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

Sarah Packard: I'm a college girl. Two days a week - Tuesdays and Thursdays - I go to college.
Fast Eddie: You don't look like a college girl.
Sarah Packard: I'm the emancipated type. Real emancipated.
Fast Eddie: No, I didn't mean that... whatever that means. I mean you just don't look young enough.
Sarah Packard: I'm not.
Fast Eddie: So why go to college?
Sarah Packard: Got nothing else to do on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Fast Eddie: What do you do on the other days?
Sarah Packard: I drink.


Sarah Packard: I love you, Eddie.
Fast Eddie: You know, someday, Sarah, you're gonna settle down... you're gonna marry a college professor and you're gonna write a great book. Maybe about me. Huh? Fast Eddie Felson... hustler.
Sarah Packard: I love you.
Fast Eddie: You need the words?
Sarah Packard: Yes, I need them very much. If you ever say them I'll never let you take them back.


Fast Eddie: Fats, you can't run out on me!
Minnesota Fats: You watch me.


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Facts about

Fast Eddie is from Oakland, California.
In the first big game, Eddie uses massé to change the cue ball direction and pocket two balls on a single shot. In the final game of the movie, he does it again. This is actually the same shot filmed from different angles. Although the shot is impressive, it is very risky and would give Eddie no discernible advantage.
When it was necessary to show some of the trickier shots, 14 time world billiards champion Willie Mosconi (who was also the film's technical advisor) would play the stunt hands.
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Best Cinematography Oscar 1961











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National Film Registry

The Hustler

Released 1961
Inducted 1997
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Also directed by Robert Rossen




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Also produced by Robert Rossen




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Also released in 1961




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