Loser Takes All

In his dedication Greene said he had not written "this little story" to encourage "adultery, the use of pyjama tops, or registry office weddings.

One day, he comes to the attention of Dreuther, the powerful director of his company, who changes Bertram's plan for him: they are to wed and honeymoon in Monte Carlo.

He wins so much money that he gets the attention of Mr. Bowles, another director of the company gambling in Monte Carlo, who is also a rival of Dreuther.

With Cary coming back to him, Bertram is happy even though he loses all his money to Bowles (thereby cancelling his deal with him) and the hungry young man.

A film based on the novella was made in 1956, starring Rossano Brazzi and Glynis Johns, and Hal Osmond.

A remake starring Robert Lindsay and Molly Ringwald was shot in 1990 and directed by James Scott.