Any Number Can Play

Wealthy casino owner Charley Enley Kyng is diagnosed with a serious heart problem and vows to slow down, spend more time with his wife Lon, and quit drinking and smoking. He runs a legal operation and treats his staff with respect, even as the casino faces threats from debt and gangsters. In a climactic move, he stakes the entire casino against his staff and, when Paul and others draw a nine, simply says 'You beat me' and walks away, choosing his principles and family over a final victory.

Lon loves her husband Charley and yearns for a stable family life. She navigates the tension between the casino’s world and domestic needs, supporting Paul and keeping the family together as chaos erupts around high-stakes gambling. Her loyalty is a stabilizing force that rekindles Charley’s sense of duty and love.

Paul is Charley and Lon’s teenage son who is ashamed of his father’s line of work. He resents the casino’s influence on his life, yet he ultimately steps up during the crisis, defending the staff and seeking respect from his father. The brawl at the prom and his later actions reflect his struggle to reconcile family loyalty with personal identity.

Robbin Elcott is Lon’s sister’s duplicitous husband, a dealer who owes money to a gangster and engages in schemes to stay afloat. He is entangled in criminal pressures and the casino’s underworld, illustrating how greed and deceit threaten Charley’s lawful operation. His presence contributes to the tension around trust and loyalty within the family.

Alice Elcott is Lon’s weak and duplicitous sister who lives with the Kyngs, illustrating the fragile alliances inside the extended family. Her character heightens the sense of vulnerability and deception surrounding the casino life. Her presence compounds the emotional strain on Lon and Charley.

Ada is Charley’s former girlfriend who tries to rekindle their past relationship, testing Charley’s resolve. Her intrusion into the story underscores themes of loyalty and temptation and serves as a reminder of the choices Charley must make beyond business.

Jim Kurstyn is a big-time gambler on a winning streak, threatening to bankrupt the casino. He taunts Charley with bravado but comes to respect him for his fair dealing. His arc highlights the volatility of high-stakes gambling and the price of pride.

Ed is a seasoned figure in the casino environment, providing steady support as the pressures surrounding the Kyngs escalate. His calm presence helps anchor the drama as events unfold around the main family.

Smitty is a casino staff member who represents the everyday workers whose livelihoods depend on the fair operation of the house. His presence adds texture to the casino world beyond the main family drama.

Danny the Cashier handles the money on the casino floor, embodying the mechanics of the house that Charley fights to protect. His role emphasizes the practical consequences of the casino’s fate on staff.