The Gambler 1974

[duggie walker]

I just saw this movie recently and was blown away by it. For those who don't know, it stars James Caan as a compulsive gambler and part-time college teacher, whose addiction takes him to all sorts of dark places.

It's a classic bit of 70s pessimism that ranks up there with TAXI DRIVER and DOG DAY AFTERNOON, especially in its massively disturbing ending.

Shockingly, it seems that you can't even get this on DVD any more (at a reasonable price, anyway) whch is no surprise when you realise it's owned by Paramountainsofunreleasedmovies.

But this would be a GREAT candidate for the Criterion collection. Even a bare-bones Olive release would be fine by me. This little-seen movie should be introduced to a modern audience.