 |
|
Gus Zimmerman, an
insurance salesman, arrives in Las Vegas to call on his largest
account, the Paradise Grand Casino. Tess tells Monica that behind
Gus' smile is a desperate man. Monica meets Gus at the bar where
he explains that he is there to call on the casino manager, Mac,
and earn the commission that will pay for his wife, Esther's care
in a nursing home. As he guzzles ginger ale, Gus explains that
neither he nor Esther drink or gamble. When Gus learns that Mac
is no longer the general manager and the new management is not
willing to see him, he orders another drink, this time with
vodka. Gus goes to the cashier, withdraws a five-thousand dollar
credit limit and loses it all on one roll of roulette. When Gus
pleads with the croupier, "I'll sign anything," the phone
mysteriously rings and the new manager is ready to see him. Gus
enters the office to find the new manager's name is Monique and
she looks exactly like Monica. It becomes apparent that Monique
is evil as she toys with Gus, reminding him of Esther's problems
and letting him win a game of poker for the entire five-thousand
dollars which he just lost. Confident after his rigged victory,
Gus agrees to gamble again: a signed insurance policy for his
soul, something he doesn’t believe in, anyway. He loses. Dejected,
Gus finds Monica at the bar and explains the situation. Monica,
concerned about Gus’ huge loss, plots to beat Monique at a game of
poker. Tess scolds her for entertaining the thought. Gus goes to
Monique who suggests that he "have an accident," thereby helping
his wife who is the beneficiary of his insurance policy. Gus
continues to drink more and rejects Monica when she tries to
convince him not to listen to Monique. Monica takes Gus back to
the chapel where he and Esther were married. Gus remembers how
Tess was the witness of their vows and Monica reveals that they
are both angels, sent by God, to help him fight for his soul.
Gus, however, only becomes more depressed, feeling that his soul
is gone forever, and he climbs to the top of the casino intending
to kill himself. Monique encourages him, showing him a copy of
the same "soul contract" signed by Esther. Monica pleads with Gus
to ask God for His help. Gus then begins to shine a flashlight,
singing "This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine," and
begs God to help him. Powerless against Gus’ reliance on God,
Monique disappears. Gus returns to find that Mac had only been
late for their meeting. Mac signs the insurance contract,
Esther's care is guaranteed and Gus breathes a sigh of relief as
he realizes how close he came to losing his soul.
|
