The Hustler

Paul Newman heads a superb cast featuring Jackie Gleason, George C. Scott and Piper Laurie in the riveting film that received an Academy Award(R) nomination as Best Picture of 1961 and brought all four of its Oscar(R) nomination. Newman (Best Actor nominee) is electrifying as Fast Eddie Felson, an arrogant, amoral hustler who haunts backstreet pool rooms fleecing anyone who'll pick up a cue. Determined to be acclaimed as the best, Eddie seeks out the legendary Minnesota Fats (Gleason), who's backed by Bert Gordon (Scott), a predatory gambler. Eddie can beat the champ, but virtually defeats himself with his low self-image. The love of a lonely woman (Laurie) could turn Eddie's life around, but he won't rest until he beats Minnesota Fats, no matter what price he must pay. THE HUSTLER is a dazzling cinematic triumph.