The Big Bankroll
| The Big Bankroll | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Joseph M. Newman |
| Produced by |
Samuel Bischoff David Diamond |
| Screenplay by | Jo Swerling |
| Story by | Leo Katcher |
| Starring |
David Janssen Dianne Foster Diana Dors Jack Carson |
| Music by | Franz Waxman |
| Cinematography | Carl E. Guthrie |
| Edited by | George White |
| Distributed by | Allied Artists |
Release dates | June 11, 1961 |
Running time | 106 min. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Big Bankroll is a 1961 American crime film directed by Joseph M. Newman, produced by Samuel Bischoff and starring David Janssen, Dianne Foster, Diana Dors and Jack Carson.[1] During the prohibition era the gangster Arnold Rothstein rises to be a major figure in the criminal underworld. It is also known by the alternative title King of the Roaring 20's: The Story of Arnold Rothstein. It was based on a book by Leo Katcher.
Plot
Arnold Rothstein gains a reputation in 1920s New York City as an expert gambler. He so impresses mob boss Big Tim O'Brien that he is given a job in his illegal enterprises.
Rothstein has a lifelong pal, Johnny Burke, and makes a deadly enemy, Phil Butler, a corrupt cop. He rises to become rich and well known in gambling circles, often using ruthless tactics, like tricking business partner Jim Kelly into sacrificing his half of their arrangement.
Although he has little time for a personal life, Rothstein impulsively marries Carolyn Green, an attractive actress. He devotes little effort to their marriage, his principal obsessions being to build a huge bankroll and to someday win a poker hand with a royal flush.
As his empire grows, so does his arrogance. Rothstein eventually sells out his only friend, resulting in Burke's being gunned down by thugs. He and lawyer Tom Fowler conspire to make sure Butler is exposed and convicted for his criminal activities. But at the precise moment a royal flush is dealt to him, Rothstein is dealt with by Butler's associates.
Cast
- David Janssen – Arnold Rothstein
- Dianne Foster – Carolyn Green Rothstein
- Diana Dors – Madge
- Jack Carson – Timothy W. 'Big Tim' O'Brien
- Dan O'Herlihy – Detective Phil Butler
- Mickey Shaughnessy – Jim Kelly
- Keenan Wynn – Tom Fowler
- William Demarest – Henry Hecht
- Regis Toomey – Bill Baird
- Robert Ellenstein – Lenny
- Tim Rooney – Johnny Burke as young boy
- Joseph Schildkraut – Abraham Rothstein
- Mickey Rooney – Johnny Burke