J.C. Cullen, played by Matt Dillon, travels from his small town to Chicago to try his luck at gambling professionally. He's a natural at craps and quickly gains a reputation as a high-stakes player. He catches the eye of a wealthy businessman and club owner, George Cole, played by Lee Grant. Cole invites him to a private game at the Gem Club, a high-class establishment where the rich and famous come to gamble.
At the game, Cullen defies the odds and wins big, breaking the bank and impressing Cole with his skill. Cole takes him under his wing and offers him a job at the club. Cullen is living the high life in Chicago, but things get complicated when he meets a beautiful woman named Lorry, played by Diane Lane.
Lorry has a troubled past and is the wife of Cole. Cullen is drawn to her, and they begin a passionate affair. Meanwhile, Cullen also meets and falls for a wholesome girl named Aggie, played by Suzy Amis. As he tries to navigate his relationships with both women and his career as a professional gambler, Cullen gets pulled into a dangerous world of high stakes, corruption, and violence.
The Big Town is a stylish and thrilling drama set in the glamorous world of 1950s Chicago. It offers a glimpse into the moral complexities of gambling and the dark side of pursuing the American Dream. With an outstanding cast and a thrilling plot, The Big Town is a must-see movie for fans of classic crime dramas.