Gambler’s Choice 1944

In 1897, three children—Ross Hadley Chester Morris, Mike McGlennon Russell Hayden, and Mary Rogers Nancy Kelly—are brought before a judge for stealing a man’s wallet. McGlennon and Rogers have no prior record, so they are released to their parents. Hadley, however, is sent to a reform school.

Fast forward to 1911: Hadley quits working for casino owner Chappie Wilson to strike out on his own, launching a venture financed by Fay Lawrence Lee Patrick, the wealthy widow of a bookie. To compete, Wilson hires a beautiful singer, Vi Parker Nancy Kelly, known as the Garter Girl. When Hadley sees her perform, he recognizes her as Mary Rogers. He takes her to a police station, much to her confusion. There she is reunited with Lieutenant Mike McGlennon. Then Hadley takes them both to see his grand, brand-new gambling establishment. Hadley offers McGlennon a small share, but McGlennon is an honest cop. Hadley also offers Vi a job. She turns him down, but when Wilson and a henchman come to retrieve her, Hadley punches Wilson, and McGlennon handles the henchman, so she has to work for him. Lawrence is not happy about this arrangement and tries to fire her, but Hadley pays off her loan to him and kicks her out.