The Killing of a Chinese Bookie

Overview

Cosmo Vittelli, the proprietor of a sleazy, low-rent Hollywood cabaret, has a real affection for the women who strip in his peepshows and the staff who keep up his dingy establishment. He also has a major gambling problem that has gotten him in trouble before. When Cosmo loses big-time at an underground casino run by mobster Mort, he isn't able to pay up. Mort then offers Cosmo the chance to pay back his debt by knocking off a pesky, Mafia-protected bookie.

Directed by John Cassavetes

Top cast

Ben Gazzara

Cosmo Vittelli

Timothy Carey

Flo

Seymour Cassel

Mort Weil

Robert Phillips

Phil

Morgan Woodward

The Boss

Al Ruban

Marty Reitz

Azizi Johari

Rachel

Haji

Haji

Alice Friedland

Sherry

D

Derna Wylde

Derna

Virginia Carrington

Mama

C

Carolyn Warren

Carol

J

John Kullers

The Accountant

D

Donna Gordon

Margo Donnar

M

Meade Roberts

Mr. Sophistication

K

Kathalina Veniero

Annie

Y

Yvette Morris

Yvette

J

Jack Ackerman

Musical Director

David Rowlands

Lamarr

T

Trisha Pelham

Waitress

Details