Wine, Women and Horses 1937

Valerie helps Jim after he goes broke

Valerie buys Jim a meal after he goes broke, offering a spark of friendly support. With his finances precarious, Jim leaves town in search of luck, heading toward unknown points. This marks the start of a life defined by gambling and uncertain opportunities.

Jim wins $20 in a horseshoes game in a Midwest town

Jim stops in a small Midwest town and bets on a horseshoes game against George Mayhew. He wins $20 from George, then returns the money when he learns George can't afford to lose it. The exchange seeds Jim's pattern of taking risks and balancing generosity with recklessness.

Jim rents a room at the Mayhews' boarding house and meets Marjorie

Jim rents a room at the Mayhews' boarding house, where he grows fond of George's sister Marjorie. There is a mutual attraction, though Marjorie is wary of Jim's gambler's life. Her reservations hint at a fragile romance forming between them.

Marjorie leaves Pres to marry Jim

Marjorie abandons her fiancé Pres to marry Jim. Jim pledges to secure steady work and shape a more stable future. The couple begins building a life together, though doubts linger about the viability of their union.

Jim becomes Chicago hotel's night manager

Jim lands a job as a hotel's night manager in Chicago, signaling a bid for normalcy. He grows increasingly disgruntled with his boss, foreshadowing trouble ahead. The new position marks a transition from back-alley gambling to a conventional workplace.

Christmas morning gambling windfall of $3,000

On Christmas morning, Jim slips into gambling and wins a substantial sum, $3,000. The win underscores his recurring habit and the ease with which he slides back into risk. This moment intensifies the tension between his aspirations for stability and his compulsion to gamble.

Bright offers job in California; move to the West

A hotel guest named Bright notices Jim's talent and offers him a job looking after his racehorses in California. Jim accepts the offer and promises Marjorie his gambling days are over. They relocate to California to begin anew.

At the California track, Jim meets Valerie and Broadway Willis; a big win follows

In California, Jim spends time at the track, cheering Bright's mare, Lady Luck. He runs into Valerie again and Marjorie becomes upset when Jim says Valerie helped him win winnings. Valerie and Broadway Willis are introduced, and the trio goes out where Jim wins $20,000 gambling.

Marjorie leaves Jim; pregnant and returns home

Marjorie leaves Jim a note declaring she cannot live with him any longer and that she is pregnant. She returns home and reconnects with Pres. The message marks a turning point in their fragile marriage.

Baby dies; Marjorie intercepts Jim heading east

Back at the Mayhews' boarding house, Jim is told by George that their baby boy has died. Marjorie intercepts Jim as he leaves, realizing he is in a down period and heading east. He promises to quit gambling and seek a steadier life.

Jim vows to quit gambling; works at a cigar store

Jim promises to quit gambling and find a steady job. While working at a cigar store, he runs into George, who has become a professional gambler at the local track. The encounter rekindles old connections and tensions.

Lady Luck is racing; Jim buys her after a track accident

George informs Jim that Lady Luck is racing at the track. The horse injures its leg, throwing its rider, and Jim buys the horse to prevent it from being destroyed. This act signals Jim's renewed bond with the mare and a pivot away from pure gambling.

Jim rehabilitates Lady Luck but loses his cigar-store job

Jim rehabilitates Lady Luck, demonstrating care and skill that contrast with his gambling past. Despite this commitment, he is fired from the cigar store. The setback underscores the unstable path he remains on.