Shadowy World of Pool Shark, viewed in realistic treatment. A lot of folks thought it to be a true story!*

Rating: 10/10 (16 February 2008)

It was the Science Fiction fraternity along with the domain of the Super Hero Comic Books that advanced the idea of there being "multiple Worlds" or "parallel Universes" coexisting side by side, albeit in different adjoining dimensions (or something like that). In particular it was largely promoted by, though not conceived by Science Fiction Writer, Comic Book Script Writer and Lawyer, one Gardner F. Fox.
It was in the DC comics title, THE FLASH # 123, dated September, 1961, that Mr. Fox's full length story, "Flash of Two Worlds!" premiered the Multi-Universe concept that became synonymous with the Super Hero Genre at National Comics, National Periodical Publications or Superman-DC. (Take your pick. They used all 3 names.) In this story, it was discovered that this multi-world set-up was in existence. The "modern" Flash (Police Scientist, Barry Allen), accidentally stumbled onto the "Original" Flash (Jay Garrick). They shared an adventure which led to future "crossovers" of virtually all of DC's characters, both old and new versions. It was a great tool for the writers, for the revival of old characters and not so very bad when it came to the old Ca$h $upply! In a very real way, our World is divided into several sub-worlds of its own; all existing side by side, day after day. Some may call it "Counter Culture"; others say "Sub Culture" or "World", even. But, though visible, these shadow areas are seldom seen by we lucky "mainstreamers". This finally brings us down to today's lucky honoree, THE HUSTLER (Rossen Films/20th Century-Fox, 1961).
Filmed in a very dark, moody and shadowy Black & White, the film provides a fine canvass for painting such vivid and realistic a story. Adding on top of this about as fine a cast as was available. Beginning with anti-hero king, Paul Newman ("Fast" Eddie Felson) and Jackie Gleason (Minnesota Fats), the characterization is neat, crisp and dripping with realism. The other characters were cast with equal acumen. Lonely Lady, and Eddie's main squeeze, Sarah Packard (Miss Piper Laurie) totally made the role hers; crowning it with much worldly, bittersweet "been there, done that." Eddie's partner-manager, Charlie Burns (the highly underrated and versatile Myron McCormick) and sideline kibitzer/promoter Bert Gordon (Patton himself, George C. Scott) add pressures and tensions of their own agendas to the whole mix. Characters like big timer, Big John (Michael Constantine) and Millionaire Thrill Seeking Pool Shooter, Findley (Murray Hamilton) add to the main plot and move things along in interesting subplot scenes. We also are treated to appearances by Vincent Gardenia and Jake La Motta (the real life 'Raging Bull') as bartenders and veteran character Stefan Gierasch as 'the Preacher.' FORWARD.We open, even before any credits have rolled, with Eddie Felson and Charlie Burns stopping by a local saloon, posing as salesmen on their way to Pittsburgh. After a beer or two, they start a little pool-shooting and soon some locals think Eddie to be a potentially easy mark. After a less than spectacular game or two, the suggestion is made to play for some really high stakes. Deal made, game played, Eddie goes all-out winning big and cleans the locals out! (That's what pool hustlers do!) BOOM! Roll the credits! (And the great moody theme, too!) Felson has been out to meet up with one Minnesota Fats, ever since Eddie was a youngster learning the game in San Diego. Then it happens, but Eddie insists on beating the Fat man into an all out, unconditional, "I quit-type" of a submission. ("Uncle, Uncle!!"). Being next to broke, after having the veteran Fats on the ropes, Eddie plies his trade with some other locals a little down the road, but looses his temper and goes all out to embarrass the lad. He is discovered to be what he is and the locals break his thumbs and take the dough.
By this time he has met and concubining Sarah (Piper Laurie, remember?). Soon, Bert Gordon (George C. Scott) talks Eddie into going to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby Week festivities. There, he can cut into the millionaire money of some easy money, while giving his game a little tune-up.
It is during this time, that Sarah, whom Eddie now loves so very much, is killed at the hands of (name withheld, see it!). Brokenhearted, Eddie eventually returns to Charlie and goes gunnin' for Minnesota Fats. FURTHER INFO DELETED! (See it, Schultz!) One thing we do learn is that, be it in main stream life or in a shadowy "Parallel Universe" of someone like the Pool Shark, the Money is not the important thing. It is merely what money truly is, a medium of exchange. It is the competition and the winning that makes it all worthwhile.
And that goes for all literary endeaveurs!
NOTE: * Well I did, anyway! You know, being that there was a real Minnesota Fats, wasn't there? We seen 'im on TV!