Atlantic City Goes Gangster

HBO’s new series “Boardwalk Empire” debuts Sunday.

It’s been months and months in the making and finally, the premiere of HBO’s most anticipated series since, well, “Sopranos,” is almost here.

Boardwalk Empire,” based on the book, “Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times, and Corruption of Atlantic City,” written by Hammonton’s Nelson Johnson, premieres this Sunday.

The series, written by Terence Winters (“The Sopranos”), directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Steve Buscemi, takes viewers back in time to the prohibition era (the 20s of those of you who paid no attention in history class) when corruption, money and liquor ruled the boardwalk.

But last night, it was the cast and crew of the show that ruled the boardwalk, a boardwalk that some of the stars had never seen, as ‘Empire’ is filmed on a Brooklyn soundstage very successfully made to resemble the boards.

“Is this for real? Wow! It felt like I’ve been here, but in the 20s,” said actor Paz de la Huerta to the Press of Atlantic City.

De la Huerta and his cast mates posed for pictures with fans and walked the red carpet before making their way into the theater at Caesars, where hundreds of invited guests were treated to an early screening of episode one.

And, as we suspected, no one was disappointed.

"It wonderfully presents the 1920s Atlantic City and how beautiful it was. The characters are well-developed and interesting because most of them are good people caught up in a world of corruption," Jody Kessel of Newtown, Pa. told the Press.

"I really loved the way it reminds me of the Boardwalk that I walk on every week," said another viewer.

Television watchers aren't the only people excited for the show's kick off. Atlantic City residents and business owners are also looking forward to a little economic boost.

"The timing couldn't be more perfect to have a show on HBO that's based about Atlantic City," says casino executive Don Marrandino to NBC Philadelphia. "A lot of the elements from the old days are still here. It's about gambling, people having a good time...On Sunday nights people will be tuning in their TVS and seeing Atlantic City. That's a good thing."

”Boardwalk Empire” premieres on HBO at 9 p.m. on Sunday.
 

Contact Us