An American Classic

Rating: 10/10 (19 October 2002)

Character, class, love, greed, are all examined under the glaring light hanging over the pool table in a movie about everything but pool. Classic photography, editing, and performances by Paul Newman (self destructive Fast Eddie), Jackie Gleason (Minnesota Fats, the man to beat with the Cheshire Cat grin of knowledge), Piper Laurie (the wary walking wounded) and George C. Scott (brutal capitalist with the watchful eye and cutting commentary). They just don't make em like that anymore. Perfect from start to finish.