Favorite Gambling Movies?
December 4th, 2009 at 10:20:45 AM
permalink
Do you have any favorite gambling movies, or movies that feature gambling even if gambling is not part of the main premise? What's your list and why?
So I says to him, I said "Get your own monkey!"
December 4th, 2009 at 10:31:24 AM
permalink
Quote: MrPapagiorgioDo you have any favorite gambling movies, or movies that feature gambling even if gambling is not part of the main premise? What's your list and why?
you may have missed the thread on poker moves
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell! She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
December 4th, 2009 at 10:50:41 AM
permalink
Quote: MrPapagiorgioDo you have any favorite gambling movies, or movies that feature gambling even if gambling is not part of the main premise? What's your list and why?
"Casino" hands down.
also "Rounders" and "The Color of Money."
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
December 4th, 2009 at 12:31:44 PM
permalink
Swingers
Go
Lost in America
Go
Lost in America
The ratio of people to cake is too big.
December 4th, 2009 at 1:37:51 PM
permalink
Favorites:
Rounders
Swingers
The Color of Money
Worst:
The Grand
Lucky You
21
And in honor of Mr. Papagiorgio, movies I'll always watch when channel surfing:
Vegas Vacation
Even Money
Stuey
Rounders
Swingers
The Color of Money
Worst:
The Grand
Lucky You
21
And in honor of Mr. Papagiorgio, movies I'll always watch when channel surfing:
Vegas Vacation
Even Money
Stuey
December 5th, 2009 at 11:47:53 AM
permalink
Casino is a classic. Croupier is also an interesting watch. Rounders is pretty good. I personally found 21 entertaining if not realistic.
[This space is intentionally left blank]
January 29th, 2010 at 6:04:15 AM
permalink
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
The Hangover
Ocean's 13
Casino
Vegas Vacation
The Hangover
Ocean's 13
Casino
Vegas Vacation
January 29th, 2010 at 8:08:35 AM
permalink
Quote: MrPapagiorgioDo you have any favorite gambling movies, or movies that feature gambling even if gambling is not part of the main premise? What's your list and why?
#1. Casino
True story, good balance of "how they did it" and "the real people."
Rounders
I said it here before but will again, it was made before the poker boom and was a good poker movie without trying to be. Neither low-budget nor "over the top" production.
Oceans 11 (Clooney)
It is part heist and part gambling, all light enough to watch easily. Look at pics of Terry Benedict and Steve Wynn side by side!
The Color of Money
Good gritty movie, enough plot to keep you going. IF you watch on DVD and not TV you get to see Tony Montana's sister nekid without him killing you!
Oceans 13
More of an outright comedy than the first, still pretty good. The in-jokes are not so obvious. There is a rumor they had to reshoot an early scene because it went like this:
Ocean: "What I want most, what's important to me, is that Rubin is made whole."
Bank: "So if I don't what are you going to do? Go into the bathroom, find a hidden gun, and kill me?"
WORST:
Oceans 12--palin product placement in the first 90 seconds and it goes downhill from there. When they mentioned Tess looks like "you know who" I was ready to walk out. Couldn't wait for it to be over.
21--made out like it would be a more intelligent and close story to what it was. IF it was going to be so far off they should have changed more of the players and settings.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
December 12th, 2011 at 9:37:00 PM
permalink
I would add these good films:
Hard Eight (1996) with Phillip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Samuel L. Jackson.
California Split (1974) with Elliot Gould and George Segal.
The Gambler (1974) with James Caan, Lauren Hutton, and Paul Sorvino.
The Cincinatti Kid (1965) with Steve McQueen and Edward G. Robinson.
Hard Eight (1996) with Phillip Baker Hall, John C. Reilly, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Samuel L. Jackson.
California Split (1974) with Elliot Gould and George Segal.
The Gambler (1974) with James Caan, Lauren Hutton, and Paul Sorvino.
The Cincinatti Kid (1965) with Steve McQueen and Edward G. Robinson.
December 12th, 2011 at 10:38:03 PM
permalink
rounders
let it ride
let it ride
December 12th, 2011 at 11:00:26 PM
permalink
Casino.
Ocean's trilogy was entertaining too, but nowhere near.
Does Fear and Loathing count? If so, that one also deserves a mention, as the most ridiculous one.
Ocean's trilogy was entertaining too, but nowhere near.
Does Fear and Loathing count? If so, that one also deserves a mention, as the most ridiculous one.
Resist ANFO Boston PRISM Stormfront IRA Freedom CIA Obama
December 12th, 2011 at 11:46:01 PM
permalink
Yes, the movie Croupier is an interesting watch but it seems too much of a speculative musing on the role of luck in our lives as an actual casino caper movie. There is a duality of suggestions and certain plots afoot but nothing but a speculative resolution.
December 13th, 2011 at 8:08:22 AM
permalink
"The Great Sinner" starring Gregory Peck. A black and white film from 1949.
A young writer goes to Monte Carlo to write about gambling and gamblers. He ultimately becomes a compulsive gambler himself.
When you watch this movie, you will smile because you can probably say "I've been there" or "I've seen that happen"
I saw this movie on Turner Classic Movies channel. TCM
A young writer goes to Monte Carlo to write about gambling and gamblers. He ultimately becomes a compulsive gambler himself.
When you watch this movie, you will smile because you can probably say "I've been there" or "I've seen that happen"
I saw this movie on Turner Classic Movies channel. TCM
December 13th, 2011 at 11:21:21 AM
permalink
The best scene in "The Great Sinner" is the baccarat game. Ethel Barrymore plays Peck's mother, who knows nothing about the game, but learns in a hurry.
To watch her sit there and quietly say "Banco" as the bank doubles and re-doubles to several millions, while she loses every time, is really something ... until her head drops and she stops talking and everyone realizes she has died right there at the table, most likely from the stress of going broke so quickly and in such a way.
correctiion: Barrymore plays Ava Gardner's grandmother.
To watch her sit there and quietly say "Banco" as the bank doubles and re-doubles to several millions, while she loses every time, is really something ... until her head drops and she stops talking and everyone realizes she has died right there at the table, most likely from the stress of going broke so quickly and in such a way.
correctiion: Barrymore plays Ava Gardner's grandmother.
December 13th, 2011 at 11:32:28 AM
permalink
Quote: tsmithThe best scene in "The Great Sinner" is the baccarat game. Ethel Barrymore plays Peck's mother, who knows nothing about the game, but learns in a hurry.
To watch her sit there and quietly say "Banco" as the bank doubles and re-doubles to several millions, while she loses every time, is really something ... until her head drops and she stops talking and everyone realizes she has died right there at the table, most likely from the stress of going broke so quickly and in such a way.
This reminds me a little bit of Pushkin's story The Queen of Spades which is a story about gambling. It has been made into several movies, various countries. I'm not sure now which version I saw, probably had subtitles. It was pretty good if you like really old movies.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell! She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
December 14th, 2011 at 1:24:58 PM
permalink
Rounders
Casino
The Sting
Big Hand for the Little Lady
Note: "Big Hand" is a classic from 1966.
IMDB has a very brief plot synopsis.
If you go to the WikiPedia article, you can read the entire plot.
Spoiler alert: Don't read the last two paragraphs of the plot. Rent it and watch it. You'll thank me.
Casino
The Sting
Big Hand for the Little Lady
Note: "Big Hand" is a classic from 1966.
IMDB has a very brief plot synopsis.
If you go to the WikiPedia article, you can read the entire plot.
Spoiler alert: Don't read the last two paragraphs of the plot. Rent it and watch it. You'll thank me.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
December 14th, 2011 at 2:22:16 PM
permalink
I loved Owning Mahowny.
A falling knife has no handle.
December 14th, 2011 at 6:49:12 PM
permalink
Quote: FleaStiffYes, the movie Croupier is an interesting watch but it seems too much of a speculative musing on the role of luck in our lives as an actual casino caper movie. There is a duality of suggestions and certain plots afoot but nothing but a speculative resolution.
Thats the movie i was going to mention......but you described it much better than i would have.
December 28th, 2011 at 4:11:32 PM
permalink
The Gambler- James Caan
Owning Mahowny- Phillip Seymour Hoffman
The House of Games- Joe Mantegna
The Longshot- Tim Conway
21- probably the worst gambling movie ever
Owning Mahowny- Phillip Seymour Hoffman
The House of Games- Joe Mantegna
The Longshot- Tim Conway
21- probably the worst gambling movie ever
"I am a man devoured by the passion for gambling." --Dostoevsky, 1871
December 28th, 2011 at 4:29:26 PM
permalink
Quote: MoscaI loved Owning Mahowny.
Yes! God Bless you Mosca, great flick. John Hurt was wonderful in it ("Ahh...a PURIST!").
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
December 28th, 2011 at 4:44:42 PM
permalink
Oh, Croupier is still an enjoyable movie its just that I found it a bit too much of a character study and musings on luck versus a real movie dealing with a casino caper. Its more a character study with the trappings of gambling.Quote: belleepoqueThats the movie i was going to mention......but you described it much better than i would have.
We all knew why the dark glasses were being worn and that the shiner was probably her artfully applied make up. We all knew there was a bandaged wrist but probably a totally uninjured one. We knew it was to be a ploy to ensnare him into aiding a lady in distress. We knew the shoe would drop that very night. And it did.
Its a duality of human nature movie (he rapes Bella but her mind consents almost as quickly as her body does) yet he winds up with her. He does get the second installment on his services for being an inside man, but he gets it from an unlikely source that he had utter contempt for. Clearly the people closing in on him in the casino are there for a reason rather than being the random chance-happenings that his writer persona imagines them to be. His persona is that of a morally and emotionally detached but superior observer of the foolishness of gamblers yet in reality he is the one who has clearly been a poor observer of those around him. And although he has observed and even raised some questions about the activities at the casino and the involvement of casino personnel, it is he who has focused on a tree or two but missed seeing the forest.
So its bemused detached observer being revealed as duped patsy but not truly an unhappy victim. And this makes him identical to the sorry gamblers he has been observing all the while.
December 29th, 2011 at 8:34:02 AM
permalink
RAIN MAN!
December 29th, 2011 at 9:24:20 AM
permalink
Rain Man? Heck, most poker players can do that rain man stuff. You make your living remembering card value and suit at poker, just having to count plus one or minus one ain't a gonna be difficult.
December 29th, 2011 at 9:26:11 AM
permalink
I feel a bit like this is a guilty pleasure choice: The Cooler. I like the people in it and the roles they are given.
Also, Indecent Proposal, just for the few seconds that the camera follows the dice down the table in the big bet.
I'll also second two previous suggestions, Big hand for the Little lady and House of Games.
Finally, there was a Twilight Zone where there was a bet that a Zippo lighter would light first time every time. If it didn't one of the guys fingers would be cut off. If it did he made a lot of money. Very well done, but I admit it isn't exactly a movie.
Also, Indecent Proposal, just for the few seconds that the camera follows the dice down the table in the big bet.
I'll also second two previous suggestions, Big hand for the Little lady and House of Games.
Finally, there was a Twilight Zone where there was a bet that a Zippo lighter would light first time every time. If it didn't one of the guys fingers would be cut off. If it did he made a lot of money. Very well done, but I admit it isn't exactly a movie.
May 12th, 2012 at 12:47:33 AM
permalink
Watched 'The Good Thief' tonight. Nick Nolte was the main
character. At the very end, he tells a young girl the 'secrets'
of gambling. First you wear expensive clothes. Then you act
like you're somebody, and never express any emotion when you
play.
They go to Monte Carlo and play roulette, BJ, and poker. They
play all night and win millions of dollars. Of course they had to
win, it was part of the casino robbery plot.
Its ludicrous movies like this that plant an idea in the public's
mind that beating casinos is easy, you just have to have the
right attitude. No skills, just nice clothes and 'attitude. Stupid
beyond belief.
character. At the very end, he tells a young girl the 'secrets'
of gambling. First you wear expensive clothes. Then you act
like you're somebody, and never express any emotion when you
play.
They go to Monte Carlo and play roulette, BJ, and poker. They
play all night and win millions of dollars. Of course they had to
win, it was part of the casino robbery plot.
Its ludicrous movies like this that plant an idea in the public's
mind that beating casinos is easy, you just have to have the
right attitude. No skills, just nice clothes and 'attitude. Stupid
beyond belief.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
May 12th, 2012 at 1:27:57 AM
permalink
It's not set in a casino, but I really like Poolhall Junkies. The whole movie is about gambling, but its on pool.
May 12th, 2012 at 2:07:21 AM
permalink
delete.
May 12th, 2012 at 3:54:03 AM
permalink
"... he tells a young girl the 'secrets' of gambling. First you wear expensive clothes. Then you act like you're somebody, and never express any emotion when you play."
I think there were a few photographs posted here rather recently that depicted some rich old men at the RIO attempting to impart similar wisdom to three young hotties who were there for a 21st birthday party.
"...movies like this that plant an idea in the public's mind that beating casinos is easy, you just have to have the right attitude.
No skills, just nice clothes and 'attitude. Stupid beyond belief."
Oh, I don't know. Alot of movies or advertisements plant ideas about a young man finding a sweet young thing who adores him if he buys the right threads or the right cologne. A vodka company depicted its young females with skinned kneecaps as the inevitable result of imbibing their particular brand of vodka.
I'm beginning to think that the following snippet is indeed a pretty realistic viewpoint.
They are there in a group. Its 3 guys and 3 girls. They are out to blow off some steam and drink lots of booze. They got a room at the IP 'cause they like the balcony. There are six people fighting over those two key cards. One of them is a CW and will soon be prancing around that balcony rail displaying her skills at drunkenly carrying an imaginary tray filled with imaginary drinks, then she will finally get off the balcony and have drunk-sex with one of the guys. Probably the one that is her current boyfriend, but maybe one of the others for old times sake or maybe with one of the other girls and maybe, just maybe, she will remember when she wakes up just who it was she was having sex with, but right now she does indeed think the carnival bets are exciting and she likes the group she is with and most of all she would like another free drink.
Maybe the best gambling movie really is The Croupier.... he made his money writing a book and his oft-expressed sentiment throughout the movie, was " I don't gamble ".
I think there were a few photographs posted here rather recently that depicted some rich old men at the RIO attempting to impart similar wisdom to three young hotties who were there for a 21st birthday party.
"...movies like this that plant an idea in the public's mind that beating casinos is easy, you just have to have the right attitude.
No skills, just nice clothes and 'attitude. Stupid beyond belief."
Oh, I don't know. Alot of movies or advertisements plant ideas about a young man finding a sweet young thing who adores him if he buys the right threads or the right cologne. A vodka company depicted its young females with skinned kneecaps as the inevitable result of imbibing their particular brand of vodka.
I'm beginning to think that the following snippet is indeed a pretty realistic viewpoint.
They are there in a group. Its 3 guys and 3 girls. They are out to blow off some steam and drink lots of booze. They got a room at the IP 'cause they like the balcony. There are six people fighting over those two key cards. One of them is a CW and will soon be prancing around that balcony rail displaying her skills at drunkenly carrying an imaginary tray filled with imaginary drinks, then she will finally get off the balcony and have drunk-sex with one of the guys. Probably the one that is her current boyfriend, but maybe one of the others for old times sake or maybe with one of the other girls and maybe, just maybe, she will remember when she wakes up just who it was she was having sex with, but right now she does indeed think the carnival bets are exciting and she likes the group she is with and most of all she would like another free drink.
Maybe the best gambling movie really is The Croupier.... he made his money writing a book and his oft-expressed sentiment throughout the movie, was " I don't gamble ".
May 12th, 2012 at 4:13:56 AM
permalink
I hated 21. The best part was when the main character was first introduced to Kevin Spacey's character. They talked about Monte Hall's 3 door problem. At first I didn't get why changing your answer made mathematical sense. Afterward, without the distraction of the movie, I understood it. But I really hated the "Hollywoodness" of it, all the CGI shots of chips and tables and cards being dealt out and the so called flash and glamour of Vegas, there was simply too much of it. I also think it would've been betterr if they had lost their first trip, even if that's not what really happened or what happened in the book.
Next with Nic Cage has nothing to do with casino's, but at the beginning he works as a lowly lounge magician, and says he doesn't gamble cause it would attract too much attention to himself. I often daydream about what it would be like to see :30 to 1:00 in the future and how I would bet and what games I would play to make a living in the casino. I think it could be done quite easily without attraction, so long as you're keeping your wins low and don't play too long.
Next with Nic Cage has nothing to do with casino's, but at the beginning he works as a lowly lounge magician, and says he doesn't gamble cause it would attract too much attention to himself. I often daydream about what it would be like to see :30 to 1:00 in the future and how I would bet and what games I would play to make a living in the casino. I think it could be done quite easily without attraction, so long as you're keeping your wins low and don't play too long.
May 12th, 2012 at 4:22:36 AM
permalink
Quote: SlangNRoxIt's not set in a casino, but I really like Poolhall Junkies. The whole movie is about gambling, but its on pool.
Agreed that's a pretty good one. I used to watch an Internet show called Scamschool. They told you all kinds of tricks and puzzles to scam people out of beers at the bar. Not necessarily scamming, just friendly wagering, although one could certainly use it to scam and even make money in a bar. You won't make friends though. Anyway, I wanted to email the host this movie, and maybe there was a scam in there that they could use.
May 12th, 2012 at 4:27:34 AM
permalink
Dr.Mabuse, The Gambler
A movie classic from 1927 Length 5 hrs.
A movie classic from 1927 Length 5 hrs.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:11:05 AM
permalink
Alright you guys pretty much nailed all of them. So I racked my brain and came up with this, It barley meets the op's criteria but its a real good movie. The movie is RUN with patric dempsey circa 1991.
May 12th, 2012 at 6:52:20 AM
permalink
Tracy Pollan seems to have made the best bet in that movie... she dropped out just after the filming started.Quote: rainmanThe movie is RUN with patric dempsey circa 1991.
May 12th, 2012 at 7:13:28 AM
permalink
Quote: FleaStiffTracy Pollan seems to have made the best bet in that movie... she dropped out just after the filming started.
lol, I really liked that movie. Of course I have bad taste in other things as well.
May 12th, 2012 at 7:51:08 AM
permalink
Guys and Dolls, The movie with Marlon Brando sucked but the musical with worth seeing if it ever plays in a community theater near you. Adelaide's Lament is worth the price of admission alone.
Someday, joor goin' to see the name of Googie Gomez in lights and joor goin' to say to joorself, "Was that her?" and then joor goin' to answer to joorself, "That was her!" But you know somethin' mister? I was always her yuss nobody knows it! - Googie Gomez
May 12th, 2012 at 10:21:23 AM
permalink
Croupier
Vegas Vacation (for fun)
and most importantly:
Hard Eight
Vegas Vacation (for fun)
and most importantly:
Hard Eight
May 12th, 2012 at 1:57:28 PM
permalink
Boy has imdb.com screwed up the "my movies" thing. There's no reason for that, I hate it when stuff like that happens.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell! She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
May 12th, 2012 at 4:55:53 PM
permalink
Yonkers Joe with Chaz Palminteri, movie about cheating craps by sneaking fixed die into games by slight of hand, and a father and a mentally challenged son and their relationship.
May 21st, 2012 at 9:51:09 PM
permalink
'Big Hand for the Little Lady' is my favourite movie.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Red Hot Poker | Free Poker Games | Online Poker
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Red Hot Poker | Free Poker Games | Online Poker
May 21st, 2012 at 11:24:32 PM
permalink
Quote: ewjones080Agreed that's a pretty good one. I used to watch an Internet show called Scamschool. They told you all kinds of tricks and puzzles to scam people out of beers at the bar. Not necessarily scamming, just friendly wagering, although one could certainly use it to scam and even make money in a bar. You won't make friends though. Anyway, I wanted to email the host this movie, and maybe there was a scam in there that they could use.
Google "The Real Hustle prop bets."
The real hustle is a uk series exposing scams, and they had a friendly wagers section. If I remember correctly series 3 was set in Vegas.
[This space is intentionally left blank]
May 22nd, 2012 at 4:23:17 AM
permalink
Mine
Two for the money
Wall Street
Seabiscuit
The Fan
Jerry Maquire
These are my favourite gambling movies.
---------------------------------------------------------------
[Moderator's note: The advertising links at the bottom of your post have been removed.]
Two for the money
Wall Street
Seabiscuit
The Fan
Jerry Maquire
These are my favourite gambling movies.
---------------------------------------------------------------
[Moderator's note: The advertising links at the bottom of your post have been removed.]
June 18th, 2012 at 9:24:08 AM
permalink
It's not my favorite gambling movie, but the funniest gambling scene is when Julie Hagerty successfully loses $100,000 of her husband's life savings playing roulette in Lost in America. That crazed look in her eyes just cracks me up as she shouts "Come on, 22! Come on, 22!" If you haven't seen it, here's the clip.
June 18th, 2012 at 9:30:28 AM
permalink
Why has nobody mentioned THE STING
June 18th, 2012 at 5:54:37 PM
permalink
Quote: renoIt's not my favorite gambling movie, but the funniest gambling scene is when Julie Hagerty successfully loses $100,000 of her husband's life savings playing roulette in Lost in America. That crazed look in her eyes just cracks me up as she shouts "Come on, 22! Come on, 22!" If you haven't seen it, here's the clip.
+1
When Albert Brooks tries to get the money back by pitching that it would be great publicity is hilarious... The rest of the movie though....pffft!
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
June 18th, 2012 at 6:29:23 PM
permalink
Quote: AyecarumbaQuote: renoIt's not my favorite gambling movie, but the funniest gambling scene is when Julie Hagerty successfully loses $100,000 of her husband's life savings playing roulette in Lost in America. That crazed look in her eyes just cracks me up as she shouts "Come on, 22! Come on, 22!" If you haven't seen it, here's the clip.
+1
When Albert Brooks tries to get the money back by pitching that it would be great publicity is hilarious... The rest of the movie though....pffft!
OMG, that is so funny... I love how she yells, "Shit! C'mon 22..." ROFL.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
September 5th, 2012 at 10:43:02 PM
permalink
This isn't a gambling movie, but the first hour of
Electric Horseman is all shot in 1978 Vegas. Mostly
at Caesars. I just saw it again, good stuff, lots of
memories. Nice shot of Redford driving down the
Strip in a Caddie convertible.
Electric Horseman is all shot in 1978 Vegas. Mostly
at Caesars. I just saw it again, good stuff, lots of
memories. Nice shot of Redford driving down the
Strip in a Caddie convertible.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
September 5th, 2012 at 10:52:56 PM
permalink
Yeah, I remember that: "They won, you lost!".
December 16th, 2012 at 7:49:43 AM
permalink
The Ultimate Winner (2011) - nobody mentioned it.
December 16th, 2012 at 8:44:09 AM
permalink
Quote: AZDuffman"Casino" hands down.
also "Rounders" and "The Color of Money."
How can you list " The Color of Money " and not " The Hustler " ? Just asking.
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
