Jeux clandestins

"Gambling House" begins with a murder. A mobster like Farrow (William Bendix) did it, but isn't about to take the rap. So, he hatches a plan--Marc Fury (Victor Mature) will claim he killed the man and Farrow will say he witnessed it and it was self-defense. Well, the jury believed it and now Fury is going to be $50,000 richer. However, he's caught by surprise when he's leaving the courtroom--when he's served with a deportation order. Apparently, he came to America as a very, very young boy and didn't realize his family was never naturalized. And, so, because of this loophole, he might be forced to go to live in Italy. Marc isn't at all happy--but not because he's losing his citizenship but because he's a tough guy and doesn't like being told what to do. So, with the help of a social worker (Terry Moore), he's going to fight this order. And, this is a tall order for a guy who is this cynical!

The film is a very strange combination of genres. It's clearly film noir because of the dialog---Fury talks and acts like a classic noir character, as does Farrow. But, it's also a social commentary film, a HIGHLY patriotic film AND a romance to boot! Strange certainly is the word for this melange! But is it any good? Sure. The film has its shortcomings (it's a bit too heavy-handed when it comes to the American dream and the chemistry with Peters seems forced) but it also is good entertainment and Mature is very entertaining as Fury. In particular, the ending is really, really good--pure noir in style and with a twist.