Liberace has long been recognized as one of the flashiest headliners to ever grace a Las Vegas showroom, and HBO’s TV film "Behind the Candelabra" gives viewers the chance to take a peek beyond the splashy costumes at the performer’s personal life, particularly during a five-year relationship he had with his assistant, Scott Thorson. The film stars Michael Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as Scott.
The film does not really delve into Liberace’s Las Vegas legacy, but people in the city are thrilled by the film nonetheless. Frank Marino, who has been a Las Vegas drag performer since 1984, considers Liberace an inspiration for his show, “Divas,” at the Quad Resort & Casino. In fact, many of the fancy gowns Marino wears 
in his show were inspired by Liberace, and Anna Nateece, who was Liberace’s costume designer, designs all of Marino’s fur coats.
Las Vegas was home to the Liberace Museum, which had many of his costumes, cars, jewels and pianos on display, but dwindling attendance and a sluggish economy led to its closure in 2010. Talk surfaces from time to time about a possible reopening, but at this point there are no plans to do so.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is not involved with any specific promotion related to the movie and won’t be able to track any incremental visitation increases related to the movie either. But, as with all Las Vegas movies and television coverage, it is always good to be top of mind, especially during summer travel season, said an LVCVA representative. This film, just like Hangover 3, is a great opportunity to start talking about Las Vegas with clients who may be interested in booking a vacation there.