The Gambler (1974)
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86% of critics liked it
(7 reviews) -
74% of users liked it
(998 ratings)
James Toback made his screenwriting debut with this taut drama, loosely adapted from the story by Dostoevsky. Axel Freed (James Caan) is an intelligent and well-respected professor of literature at a noted New York university, who uses great writing as a springboard for examining moral and… More James Toback made his screenwriting debut with this taut drama, loosely adapted from the story by Dostoevsky. Axel Freed (James Caan) is an intelligent and well-respected professor of literature at a noted New York university, who uses great writing as a springboard for examining moral and philosophical issues in his class. But when he's not in front of the chalkboard, Axel has a serious problem -- he's hopelessly addicted to gambling. Axel will bet on almost anything, and while he lives for the heady rush of winning, it doesn't happen all that often, and Axel's latest losing streak has put him in debt to his bookies to the tune of $44,000, more than a college professor could hope to pay in 1974. Even after tapping his mother (Jacqueline Brookes), his grandfather (Morris Carnovsky), and his girlfriend (Lauren Hutton) for cash, Axel still owes thousands to his bookie Hips (Paul Sorvino), who is quickly losing his patience with Axel, especially when he learns after he finally scored a major winning streak, rather than paying off his bills he used the money to keep gambling ... and lost it all, leading to visits from an increasingly threatening series of underworld "collectors." The Gambler also features supporting performances from Burt Young, James Woods, and M. Emmett Walsh. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Karel Reisz
- Written By
- James Toback
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
R,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1974 Wide
- On DVD
- May 14, 2002
Critic Reviews
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Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Fairly good dramatics topped by strong James Caan.
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Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
James Caan is unforgettable in this tense examination of a college professor who can't stop gambling. One of the many overlooked gems of the 1970s.
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Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Haunting Karel Reisz film
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Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
Caan doesn't need much else (aside from his 'fro) to carry the picture.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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James Caan
as Alex Freed
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Paul Sorvino
as Hips
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Lauren Hutton
as Billie
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Morris Carnovsky
as A.R. Lowenthal
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Jacqueline Brookes
as Naomi Freed
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Burt Young
as Carmine
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Sully Boyar
as Uncle Hy
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Carmine Caridi
as Jimmy
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Carl W. Crudup
as Spencer
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Antonio Fargas
as Pimp
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Alisha Fontaine
as Howie's Girl
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Richard Foronjy
as Donny
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Chick Hearn
as Radio Announcer
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Steven Keats
as Howie
- Louise Lasser
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Debbie Lee London
as Monkey
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Ric Mancini
as Sal
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Lucille Patton
as Ricky's Wife
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Gregory Rozakis
as Joe
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Dick Schaap
as TV Announcer
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Ray Serra
as Benny
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Philip Sterling
as Sidney
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Vic Tayback
as One
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M. Emmet Walsh
as Las Vegas Gambler
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Beatrice Winde
as Receptionist
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Stuart Margolin
as Cowboy
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Allan Rich
as Bernie
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James Woods
as Bank Officer
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Leon Pinkney
as Street Basketball Boy
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Joseph Attles
as Singer in the Park
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Ed Kovens
as Ricky
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Frank Scioscia
as Man in Park with Donny
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Frank Sivero
as Donny's Driver
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William Andrews
as Coach
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Starletta DePaur
as Monique
