Peter Lawford came in as part of the Frank Sinatra group. He was at The Sands whenever Frank was there.

In the Casino we considered him a Frank wanna-be. He would come to the table and ask for a marker, a hundred to play. He'd use Frank's name and so we gave it to him. He did this a lot. I don't think to this day Frank knows how much Lawford used his name to get money to play. So everyday the same thing, play and be a pest. He was always showing off. Having the cocktail waitresses get this and that for him. Then he usually sending them back to change something. They considered him a pain in the ass.

He'd call me over and want a different tray of cigarettes. We had at the time, trays of cigarettes for the players, right on the table. I'd get him a new tray and he'd want something else.

One day I asked one of the old casino guys why we are putting up with all this. He said "Frank likes Kennedy, this guy is in on the ride." So we put up with a lot of his showing off. Until one night.

It's swing shift and Frank is in, so we have a full Casino. With Frank here, we have all games going full blast.

Peter is sitting on 3rd base with his legs folded and his feet sticking in the pit. He's showing off his new suede slippers he saw Frank and Dean wear. I ask him to please pull his legs in so the cocktail waitresses can get by quickly. He doesn't.

I look up and see Peter standing inside the rope. We have velvet ropes between each game. He is standing next to the dealer. I go over to him. "Peter, what are you doing?" He tells me he wants to deal. I tell him no and signal the dealer to stay in place. Peter won't listen. I tell him nicely, I got a full casino and this is not the time for him to play around. He's still standing there and putting on a show. I tell him no and please sit down. He says "I'm Frank's guest and if he was here you would let him deal." I figure it's time to handle him.

I tell him, right to his face and in a loud voice. "Listen mother-fucker, you're right. If Frank was here he could deal. You're not Frank Sinatra. We're running a casino here and you forget Frank is one of the owners. Do you think he wants you stopping a live game so you can play around. Peter, you're going to fuck with the casino and get into more than you can handle. Now if I'm wrong, let's call him."

Lawford doesn't answer. I ask him "You want me to call Frank?" He says "No." He sits down and is nice the rest of the night.

I don't mean to be rude to any Peter Lawford fans. I'm sure his fans feel he is a fine actor and a good dancer and singer and a good guy.

He may be all that and more.

But he's no Frank Sinatra.