Carol Warren in The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976)

Clips

Pics

Review

Circumstances can be like a pair of pliers. When applied with the proper force at a precise location, the pinchers of one man’s irreconcilable dilemmas can be used as a tool to force him to carry out a job that he otherwise would never attempt. Viewing The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976) is like putting yourself into the squeeze of bad luck and questionable decisions as pressed by a clique of rotten friends. A man goes about his honorable business, running a Sunset Strip bar and go-go show. Sure, the impresario falls a little short of common sense and legal currency now and again, but he has buddies to pick up his slack and help foot his tab. Of course, payback is inevitable. Favors are always called in. The compromised borrower finds that interest has been compounded and includes his very soul. Gritty, sad, and compelling, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie is a tragedy with no heroes.