THE HUSTLER (1961)
Paul Newman gives one of his most iconic performances as pool hustler “Fast Eddie” Felson, who is adept at taking small-town rubes for small-time money but longs for a shot at the big money in the city. Over the course of Robert Rossen’s seedy but spirited sporting epic, Felson will win big, lose bigger, find love, lose love and nearly lose his soul. The existential action culminates in a dual finale — Felson’s final high-stakes game against star player Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason), and his showdown with malicious gambler Bert Gordon (George C. Scott). The excellent cast includes Piper Laurie, Myron McCormick, Murray Hamilton and real-life pool champion Willie Mosconi, whose hands doubled for many of Newman’s trick shots. Nominated for nine Oscars®, the film won for Best Art Direction - B&W and Best Cinematography - B&W. DIR/SCR/PROD Robert Rossen, from the novel by Walter Tevis; SCR Sidney Carroll. U.S., 1961, b&w, 135 min. NOT RATED
Run Time: 135 Minutes
Opening Date: Saturday, September 05, 2026
Genre: Sports, drama
