PHOTO COURTESY SYNKRONIZED FILMS

Billy Gardell, the favorite son of Swissvale, parlayed stand-up comedy success into a string of television hits. As the lead of the CBS sitcoms “Mike and Molly” and “Bob Hearts Abishola,” he demonstrated his acting chops alongside his comic timing.

Now, if “The Vortex” is any indication, he’s ready to increase the size of the screen.

Gardell has had supporting film roles before, including appearances in “Bad Santa,” “Jersey Boys” and “You, Me and Dupree.” In “The Vortex,” however, he’s the leading man — and the driving force of a film where the camera barely leaves his side.

Set in the hours before the tragic 1980 fire at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, “The Vortex” stars Gardell as popular yet troubled comedian Pete, an old-school joke teller with a regular gig at a casino showroom. Unfortunately, he spends more time gambling than he does telling jokes. Owing money to a half-dozen toughs, he does the only thing a problem gambler knows how to do: He tries to win his way out of the hole, saddling up at a video poker machine, his lucky toy unicorn staring him in the face.

The majority of the film’s lean running time is spent in one room, a little-used (but “anomalous”) non-smoking slots parlor. As Pete pours quarters into the machine, friends and foes drop by to issue encouragement, warnings and premonitions — none of which prepares anyone for the coming flames.

The tragedy serves as a poignant opening and closing for the film; it may be a reminder that there are forces larger even than loan sharks, or it could be a cosmic leveler. However you read it, it adds to the tone.

It’s Gardell’s job to carry the picture, however, and he’s up to the task. By turns amiable, relatable and pitiable, Pete is an easy character to spend a film with; you can see why his compatriots overlook his flaws (and why his enemies seem to feel so bad about the need to extract a pound of flesh). Halfway through the film, you’ll want to be at the slot machine next to Pete; by the time the credits roll, you’ll never want to gamble again.

My Rating: 7/10

“The Vortex” opens Feb. 13 at the Lindsay Theater.

Note: Sean Collier and Billy Gardell are both regular guests of the DVE Morning Show.