"
House of Games is a 1987 American
neo-noir heist thriller film directed by
David Mamet, his
directorial debut. He also wrote the
screenplay, based on a story he co-wrote with
Jonathan Katz. The film's cast includes
Lindsay Crouse,
Joe Mantegna,
Ricky Jay, and
J. T. Walsh.
Psychiatrist Margaret Ford has achieved success with her recently published book about
obsessive-compulsive disorder, but feels unfulfilled. Her patient, Billy Hahn, says his life is in danger because he owes money to a criminal figure named Mike Mancuso. He threatens suicide, brandishing a gun. Margaret persuades him to surrender the weapon to her and promises to help him. That night, Margaret visits a
pool hall called House of Games where she confronts Mike. He is willing to forgive Billy's debt if Margaret accompanies him to a back-room
poker game and watch for the
tell of George, another player: he plays with his ring when he
bluffs. She agrees, and notices George playing with his ring after making a big bet. She discloses this to Mike, who calls the bet. However, George wins and demands that Mike pay the $6,000 bet, which he is unable to do. George pulls a gun, but Margaret intervenes and offers to pay the debt with a
personal check. She then notices the gun is a
water pistol, and realizes the entire game is a
set-up for her money. She declines to pay, but spends the rest of the night socializing with the con men. The experience excites her and she returns the next night. She asks Mike to teach her about con games so she can write a book about it. Mike appears skeptical, but agrees. Margaret is enchanted by Mike showing her simple con tricks. ..."
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