The Killing of a Chinese Bookie
Synopsis
Cosmo Vittelli, the proprietor of a sleazy, low-rent Hollywood cabaret, has a real affection for the women who strip in his peepshows and the staff who keep up his dingy establishment. He also has a major gambling problem that has gotten him in trouble before. When Cosmo loses big-time at an underground casino run by mobster Mort, he isn't able to pay up. Mort then offers Cosmo the chance to pay back his debt by knocking off a pesky, Mafia-protected bookie.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]
Type: Trailer • Published 2020-05-17
Top Cast
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Ben Gazzara
Cosmo Vittelli
Timothy Carey
Flo
Seymour Cassel
Mort Weil
Robert Phillips
Phil
Morgan Woodward
The Boss
Al Ruban
Marty Reitz
Azizi Johari
Rachel
Haji
Haji
Alice Friedland
Sherry
Derna Wylde
Derna
Virginia Carrington
Mama
Carolyn Warren
Carol
John Kullers
The Accountant
Donna Gordon
Margo Donnar
Meade Roberts
Mr. Sophistication
Kathalina Veniero
Annie
Yvette Morris
Yvette
Jack Ackerman
Musical Director
Release History & Theatrical Window
February 15, 1976
Wide Cinema Exhibition
July 9, 2009
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- John Cassavetes
- Screenplay & Story
- John Cassavetes
- Original Score
- Bo Harwood
- Original Title
- The Killing of a Chinese Bookie
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 15m
- Production Studios
- Faces International Films, Al Ruban Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
John Cassavetes
John Cassavetes
Bo Harwood
Mitch Breit, Al Ruban
Tom Cornwell
Al Ruban
Department Leadership Roster
Bo Harwood
Original Music Composer
John Cassavetes
Director
John Cassavetes
Writer
Al Ruban
Producer
Tom Cornwell
Editor
Mitch Breit
Director of Photography
Al Ruban
Director of Photography
Paul Baxley
Stunt Coordinator
Sam Shaw
Production Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Killing of a Chinese Bookie.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Killing of a Chinese Bookie.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Killing of a Chinese Bookie
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Killing of a Chinese Bookie about?
Cosmo Vittelli, the proprietor of a sleazy, low-rent Hollywood cabaret, has a real affection for the women who strip in his peepshows and the staff who keep up his dingy establishment. He also has a major gambling problem that has gotten him in trouble before. When Cosmo loses big-time at an underground casino run by mobster Mort, he isn't able to pay up. Mort then offers Cosmo the chance to pay back his debt by knocking off a pesky, Mafia-protected bookie.
Who directed The Killing of a Chinese Bookie?
The Killing of a Chinese Bookie was directed by John Cassavetes.
Who stars in The Killing of a Chinese Bookie?
The principal cast of The Killing of a Chinese Bookie includes Ben Gazzara, Timothy Carey, Seymour Cassel, Robert Phillips, Morgan Woodward.
When was The Killing of a Chinese Bookie released and how long is it?
The Killing of a Chinese Bookie was released in 1976 with a total runtime of 2h 15m.
Who composed the musical score for The Killing of a Chinese Bookie?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Killing of a Chinese Bookie was composed by Bo Harwood.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Killing of a Chinese Bookie?
The Killing of a Chinese Bookie holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).