Kenny Rogers as The Gambler [The Gambler] *** (1980, Kenny Rogers, Christine Belford, Bruce Boxleitner) – Classic Movie Review 9567

Director Dick Lowry’s 1980 TV Movie Kenny Rogers as The Gambler [The Gambler] is a pleasant, good-looking Western, based on a hit song by the country singer Kenny Rogers, about a gambler called Brady Hawkes, who searches for a young son he never knew he had, after he receives a letter from him asking for his help. Brady meets up with card player Billy Montana (Bruce Boxleitner) and they become buddies.

As actor, Rogers acquits himself well in his entertaining star début. His popularity in America made it one of the highest rating TV movies and four sequels followed: Kenny Rogers as The Gambler: The Adventure Continues (TV Movie), Kenny Rogers as The Gambler, Part III: The Legend Continues (TV Movie), The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw and Gambler V: Playing for Keeps (TV Movie).

Also in the cast are Bruce Boxleitner, Christine Belford, Harold Gould, Clu Gulager, Lance LeGault, Lee Purcell, Ronnie Scribner, Noble Willingham and Bruce M Fischer.

See if you know any other movies with the star’s name in the title.

The title song The Gambler is written by Don Schlitz and performed by Kenny Rogers.

RIP country singing legend Kenny Rogers, who died on 20 March 2020, age 81. He dominated the pop and country charts in the Seventies and Eighties with a series of tailored hits and won three Grammy awards.

Kenny Rogers as The Gambler [The Gambler] is directed by Dick Lowry, runs 96 minutes, is made by Ken Kragen Productions, is released by CBS (1980) (US) (TV), is written by Jim Byrnes, based on a story by Jim Byrnes and Cort Casady, suggested by a song by Don Schlitz, is shot by Joseph F Biroc [Joe Biroc], is produced by Jim Byrnes and is scored by Larry Cansler.

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 9567

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