The Gambler | Fyodor Dostoevsky

Alexei Ivanovich is tutor to a Russian family. They are bankrupt and eagerly awaiting the death of 'Grandmother'. Alexei falls in love twice: first, with the beautiful but impossible Polina; and second, with the game of roulette. Hi addiction turns out to be shared by Grandmother who suddenly appears, very much alive, and willing to gamble down to her last banknote.