Impressive Newman

Rating: 8/10 (19 February 2015)

Pool player Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) drives to small towns with his partner Charlie to hustle unsuspecting locals. Cocky Charlie challenges pool legend Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason). He's ahead but ignores Charlie's plead to quit and loses big. He leaves Charlie behind and meets Sarah Packard (Piper Laurie). He's looking to take on Fats again but Charlies won't and they break up. Life on the road is tough and he gets his hands broken. He joins up with hard gambler Bert Gordon (George C. Scott) who takes 75% as his manager. Newman is impressive as the lead. Most of the actors are terrific. There is great stuff in the movie. Laurie is fair. There are some slower spots in the middle but they are minor moments. Newman's battles with Gleason are filled with tension. This is a terrific movie.