When first telecast on April 8, 1980, this made-for-TV movie was titled Kenny Rogers as The Gambler. Jim Byrnes' teleplay is loosely inspired by Rogers' Grammy award-winning song. Rogers plays high-rolling gambler Brady Hawkes, who is en route from El Paso to Yuma to see the son he never knew. Along the way, Hawkes befriends Billy Montana (Bruce Boxleitner), feckless Eastern tinhorn. The twosome comes to the aid of reformed "lady of the evening" Jennie Reed (Lee Purcell), who is pursued by an unprincipled train baron. At the end, Brynes must stand up to his son's cruel stepfather (Clu Gulager). A huge ratings success, The Gambler inspired four sequels over the next two decades. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Ed Bakey - Eli; Christine Belford - Eliza; Bruce M. Fischer - Tabor; Clu Gulager - Rufe Bennett; Marianne Gordon - Dallas; Harold Gould - Arthur Stobridge; Charles Knapp - Shuster; Lance Le Gault - Doc Palmer; Robert Lussier - Crown; Lee Paul - George; Lee Purcell - Jennie Reed; Ronnie Scribner - Jeremiah; Borah Silver - Botkin; Neil Summers - Polo; Ed Walsh - Charlie Rose; Noble Willingham - Conductor; Dave Cass - Winters; Lew Brown - Johnson
Credit
Allen E. Smith - Art Director, Richard Sawyer - Art Director, Dick Lowry - Director, Jerrold L. Ludwig - Editor, Ken Kragen - Executive Producer, Larry Cansler - Composer (Music Score), Don Schlitz - Composer (Music Score), Joseph Biroc - Cinematographer, Jim Byrnes - Producer, Kenny Rogers - Singer, Peg Cummings - Set Designer, Cort Casady - Screen Story, Jim Byrnes - Screenwriter
