The Hustler
Drama
20th Century Fox  (1961) 135 mins NR

8.1 (19,742 votes) Top 250: #181
"Newman is outstanding." -Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide

Paul Newman 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, who's backed by Bert Gordon, a predatory gambler. Eddie can beat the champ, but virtually defeats himself with his low self-image. The love of a lonely woman 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), The Hustler is a dazzling cinematic triumph....

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Cast and Crew
Paul Newman  ......  Eddie Felson
Jackie Gleason  ......  Minnesota Fats
George C. Scott  ......  Bert Gordon
Piper Laurie  ......  Sarah Packard
Murray Hamilton  ......  Findley
Myron McCormick  ......  Charlie Burns
Director  .....  Robert Rossen
Producer  .....  Robert Rossen
Writer  .....  Robert Rossen; Sidney Carroll
Notes
Goofs:
Continuity: During the last pool match, second game, Minnesota Fats has taken his jacket off, loosened his tie and unbuttoned his vest, but one subsequent shot shows him with his tie tightened and wearing a buttoned vest and jacket. (more)

Trivia:
Ranked #6 on the American Film Institute's list of the 10 greatest films in the genre "Sports" in June 2008. (more)

Filming Locations:
Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA (more)

Quotes:
Bert Gordon: I don't think there's a pool player alive shoots better pool than I saw you shoot the other night at Ames. You got talent.
Fast Eddie: So I got talent. So what beat me?
Bert Gordon: Character.
(more)

Awards:
Won 2 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 13 nominations (more)