny/Randels/The Rigettis/Rodriguez Brothers/Sabrina/Jerry Smith/Tony Steele/Tanya the Elephant and Ringmasters Mike Hartzell/Clarence Hoffman/Tommy Rundell.

Hippodome showcased Burlesque, Burlesque starring Mike Addy Dancers/Greg Bossler Trio/Bari Gibson/Dick E. Martin/Misty Michele/Bob Mitchell/Charlie Vespia. The Maitre 'd was Tommy Volk.

In June of 1972, Andre Prince became the new Entertainment Director of the resort.

During this year, the Main Arena showcased The Aerial Ballet; Senor Antonio; Miss Astrid; Berosini's Jungle Fantasy; Bobby's Chimps, Flying Cavarettas; Farfans; Flying Gibsons w/Don Martinez; Gigi, Hildalys; The Hillarys; Clarence Hoffman & Tommy Rundell; Hot Pants Sexplosion; The Flying Latinos; Le Lisa; Los Latinos; Marco Polo; The Flying Palacios; Peluza; Playboy & Bunny; Randels; The Rigettis; Rodriguez Brothers; Rolland & Marcia; Sabrina; Simba The Elephant; Jerry Smith; Tony Steele; Tanya the Elephant; World Renowned Circus Artists; The Young Brothers; and Ringmasters Mike Hartzell, Clarence Hoffman and Tommy Rundell.

The Hippodrome showcased Illusionist Ralph Adams; Ami & John Malo's Hawaii International Revue; The Bantams; Burlesque; Burlesque! featuring Mike Addy Dancers/Greg Bossler Trio/Ginger Boyle Dancers/Dick E. Martin/Bari Gibson/Gene Marvin/Misty Michele/Bob Mitchell/SunnyShane/Charlie Vespia/Joni Jansen; John & Ani Malo's Hawaii International Revue; and The Love Connection. The Maitre d' was Tommy Volk then Mel Young.

The Ding-A-Ling-A-Ring Bar showcased The Original Caste.

The TV show Julia was being filmed at the Sands. During this time, the cast and crew were seen enjoying the casino and shows at Circus Circus during their off hours.

In the 1971 Holiday issue of Fabulous Las Vegas magazine, The Flying Farfans, and Peluza took out ads wishing their patrons/fans happy holidays.

In 1972, Circus originally a casino, became a full-fledged hotel resort with a 15-story room tower housing 400 rooms.

During this year Circus Circus hosted the TV show This Is Your Life with the guest of honor being Peggy Lee.

The Main Arena showcased Aerial Ballet, Anna's Poodle Revue, Miss Astrid, Berosini Jungle Fantasy, The Canestrellis, The Cavarettas, The Flying Farfans, Flying Latinos, The Hildalys, Hillarys, Le Lisa, Los Latinos, The Palacios, Randels, The Rigettis, Sabrina, Simba the Elephant, Simona, Tanya the Elephant, The Young Brothers, Aerial Ballet, with Ringmasters Mike Hartzell, Clarence Hoffman and Tommy Rundell. The Ringmasters were Mike Hartzell, Clarence Hoffman, and Tommy Rundell.

The Hippodrome showcased Burlesque, Burlesque! Best of Burlesque featuring Marion Apollo/Eileen Barton/Danny Costello/Monkey Kirkland/Marty May/Jennifer Fox/Lily Charisse/Star & Garter, and the Elmer Kane Orchestra, Love Connection starring Jacqueline Douguet/Gary Marshall/Four Robertes, Karl Carsony, Carazini, Ron Lewis Dancers and the Jean Leccia Orchestra, and Folies de Paree. The Maitre d' was Jimmy Steelman.

The resort also contained an authentic Japanese bath. Trained Geisha girls treated guests by brushing and anointing them with aromatic soaps, then guiding them to a steam bath and then to a cool pool.

A few years back, Mel Young had suffered a stroke and was told he would never work again. He fooled everyone when, in 1973, became Maitre d' at the Hippodrome.

In 1973, Circus' Main Arena showcased Anna's Poodles/Miss Astrid/Berosini Jungle Fantasy/The Canestrellis/Clown Carousel/Flying Torrels/The Flying Farfans/The Hildalys/Los Latinos/The Palacios/Simba the Elephant/Tanya the Elephant/The Young Brothers/Aerial Ballet/Four Endres/Miss Lillian/Simona/Circus Artists/Seven Staneks/Tanya II The Elephant, and Ringmasters Mike Hartzell, Clarence Hoffman and Tommy Rundell.

The Hippodrome showcased Love Connection starring Jacqueline Douguet/Gary Marshall/Four Roberts/Carl Carsony/Carazini/Ron Lewis Dancers/Jean Leccia Orchestra. The Hippodrome also showcased Breck, Wall & Joe Peterson's Buttoms Up '74, and Peter Hurkos. The maitre 'd was Mel Young.

Unfortunately, Tanya the Elephant outgrew Circus Circus. She actually became too big and too heavy to go into the casino, causing the floor to buckle under her immense weight. She was sold to a circus but apparently died one month later.

By this time, Circus had the distinction of holding a 100% occupancy rate year round.

In January/February of 1973, Hippodrome showcased Love Connection starring Jacqueline Douguet, Gary Marshall, Four Robertes, Karl Carsony, Carazini, Ron Lewis Dancers, and Jean Leccia Orchestra. The Maitre d' was Mel Young.

Apparently, in mid-1973, both the Hippodrome and Gilded Cage were removed and the Circus Circus Buffet replaced them.

Gary Austin who conducted improvisational comedy workshops in Ellay, established a Vegas brunch. The weekly Sunday afternoon events were kicked off in July of 1973, at the resort with Peter Anthony, Billy Kay, Betty Bunch, and Rusty Taylor present.