The Canon / Parallax Editorial Archive
Curated by Pedro Neves, Founder of Parallax
The Killing of a Chinese Bookie
Directed by John Cassavetes
1976•2h 15m•R•★ 7.4
Crime / Drama / Film-Noir
Synopsis
The proud, dapper owner of a second-rate Sunset Strip burlesque cabaret runs up a catastrophic $23,000 gambling debt at an illegal mob casino, agreeing under coercion to assassinate an elderly rival bookmaker to save his club and livelihood. John Cassavetes' raw, atmospheric neon film noir deconstruction featuring Ben Gazzara's greatest, most heartbreaking performance.
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The Killing of a Chinese Bookie
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Director Spotlight
Cinematic Profile
John Cassavetes
Editorial Context
CanonContemplative
The Canon
The permanent living editorial archive curated by Pedro Neves, Founder of Parallax.
CuratedScholarly
Criterion Collection
A continuing series of important classic and contemporary films.
MovementNocturnal
Film Noir
Stories where morality is uncertain and every decision carries a cost.
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Cast & Crew
DirectorJohn Cassavetes
WriterJohn Cassavetes
CinematographyAl RubanMitch Breit
MusicBo Harwood
Principal Cast
Ben GazzaraCosmo Vittelli
Timothy CareyFlo
Seymour CasselMort Weil
Robert PhillipsPhil
Morgan WoodwardThe Boss
Al RubanMarty Reitz
Azizi JohariRachel
HajiHaji
Technical Specifications
Runtime2h 15m (135 mins)
Catalogued Editions
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Collector Status
Not Yet Collected
Production Details
DirectorJohn Cassavetes
LanguagesEnglish, Cantonese
CountryUS
StudioFaces Distribution
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