The #1 Great Classic About Pool and the Value of Character.

Rating: 10/10 (12 July 2006)

Robert Rossen created an absolute classic with this inspired drama about a pool hustler and the true value of character. Paul Newman was perfect in his role as Fast Eddie Felsen and delivered a full menu of the many sides of this character. The authentic on-scene locations were a vital part, as were the fantastic excellence of the roles played by Piper Laurie, Jackie Gleason and George C. Scott. Piper Laurie had withdrawn from movies for several years demanding not more money but rather a substantive role. Thus her portrayal of the alcoholic and lame Sarah Packard, the finest role she ever played. Likewise TV superstar Jackie Gleason stars in his first movie and puts aside his comic side to deliver a restrained and excellent portrayal of Minnesota Fats. A new actor named George C. Scott would find his career built on his role as the bad guy. JTS Brown bourbon was put on the map by this picture. People were ordering it left and right after hearing Newman's demands for it. (Minor spoiler) So many quotes on this website, but not this one. Newman has suggested that he get a bottle and take Sarah Packard take him home. She agrees. At the door: SARAH: Why me? EDDIE: (A hard kiss). SARAH: You're too hungry! (She turns and enters alone). Some extra history --- Theater owners in 1961 were justly furious with 20th Century-Fox for selling the rights to 20+ prime movies for NBC'S Saturday Night at the Movies, making quality films available at home and free on the movie theaters' prime night. In revenge, THE HUSTLER was given almost no promotion or advertising in either its first or subsequent neighborhood runs, moving it quickly into a planned early death. Then along came word-of-mouth advertising and a few theaters cleverly booked and promoted re-runs after the movie's theatrical rental fees had dropped to minimal. Some theaters in my city played the re-run for 14 to 16 weeks, when just one week was normal for a hit film. One last comment: There was an unfortunate and substandard sequel made in 1986 by Martin Scorsese. Forget that one and find the original. Too bad in 2005 or 2006 not one single film comes even close to the excellence or entertainment value of "The Hustler."