The Hustler is a film released in 1961 starring Piper Laurie, Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, and George C. Scott. It was tagged as an “Essential” film by the Turner Classic Movie network and let me tell you, it is. It is an outstanding film.
Filmed in black and white, the story covers the rise, fall and rise again of a small-time pool hustler. Paul Newman plays the Hustler, “Fast” Eddie Felson. Eddie learns some amazing life lessons that winning at all costs is not the worthwhile goal it appeared to be when ambition drove him - and others hustled Eddie himself. There are so many layers to this movie that no review can really do justice to it: Pool hustler sponsors hustling the gifted pool players for whom they depend on for existence; would be lovers hustling each other to get what they need to survive; super star pool hustlers hustling each other not for money but to determine who is best. There are some very interesting plot turns in the movie as well that are not predictable. These twists make the movie real, keeping it out of the formulaic range and into the realm of a true classic.
All the actors do an outstanding job and their characters grow as the movie progresses. This drama is short on special effects but long on excellent acting. Jackie Gleason has only a few lines but his presence in the film has a big impact. Piper Laurie is tremendous in her role as an alcoholic who finds redemption, life and love only to have her future hustled from her. Paul Newman starts as a man focused on winning yet changes to a man who knows what the true cost of winning at all costs brings He begins as a man without a stitch of character and finishes knowing what character really is.
Snuggle on the couch with hot chocolate and a friend and you’ll find The Hustler a very enjoyable watch.
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