The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976)

In the shadowy underbelly of Hollywood, Cosmo Vittelli runs a seedy cabaret where women bare their souls along with their bodies, and loyal staff keep the shabby joint afloat. Despite his fondness for his unconventional family, Cosmo is plagued by a dangerous addiction to gambling that has landed him in hot water more than once. After a devastating loss at a clandestine casino overseen by the notorious mobster Mort, Cosmo finds himself in deep debt. In a twisted turn of events, Mort presents Cosmo with a perilous proposition: settle his dues by taking out a troublesome bookie under the watchful eye of the Mafia.