IMDb RATING
5.6/10
307
YOUR RATING
The story of flamboyant Prohibition-era gangster, gambler and bootlegger Arnold Rothstein.The story of flamboyant Prohibition-era gangster, gambler and bootlegger Arnold Rothstein.The story of flamboyant Prohibition-era gangster, gambler and bootlegger Arnold Rothstein.
Tim Rooney
- Johnny as a Boy
- (as Timothy Rooney)
Jimmy Baird
- Arnold as a Boy
- (as Jim Baird)
David Ahdar
- Gambling Casino Patron
- (uncredited)
John Alban
- Gambling Casino Patron
- (uncredited)
John Albright
- Gambling Casino Patron
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis was Jack Carson's final theatrical released film before his death on January 2, 1963 at the age of 52.
- GoofsThe clock on the mantelpiece in Rothstein's home changes from running (pendulum swinging) to not running several times.
- Quotes
[last lines]
Reporter: What do you know, the ace. A royal flush.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Best in Action: 1961 (2018)
Featured review
With a screenplay by Jo Swerling, this should have been a dynamite movie. However, with direction by Joseph M. Newman, it winds up being a pointless B movie. No action, no movement, not even really any clear character....
Given a desire to portray an enigmatic character, David Janssen was a potentially perfect choice for the role of Arnold Rothstein, boss gambler and the man who may have fixed the 1919 World Series. Janssen had a striking ability to show an intelligent character clearly engaged in the moment even as he evaluates the situation disinterestedly, an acting ability that he used to perfection on the small screen in both THE FUGITIVE and HARRY O. Yet, except for his scenes with Mickey Rooney (who finally got the chance in this movie to stretch himself in a real acting assignment and comes off as the best in the cast), we get little of that. Instead we get a movie in which each plot point is mechanically foreshadowed and then shown in a rather dull fashion.
There are a few standout performances: Dan O'Herlihy as the corrupt cop is great, but all he does is make you wish the movie is about him. What's going on in his mind and why? Joseph Schildkraut handles his couple of scenes with dignity and care. Jack Carson slides through his role as the head gangster in his typical bluff, understated manner. But the center of this movie starts nowhere, leads nowhere and takes no advantage of any of the strengths of the talents involved.
Given a desire to portray an enigmatic character, David Janssen was a potentially perfect choice for the role of Arnold Rothstein, boss gambler and the man who may have fixed the 1919 World Series. Janssen had a striking ability to show an intelligent character clearly engaged in the moment even as he evaluates the situation disinterestedly, an acting ability that he used to perfection on the small screen in both THE FUGITIVE and HARRY O. Yet, except for his scenes with Mickey Rooney (who finally got the chance in this movie to stretch himself in a real acting assignment and comes off as the best in the cast), we get little of that. Instead we get a movie in which each plot point is mechanically foreshadowed and then shown in a rather dull fashion.
There are a few standout performances: Dan O'Herlihy as the corrupt cop is great, but all he does is make you wish the movie is about him. What's going on in his mind and why? Joseph Schildkraut handles his couple of scenes with dignity and care. Jack Carson slides through his role as the head gangster in his typical bluff, understated manner. But the center of this movie starts nowhere, leads nowhere and takes no advantage of any of the strengths of the talents involved.
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- The Big Bankroll
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 46 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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Top Gap
By what name was King of the Roaring 20's: The Story of Arnold Rothstein (1961) officially released in India in English?
Answer