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The Gambler (1974)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 6.9/10
Reviews Counted: 7
Fresh: 6 | Rotten: 1

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Release Date: Jan 1, 1974 Wide

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Average Rating: 3.6/5
User Ratings: 961

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Movie Info

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

R, 1 hr. 49 min.

Drama, Classics

Directed By: Karel Reisz

Written By: James Toback

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1974 Wide

On DVD: May 14, 2002

Cast

James Caan
Alex Freed
Paul Sorvino
Hips
Lauren Hutton
Billie
Morris Carnovsky
A.R. Lowenthal
Jacqueline Brookes
Naomi Freed
Burt Young
Carmine
Sully Boyar
Uncle Hy
Carmine Caridi
Jimmy
Carl W. Crudup
Spencer
Antonio Fargas
Pimp
Alisha Fontaine
Howie's Girl
Richard Foronjy
Donny
Chick Hearn
Radio Announcer
Steven Keats
Howie
Louise Lasser
Debbie Lee London
Monkey
Ric Mancini
Sal
Lucille Patton
Ricky's Wife
Gregory Rozakis
Joe
Dick Schaap
TV Announcer
Ray Serra
Benny
Philip Sterling
Sidney
Vic Tayback
One
M. Emmet Walsh
Las Vegas Gambler
Beatrice Winde
Receptionist
Stuart Margolin
Cowboy
Allan Rich
Bernie
James Woods
Bank Officer
Leon Pinkney
Street Basketball Boy
Joseph Attles
Singer in the Park
Ed Kovens
Ricky
Frank Scioscia
Man in Park with Donny
Frank Sivero
Donny's Driver
William Andrews
Coach
Starletta DePaur
Monique

Critic Reviews for The Gambler

All Critics (10) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (1) | DVD (6)

Fairly good dramatics topped by strong James Caan.

April 22, 2007 Comment

Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

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.

October 8, 2005 Comment

Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Haunting Karel Reisz film

July 30, 2002 Comment

Ken Hanke

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Caan doesn't need much else (aside from his 'fro) to carry the picture.

May 20, 2002 Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com

| Comment

Christopher Null

Filmcritic.com

More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for The Gambler

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a thriller masquerading as a drama, but some good shots heighten what's drama; the hero needs to lose to prove to himself that he actually risked; Caan keeps us interested in him

January 23, 2008

Adam Mahler

Super Reviewer

Great drama about a born loser who is given a second chance. An incredible character drama with the always great (at least back then) Caan.

March 1, 2007

Christopher Brown

Super Reviewer

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