James Caan is Harvard University professor and compulsive gambler Axel Freed, who tries to turn borrowed money into a small fortune in Vegas, but winds up deeper in the hole to bookies. With his life spiraling out of control, the beleaguered Freed sees an exit from his troubles in the form of one of his students, a star basketball player willing to shave points. Lauren Hutton, Paul Sorvino, and James Woods also star in this moody drama directed by Karel Reisz and written by James Toback from his own experiences. 110 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English