The Hustler

1961 • 134 minutes

About this movie

Paul Newman heads a superb cast featuring Jackie Gleason, George C. Scott and Piper Laurie in the riveting film that received an Academy Award® nomination as Best Picture of 1961 and brought all four of its Oscar® nominations. Newman (Best Actor nominee) is electrifying as "Fast" Eddie Felson, an arrogant, amoral hustler who haunts backstreet pool rooms fleecing anyone who'll pick up a cue. Determined to be acclaimed as the best, Eddie seeks out the legendary Minnesota Fats (Gleason, Supporting Actor nominee), who's backed by Bert Gordon (Scott, Supporting Actor nominee), a predatory gambler. Eddie can beat the champ, but virtually defeats himself with his low self-image. The love of a lonely woman (Laurie, Best Actress nominee) could turn Eddie's life around, but he won't rest until he beats Minnesota Fats, no matter what price he must pay. Voted one of the year's ten best by "The New York Times" and "Time," and distinguished by 2 Academy Awards- Cinematography, Art Direction-Set Decoration (B&W).

Ratings and reviews

Newman is great, but man did i enjoy Jackie Gleason’s and George C Scott’s performance. Excellent movie, better than the Color of Money

How could it get better than this? It's incredible. The other night I saw "The Color of.Money," which is really a remake of this. It's amazing to see one be brilliant and the other bad. I'll just mention one huge difference. This is a movie about people, and we care and wonder and worry. "Color of Money" is pool, pool, pool! Who cares? Do see this movie. It has all the colors and nuances of being human. A classic!

Strong story. Strong acting. Just a very good movie overall. Side note - It still bothers me till this day that Paul Newman didn't win an Oscar for his performance in this film.....