Bootleg Betty
Video: Bette Midler – Jinxed Trailer – 1982
By Mister D
March 28, 2024
“Jinxed!” is a 1982 American comedy film starring Bette Midler, Rip Torn, and Ken Wahl. Directed by Don Siegel, the film follows the story of Bonita Friml, played by Bette Midler, a Las Vegas lounge singer in a relationship with Harold Benson, a professional gambler. Harold discovers he can always win against a blackjack dealer named Willie Brodax.
Bonita’s husband, Harold, has an uncanny ability to win every hand dealt to him by the young dealer, Willie. This winning streak gives Harold a steady income, causing Willie to lose his job and move from casino to casino. Willie eventually becomes known as a “jinx.” When the casino fires Willie due to his losing streak, he lands another blackjack-dealing job in Reno, Nevada. Harold follows him there, forcing Bonita to abandon her lucrative singing gig to accompany him.
As the plot unfolds, Willie and Bonita cross paths, leading to unexpected consequences. Bonita, tired of living with her domineering husband, hatches a plan to have Harold murdered. She persuades Willie to help, but he agrees only on the condition that he can break the jinx. When the fateful day arrives, Harold faces his final hand, and the unexpected happens. Willie manages to get 21, finally beating Harold and breaking the jinx. However, when Willie tries to call off the murder plot, Bonita doesn’t answer the phone. The film takes a dark turn, culminating in tragedy and unexpected twists.
