The Gambler (Imprint Collection #49)

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.

Critic Reviews:

• " Reisz, Caan, and screenwriter James Toback have constructed the character and the movie so convincingly that the scene not only works, but works two ways: first as suspense, and then as character revelation. " – Roger Ebert

• " Fairly good dramatics topped by strong James Caan. " – Steve Crum

• " Caan doesn't need much else (aside from his 'fro) to carry the picture. " – Christopher Null