The Killing of a Chinese Bookie ending explained

Spoiler summary page for informational search intent.

What happens at the end?

Cosmo Vittelli, the proprietor of a sleazy, low-rent Hollywood cabaret, has a real affection for the women who strip in his peepshows and the staff who keep up his dingy establishment. He also has a major gambling problem that has gotten him in trouble before. When Cosmo loses big-time at an underground casino run by mobster Mort, he isn't able to pay up. Mort then offers Cosmo the chance to pay back his debt by knocking off a pesky, Mafia-protected bookie.

Why it matters

The ending resolves the main conflict and sets up the emotional takeaway of the story. As the index grows, this block can be auto-generated with more detailed scene-level commentary.

FAQ

Does this page contain spoilers?

Yes. The explanation summarizes major ending events and interpretation.

Where can I find similar endings and themes?

Check the similar movies page for related tone and narrative structure.