Paul Newman found his niche in this film

Rating: 8/10 (11 July 2005)

This fine drama is considered one of Paul Newman's best films and has great acting and a great supporting cast. The story is a dark character study of two people adrift without an anchor. Newman and Piper Laurie, the romantic interest, are two losers, and although Newman is gifted with a cue stick, Laurie is dysfunctional and a total alcoholic. The picture's best scenes show Newman and Jackie Gleason, the Minnesota Fats character, engaged in a marathon, high-stakes game of pool, which is all Newman thinks about. Newman was at his best when he portrayed strong, sullen yet introspective types. In this film, Newman is the insensitive youth, callous and selfish who brushes aside those people closest to him as he climbs to the pinnacle of his game. Gleason is great as the fat man and Newman's nemesis, as is George C. Scott as Newman's unsavory agent. Laurie is good in a difficult role as the film's tragic figure. Murray Hamilton also is good in a brief role as a billiards player. The black and white lensing is excellent.