Seen on the Sunset Strip: Liberace and the 40 Foot Vegas Showgirl

Pianist Liberace, hoisted by crane above Sahara Hotel billboard on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, Calif., 1966

From the Los Angeles Times, June 23, 1966:

LIGHT TOUCH-Pianist Liberace uses a Tiki torch to symbolically light a 4-foot-high replica of his trademark candelabra, held by the rotating female statue atop the Sahara Hotel billboard on the Sunset Strip. Liberace was hoisted 60 feet for the stunt, designed to publicize his new two-year, $500,000 contract with the Las Vegas hotel.

The showgirl billboard stood at the Hollywood end of the Strip, adjacent to the Chateau Marmont Hotel.

2 Comments

  1. I am the current owner of 8225 Sunset Blvd. My family has owned the property since 1948 and are responsible for the Sahara Showgirl statue, as well as the Marlboro Man. We are interested in acquiring this 40 foot piece of history. If anyone has a lead as to who currently owns the piece, please contact me at 954-985-9200 or e-mail me at Larry @etLegg.com.

    Thank you.

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