The Hustler Overview:

The Hustler (1961) was a Drama - Sports Film directed by Robert Rossen and produced by Robert Rossen.

The film was based on the novel of the same name written by Walter Tevis published in 1959.

SYNOPSIS

An arrogant and amoral hustler haunts poolrooms skinning suckers waiting to get a crack at bringing down Minnesota Fats. When he starts to have real feelings for a woman, he's faced with a dilemma. To pick up Fast Eddie's story years later, see The Color of Money (1987), an excellent sequel for which Newman won the Best Actor Oscar.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

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The Hustler was inducted into the National Film Registry in 1997.

Academy Awards 1961 --- Ceremony Number 34 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best ActorPaul NewmanNominated
Best Supporting ActorJackie GleasonNominated
Best Supporting ActorGeorge C. ScottNominated
Best ActressPiper LaurieNominated
Best Art DirectionArt Direction: Harry Horner; Set Decoration: Gene CallahanWon
Best CinematographyEugen ShuftanWon
Best DirectorRobert RossenNominated
Best PictureRobert Rossen, ProducerNominated
Best WritingSidney Carroll, Robert RossenNominated
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BlogHub Articles:

The Hustler (1961, Robert Rossen)

on May 8, 2020 From The Stop Button

It?s an hour into The Hustler before the film offers any real information about protagonist Paul Newman. We?ve seen Newman and mentor slash manager Myron McCormick pool hustle their way across the North American continent, getting Newman to New York City so he can play the best pool player in the wo... Read full article


The Hustler (1961)

By Beatrice on Apr 26, 2017 From Flickers in Time

The Hustler Directed by Robert Rossen Written by Sidney Carroll and Robert Rossen from a novel by Walter Tevis 1961/USA Rossen Films/Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Repeat viewing/Netflix rental One of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die Minnesota Fats: That’s what the game’... Read full article


Ruined by Romance: Drive (2011) and The Hustler (1961)

By Judy on Aug 7, 2014 From Cary Grant Won't Eat You

I was excited when Drive came out: finally, I thought, a new Bourne. An action flick with intelligence and fine acting, starring a man who had bypassed romantic leads after The Notebook to refine his skills in indies. And the promo! It looked exciting and moody, with the kind of premise that meant m... Read full article


Ruined by Romance: Drive (2011) and The Hustler (1961)

By Judy on Aug 7, 2014 From Cary Grant Won't Eat You

I was excited when Drive came out: finally, I thought, a new Bourne. An action flick with intelligence and fine acting, starring a man who had bypassed romantic leads after The Notebook to refine his skills in indies. And the promo! It looked exciting and moody, with the kind of premise that meant m... Read full article


The Hustler (1961)

By 4 Star Film Fan on May 5, 2014 From 4 Star Films

Starring Paul Newman, George C. Scott, Piper Laurie, and Jacke Gleason, the film follows a pool hustler named Fast Eddie Felson (Newman). A cocky and skilled player, Eddie travels all the way from Oakland, California to face the legendary Minnesota Fats (Gleason). In an epic pool marathon with very ... Read full article


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Quotes from

Fast Eddie: I don't rattle, kid. But just for that I'm gonna beat you flat.


Minnesota Fats: Big John, do you think this boy is a hustler?


Fast Eddie: [reading] We have a contract of depravity; all we have to do is pull a blind down.


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Facts about

Director Robert Rossen was a pool hustler himself in his youth. He had even penned an unsuccessful pool-themed play called 'Corner Pocket'.
Rossen hired real street thugs and enrolled them in the Screen Actors Guild so that they could be used as extras.
During the filming, one of the production days happened to fall on St. Patrick's Day. Prior to Jackie Gleason's arrival to the shoot at the pool hall, the lighting crew took out all the clear gels, and replaced them with green ones. Upon seeing this, Gleason was so impressed he said, "Boys! This looks beautiful! Take the rest of the day off!". He left, and production was shut down for that day!
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Best Cinematography Oscar 1961











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National Film Registry

The Hustler

Released 1961
Inducted 1997
(Sound)




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