Vintage

The Hustler tells the story of small-time pool shark—a hustler—by the name of "Fast Eddie" Felson (Paul Newman). Fast Eddie has a burning desire to prove himself the best player in the country by beating legendary pool player "Minnesota Fats" (Jackie Gleason).  After initially losing to Fats and getting involved with a cold uncaring manager, Bert Gordon (George C. Scott), Eddie returns to beat Fats, but only after paying a terrible personal price.

This is an "Ace" movie all the way.  There are nearly too many great scenes in The Hustler to count.  One of my favorite exchanges is when Minnesota Fats first encounters Eddie Felson.  He asks him if he is indeed "Fast Eddie" Felson.  Felson replies something to the effect he doesn't know the guy.  Later, Minnesota says, "Do you like to gamble, Eddie, gamble on pool games?" From here, the stakes are ratcheted upward.

Filmed in black and white, this film is nearly on the money in every category you can think of.  The acting by both Newman and Gleason, to say nothing of the support cast of George C. Scott and Piper Lorrie is first rate.  The dialog is memorable from the first rack of balls to the last.  For fans of the pool game itself, Gleason was reported to have shot his own stick.   This is a CFz Ace all the way.