Atlantic City (1980)

Atlantic City, a beacon of hope, a sanctuary of dreams — where the old, crumbling edifices are razed to make way for gleaming hotels and casinos, embodying the shimmering mirage of a prosperous future. Among those drawn to its promise is Sally Matthews, a humble waitress from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, who toils at an oyster bar while honing her skills as a blackjack croupier. Her eyes are set on the glossy allure of Monte Carlo casinos; her ambitions nurtured by learning French and refining her cultured persona. Another dreamer who has long been a part of Atlantic City's tapestry is Lou Pascal, an old-timer who clings to the vestiges of his past as a numbers runner. Lou, who once claimed the notorious Bugsy Siegel as a cellmate, now scrapes by on meager earnings from his penny-ante operations for Fred, and a stipend from his benefactress — the widowed recluse, Grace Pinza. Grace herself was lured to Atlantic City by a Betty Grable look-alike contest, only to find herself anchored as the wife of a mobster, Cookie Pinza. Sally, Lou, and Grace — all reside in an apartment building marked for demolition, their lives unknowingly intertwined. As Lou spies on Sally through their apartment windows, absorbed in her daily rituals, their dreams hang in the balance. The arrival of Dave Matthews, Sally's estranged and irresponsible husband, along with Chrissie, his heavily pregnant, new-age girlfriend and Sally's own younger sister, threatens to either shatter or rekindle these dreams. Unbeknownst to Sally, they bring a volatile element into her life — a stash of stolen cocaine, pilfered from dangerous criminals. Atlantic City is a story of dreams and dreamers, where the pursuit of a glamorous life can lead to unforeseen intersections. A casual visit and a hidden secret can change the course of lives, making this city a crucible where dreams either come to fruition or are mercilessly crushed.

Atlantic City is a crime movie featuring Angus MacInnes and directed by Louis Malle.

Atlantic City is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on CBS, Paramount Plus, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel , Paramount+ Amazon Channel and Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel.

It is also possible to buy Atlantic City on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.