You’ve seen the movie. Now read the story on which it is based. Illustrations are from the movie
Big Shot
By Vicki Baum
BRANDT, THE SHARPSHOOTER, sat in his van, playing a game of checkers with himself. That was how he always spent the half-hour preceding his appearance. The game soothed him and steadied his hands. He raised his head irritably as the door was pulled open, and the stable smell and circus noises came surging in.
"What's wrong?" he asked, unfriendly.
"An accident," stammered the stable master. "They want you."
Brandt jumped up.
"Rodini—" the stable master said.
"A fall—?" asked Brandt.
"Broke his neck. Killed on the spot. Please come—"
"He drank too much," said Brandt.
