The Big Gamble (1931): cast, story & where to watch

1931 · Film · ★ 5.3

The Big Gamble poster

Released in 1931, The Big Gamble is a thriller and crime film directed by Fred Niblo, running about 65 minutes.

What it’s about. A gambler, hopelessly in debt, agrees to pay off his debt by allowing his creditor to take out a life insurance policy on him and collecting once the one-year suicide clause has elapsed.

Who’s in it. The Big Gamble stars William Boyd as Alan Beckwith, Dorothy Sebastian as Beverly Ames Beckwith, Warner Oland as Andrew North and James Gleason as Fred 'Squint' Dugan, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.3/10, The Big Gamble has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Big Gamble page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Big Gamble tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Big Gamble (1931)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Big Gamble change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Big Gamble worth watching?
The Big Gamble holds an audience score of 5.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Big Gamble?
The Big Gamble stars William Boyd, Dorothy Sebastian, Warner Oland, James Gleason and Geneva Mitchell.
When was The Big Gamble released?
The Big Gamble was released in 1931, with a runtime of about 65 minutes.