The Gambler

In 1866 a young Muscovite named Alexei Ivanovitch arrives in Baden Baden then the gambling capital of Austria and is soon engaged by General Zagorianski to look after his children Alexei discovers that his employer is a compulsive gambler who has been almost ruined by his addiction The only money the General has is provided by the Marquis de Grieux an adventurer who intends to marry Zagorianskis sister Pauline In doing so de Grieux hopes to profit from the vast inheritance that will come the Generals way from his Aunt Antonina who is presently very ill Alexei is appalled by this society which lives only for money He loves Pauline and wants to take her to a healthier place but when she refuses to marry him he begins to gamble at the casino