The Gambler Movie Review: Kenny Rogers & More
You’d be hard-pressed to find a poker fan who hadn’t at least heard of The Gambler with Kenny Rogers. We are talking about one of the most iconic poker films and songs of all time. Read the full The Gambler movie review to find a comprehensive guide to this popular poker film in the sections to come.
Why is The Gambler with Kenny Rogers so Popular?
The Gambler movie is perhaps among the most recognisable film about gambling and poker. Starring singer songwriter Kenny Rogers and based on his beloved song of the same name, the film has become truly iconic in the poker world. In The Gambler movie review we will cover everything you need to know about the title, including its theme, stars, representation of poker, and its subsequent sequels. If you’re interested in playing for real, pay a visit to the best online casinos in New Zealand, where you’ll find a range of reliable poker casinos on the net.
Kenny Rogers in The Gambler
Kenny Rogers, born Kenneth Ray Rogers on August 21, 1938, was an American singer, songwriter, and actor who was world famous for his contributions to country music. He had a hugely successful career which spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013, reflecting significant contributions to the genre over several decades. With over 120 hit singles across multiple genres, Rogers was not only popular with country audiences but also found success in pop and other genres, showcasing exceptional versatility as an artist.
Rogers was not only a talented singer, but also a multi-instrumentalist, adept in guitar, bass guitar, harmonica, and the fiddle. He was also known for his collaborations, including the duet “Islands in the Stream” with Dolly Parton, which became a chart-topping hit in 1983.
Overview of The Gambler Film Series
One of Rogers’ most iconic songs is 1978’s “The Gambler”, which features timeless lyrics about the philosophy of life intertwined with gambling. The chorus “You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run” has become an iconic theme in popular culture. It also spawned a hit film franchise.
The Gambler film series is a collection of five American Western television movies, with each starring Kenny Rogers as Brady Hawkes, an old-west gambler. The first film, titled “Kenny Rogers as The Gambler,” premiered on CBS in the USA on April 8, 1980, and was directed by Dick Lowry.
Plot and Main Characters
All of The Gambler films follow the adventures of Brady Hawkes, a seasoned poker player and gambler on a journey to reunite with his son, helping others learn to play the game on his way. The films are set in the old-west era, featuring a plot filled with action, adventure, and drama, as Hawkes navigates through the dangers of the wild west while pursuing his goals and facing personal demons.
On his journey Hawkes encounters several challenges and adversaries, including vicious murderers, gangsters, and fellow gamblers. Bruce Boxleitner stars as Billy Montana, Hawkes’ apprentice and companion. Johnny Crawford, Linda Evans, Marc Alaimo, Jeff Allin, and Ronnie Scribner also play in the films. Hawkes saves Billy Montana from two egregious poker cheaters, before accompanying him on a train ride to a San Francisco international poker tournament.
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Reception and Legacy
Kenny Rogers as The Gambler and the entire series were well-received by audiences and critics alike, with the first film becoming the highest-rated TV film of the year at the time of its release. The films also received nominations for prestigious awards such as the Emmy Awards, showcasing their impact on the entertainment industry.
The film was a ratings and critical success, winning a Best Edited Television Special Eddie Award, in addition to garnering two Emmy Award nominations. In light of its popularity, four sequels were subsequently released. The followup films in the Gambler series received mixed to positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The Gambler series cemented Kenny Rogers’ status as a talented actor, and his portrayal of Brady Hawkes became Rogers’ most iconic role. The films have also left a lasting legacy, with fans fondly remembering moments from the series, in addition to the iconic theme song “The Gambler” that became synonymous with the films. The Gambler full movie continues to be remembered and appreciated by fans of Westerns, poker, and Kenny Rogers.
Subsequent Sequels to The Gambler
The success of The Gambler led to four sequels, each of which continued to capture the attention of fans with compelling stories. These sequels include “Kenny Rogers as The Gambler: The Adventure Continues” (1983), “Kenny Rogers as The Gambler, Part III: The Legend Continues” (1987), and “Kenny Rogers as The Gambler, Part IV: The Gambler Returns: The Luck of the Draw” (1991).
The only film in the series not to feature Bruce Boxleitner as Billy Montana is “The Luck of the Draw”. While we won’t give away any spoilers, the sequels further explore the adventures of Brady Hawkes and his continued pursuit of a gambling career while dealing with personal and professional challenges.
The fifth and final film in the series, titled “Gambler V: Playing for Keeps” was released in 1994. A deviation from the other films which were directed by Dick Lowry, the last film was directed by Jack Bender, who is widely regarded for his work as a director on hit shows Lost, The Sopranos, and Game of Thrones.
FAQ’s about The Gambler Movie with Kenny Rogers
We’ve covered all of the essentials about The Gambler with Kenny Rogers in this page. For those who are enthusiastic about learning and finding out more about this classic film franchise, look no further. You’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about The Gambler movie below.
1️⃣ When did The Gambler movie came out?
The first film in The Gambler series premiered in 1980, screening on television on the CBS station in the United States. You can find this and many other details in The Gambler film series overview of this article. We've included information about the origins of the franchise, the inspirations behind it, and more.
2️⃣ Who directed "The Gambler" film series?
The director of The Gambler films changed over time. The first four films in the series were directed by Dick Lowry. The last movie in The Gambler's sequels, "Gambler V: Playing for Keeps", was directed by Jack Bender. He is also known for directing The Sopranos and Game of Thrones.
3️⃣ How well-received were "The Gambler" films by audiences and critics?
The reception of The Gambler films varied depending on the given film. The first installation in The Gambler was very well-received, however the critical reception of follow-up films fluctuated. Regardless, the legacy of the series holds an enduringly positive place in popular culture.
4️⃣ What is star of The Gambler movie Kenny Rogers known for?
Kenny Rogers was a man of many talents, and his most notorious skillset is in music. Rogers was a world-class songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known for a number of other successful songs and noteworthy accolades, with over 120 hit releases. He was also very well received as an actor starring in The Gambler.
5️⃣ What is The Gambler series about?
The Gambler is about a man’s experiences in the world of Wild West poker. A rough time brimming with crooks and cheaters, Rogers’ protagonist seeks out his young son, with the plot of the film developing to include a cast of supporting characters, villains, and love interests.