The Big Gamble (1931)

In the shadowy world of gambling and mob rule, Alan Beckwith finds himself cornered by a monumental debt to the ruthless mob kingpin, North. Devising a desperate gamble of his own, Alan grudgingly consents to North taking a $100,000 life insurance policy on him, with a single, chilling condition: after a mandatory year, he will take his own life. To ensure legality and keep the winnings within North's grasp, Alan is forced into a marriage of convenience with Beverly, whose brother also drowns in debt to the merciless mob boss. North's eager yet unproven henchman, Squint, is assigned the dual role of guardian and executioner, tasked with ensuring Alan keeps his suicidal promise. But as the sands of time trickle away, an unexpected bond forms. Alan finds himself falling for Beverly, developing an unlikely camaraderie with Squint, and, most importantly, rediscovering his will to live. Now, Alan must craft a daring game plan to save his life and liberate those he holds dear, without allowing a fortune to slip from North's iron grip. The question remains: can he play his cards right, or will he fold under the weight of his impending doom?

The Big Gamble is a crime movie featuring William Boyd and directed by Fred Niblo.

The Big Gamble is currently streaming on DIRECTV.