RUM, ROULETTE & THE RIGHTEOUS
An American Epic of Vice, Virtue & Vengeance
COMING LATE 2026 - BANCROFT PRESS
One, an unorthodox, if quintessential, American immigrant who had to fight for everything – defying all conventions – in his ceaseless quest for the American Dream.
The other an upright, privileged defender of Fortress America who enjoyed hard-won victory – and catastrophic failure – in his relentless work upholding the nation’s highest standards.
When the two forces collided, the nation witnessed a Homeric spectacle epitomizing the clashes and creation of American identity past, present, and future.
Rum, Roulette & the Righteous reveals key documents that have been hidden or neglected for decades. It casts fresh and penetrating light on monumental figures and historic events such as J. Edgar Hoover, Earl Warren, and the assassination of JFK, as well vital players in American life previously unknown, ignored, or misunderstood.
Deeply researched and vividly written, Rum, Roulette & the Righteous provides a bright panorama of the turbulent forces shaping today’s America.
The sometimes ribald, sometimes shocking, and always authentic accounts bring striking, realistic perspective to the unique American Story.
Rum, Roulette & the Righteous is, in the end, the immensely hopeful saga needed in dark times, clearly showing Americans have faced, fought, and conquered great fears and challenges to emerge stronger, worthier, and true to its amazing promise.
Explore More of the Story below.
For rights inquiries or media contact, please email bruceb@bancroftpress.com.
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Explore the Story
Warren Olney III was the remarkable stand-up American lawman who finally took down Cornero. His persistent integrity, brilliance, and high standards eventually led to a clash with J. Edgar Hoover that resulted in the perceived coverup of the JFK assassination
Tony Cornero audaciously enterprised Hollywood-style marketing to attract thousands of people to his magnificent offshore gambling liner
Tony Cornero, wearing his signature Royal Stetson hat, and firing up a smoke, aboard his last ill-fated gambling ship, the Lux
Great books such as Farewell My Lovely by Raymond Chandler were inspired by Tony Cornero’s outrageous adventure with the Rex
Classic movies such as Gambling Ship starring Cary Grant, borrowed heavily on the Tony Cornero and the Rex saga
Tony Cornero was the very first to open a casino in Las Vegas, though he never received any credit (or blame!) for it. The fascinating story of its origin – and fiery demise – is told in Rum Roulette & the Righteous
The author three miles out on Santa Monica Bay, where the Rex was anchored – and besieged in a one-of-a-kind American story – during the summer of 1939