The Hustler (1961)

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Director: Robert Rossen

Writers: Sidney Carroll and Robert Rossen, based on the novel by Walter Tevis

Stars: Paul Newman, Piper Laurie, George C. Scott, Jackie Gleason, Myron McCormick, Murray Hamilton, Michael Constantine, Stefan Gierasch



Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman), a pool hustler, wants to test himself against Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason), the best player in the country. 



This sets in motion a series of events that will make him a much wiser man.

 


Director Robert Rossen died not long after the release of this masterpiece.

 


What a loss. 



I haven't seen his subsequent film, "Lilith," but, whatever its quality, the brilliance of this film suggests that further triumphs lay in his future. 



"The Hustler" opens with a magnificent pool game. 



Generally, one would have assumed that an even more impressive game, with more at stake for the characters and filmed with more emphasis, awaited us for the climax.

 


However, by the time the end of this film comes, we are deep in Felson's world and his tragic romance with the alcoholic Sarah Packard (Piper Laurie).

 


In terms of pure incident, the culminating pool game pales in comparison to the earlier match, but we have grown to know these characters so intimately that the stakes are much higher.

 


Of course, George C. Scott and Jackie Gleason provide essential support.





















































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