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The Hustler (1961)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
25 September 1961 (USA)
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Tagline:
They Called Him "Fast Eddie" more
Plot:
An up-and-coming pool player plays a long-time champion in a single high-stakes match. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Hustler
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Pool Hustler
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Pool Hall
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Train
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Beautiful Woman
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Awards:
Won 2 Oscars.
Another 12 wins
&
13 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(37 articles)
Birthday Suits 11/07
(From FilmExperience. 7 November 2009, 8:45 AM, PST)
Weekend Shopping Guide 10/16/09: Boosh Is Mighty
(From . 16 October 2009, 3:56 PM, PDT)
(From FilmExperience. 7 November 2009, 8:45 AM, PST)
Weekend Shopping Guide 10/16/09: Boosh Is Mighty
(From . 16 October 2009, 3:56 PM, PDT)
User Comments:
A Talented Loser
more (112 total)
Cast
(Complete credited cast)| Paul Newman | ... | Eddie Felson | |
| Jackie Gleason | ... | Minnesota Fats | |
| Piper Laurie | ... | Sarah Packard | |
| George C. Scott | ... | Bert Gordon | |
| Myron McCormick | ... | Charlie Burns | |
| Murray Hamilton | ... | Findley | |
| Michael Constantine | ... | Big John | |
| Stefan Gierasch | ... | Preacher | |
| Clifford A. Pellow | ... | Turk (as Cliff Pellow) | |
| Jake LaMotta | ... | Bartender | |
| Gordon B. Clarke | ... | Cashier | |
| Alexander Rose | ... | Score Keeper | |
| Carolyn Coates | ... | Waitress | |
| Carl York | ... | Young Hustler | |
| Vincent Gardenia | ... | Bartender |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Robert Rossen's The Hustler (USA) (complete title)
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Parents Guide:
Runtime:
134 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)
Certification:
Australia:PG |
Iceland:L |
Canada:14+ (Ontario) |
South Korea:15 |
USA:Approved (certificate #20068) |
Brazil:12 |
Ireland:12 |
Finland:K-16 |
Norway:16 |
Sweden:15 |
UK:15 |
West Germany:16 |
UK:X (original rating)
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
An aficionado of acting, George C. Scott told interviewer Lawrence Grobel in his December 1980 "Playboy" magazine interview that his The Hustler (1961) co-star Paul Newman's performance in that film was nothing special (both actors were nominated for Academy Awards for their performances). However, he found Newman's performance as the eponymous Hud (1963) to be a superb piece of acting.
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Goofs:
Continuity: The can of talcum powder Eddie is holding switches hands.
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Quotes:
Minnesota Fats:
Do you like to gamble, Eddie? Gamble money on pool games?
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in "Cannon: The Salinas Jackpot (#1.1)" (1971)
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Soundtrack:
Louisville
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FAQ
A Note Regarding SpoilersIs "The Hustler" based on a novel?
Any recommendation for other pool-playing movies like "The Hustler"?
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more (112 total)
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It's an intriguing idea. If a person is talented, that person should be a winner. And, we would expect a loser to be someone who is not talented. But the idea that someone could be a talented loser is a paradox, a contradiction that doesn't fit into the conventional mindset of American culture, and is the basis for "The Hustler", a character study of an ace pool player who can't seem to win respect from his peers.
The pool player is (Fast) Eddie Felson (Paul Newman). The plot moves along by means of four secondary characters with whom Fast Eddie interacts: (1) his manager, Charlie; (2) the veteran pool player, Minnesota Fats; (3) Eddie's girlfriend, Sarah; and (4) the money man, Bert Gordon.
"The Hustler" is very much a product of the late 50's and early 60's, when progressive filmmakers were trying to buck the staid post WWII era, with its reactionary Cold War mentality that resulted in strict conformity to established American values. In this film, Bert Gordon and Minnesota Fats represent the establishment. Eddie Felson is the loner, up against the establishment; he's the renegade kid, out to beat the system. Yet, at every turn, the establishment beats Eddie, one way or another. His idealism is useless. He must conform to the establishment's rules, expressed in the film as "character", or give up his dreams.
The film is therefore very cynical and incredibly cold. From start to finish, there's not an ounce of humor. It depresses the spirit. But the film is a very good metaphor for a terrible era wherein societal repression was the norm.
While the story's main character may be a loser, the film itself is a talented winner. The excellent B&W lighting, together with a jazzy score, create an effectively somber and downbeat tone, consistent with the oppressive political atmosphere of that era. The dialogue is sparse and incisive. And the acting is persuasive. Paul Newman is convincing, as are the secondary characters. I especially liked the performance of Jackie Gleason, who comes across as suave, serious, and in total control, a great contrast to his comedic side, in "The Honeymooners".
"The Hustler" is depressing and grim. But the film is very well made. It entertains in ways that are obvious, and educates in ways that are subtle.