The Killing of a Chinese Bookie is a 1976 movie directed by John Cassavetes.
Ben Gazzara plays Cosmo Vitelli, a strip club owner whose gambling addiction runs him afoul of the mob. He’s forced to murder a Chinese bookie to repay his debts. Gazzara’s Vitelli is unflappable throughout the movie, yet the scene stealer is the unpredictable, lurching Timothy Carey, who portrays mob enforcer Flo. The movie’s tone is quintessential 70’s – it’s dark and gritty, yet themes of family and honor emerge.
THE BEST – Timothy Carey
Carey may be one of the most uniquely strange actors of the last 50 years. He constantly appears to be crawling out of his own skin.
THE WORST – Timothy Carey Eating
It’s hard to describe. Just watch it.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4/5
If you love 70’s movie grime, this is for you. It’s desperately grim but Gazzara gives a tremendous performance. It’s worth a watch.
