Akim Tamiroff plays the title role, an underworld leader who controls all illicit operations in Chinatown. Tamiroff is toppled from power by two members of his own mob (
Anthony Quinn and J.Carroll Naish). He is left for dead, but is saved by a dedicated Chinese-American doctor (
Anna May Wong). In gratitude, Tamiroff turns over his fortune to a Chinese war relief fund.
King of Gamblers was directed with flair by the otherwise unimaginative
Nick Grinde, who seems to have borrowed several artistic touches from fellow Paramount contractee
Robert Florey. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide