Kenny Rogers: The Gambler (1980)

This TV movie premiered on CBS in April of 1980, loosely inspired by what is arguably singer/star Kenny Rogers signature song 'The Gambler' is a surprisingly enjoyable western that benefits much from not trying too hard. 'The Gambler' is not setting about trying to reinvent the wheel, is full of likable though stock type characters headed by Kenny Rogers in a relaxed, and none to taxing performance as an extremely skilled wild west card player. Only about an hour and a half it plays like a paper back pulp novel out of the 50's, watching it evoked siting on ones porch in a breezy early evening and a soda in one hand and some Wayne D Overholser in the other. Lee Purcell is very winning in this, wish she'd had more of a career. This movie spawned four sequels. I really enjoyed it. ***