Tate 2022-04-20 09:01:26
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[first lines]
Ben Campbell: [narrating] 'Winner, winner, chicken dinner.' Those words had been dancing around my head all night. I mean, it's Vegas lore, that phrase. Just ask any of the old-time pit bosses, they'll know. It was a Chinese dealer at Binion's who was first credited with the line. He would shout it every time he dealt blackjack. That was over 40 years ago, and the words still catch. 'Winner, winner, chicken dinner.' Yeah, try it. I had heard it at least 14 times that night. I couldn't lose. First of all, what I was doing wasn't illegal. There were certain institutions and people that frowned upon it, but it's legal. And not everyone can do it. Just those with gifted minds. I have a gifted mind. That's what got me into all this mess. I was counting cards and I was up over $640,000.
Ben Campbell: [we see the images of Ben winning at a game table] We used hand signals, too. Folded arms, the table's hot. A touch to the eye, we need to talk. And a hand running through perfect flowing hair meant only one thing. Get out. Now. 'Winner, winner, chicken dinner.'
[Ben talks to Professor Gilpin about getting the Robinson Scholarship]
Bob Phillips: The Robinson Scholarship is comprehensive, as you know. It's a free ride. And free rides don't come easy.
Ben Campbell: Absolutely.
Bob Phillips: We have 76 applicants, this year. Only one of them will get the Scholarship. And most of whom have resumes just as impressive as you.
Ben Campbell: Right. Uh, Professor Phillips? Some kids grow up wanting to play for the Red Sox. You know, some grow up wanting to be, I don't know, a fireman. I grew up... Well, really, I just wanted to come here to Harvard Med. And now that I've gotten accepted, it seems to only come down to the money. Which I don't really have. So, what I'm trying to say is that I really, really need this scholarship.
Bob Phillips: Did you rehearse that?
Ben Campbell: Yeah. Like, 14 times in front of the mirror.
Bob Phillips: Unfortunately, desire doesn't figure into this much. The Robinson is going to go to someone who... Dazzles. Somebody who just jumps off the page.
