Looks at 21 movies with a gambling theme, some more serious and in depth on the subject than others. Dement analyzes them from the point of responsibility or irresponsibility: The filmmakers ability to address the problem of compulsive gambling, and the film's strengths and weaknesses. Simply, how realistic and accurate were these films, seen by millions of people in theaters and on television throughout the world? Titles include 'The Gambler' with James Caan, 'California Split' with Elliot Gould and George Segal, 'Let It Ride' with Richard Dreyfuss and 'The Hustler' with Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason. The author focuses on what he believes was the films intent, whether the movie provided any value to the public on the dangers of addiction or where a director might have been more careful and could have sent audiences a less harmful message. 192 Pgs. 1999 hardcover