They called him "Fast Eddie"... He was a winner... He was a loser... He was a hustler.

Starring: Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie, George C. Scott, Myron McCormick, Murray Hamilton, Michael Constantine, Stefan Gierasch, Clifford Pellow, Jake LaMotta, Vincent Gardenia

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Just win, win, you said, win, that's the important thing. You don't know what winnin' is, Bert. You're a loser. 'Cause you're dead inside, and you can't live unless you make everything else dead around ya." – Fast Eddie

Why watch this? It is the story of a conman and his redemption in an ugly world.

Plot Summary: "Fast" Eddie Felson, an arrogant but talented small-time pool hustler, travels to New York to challenge the legendary player "Minnesota Fats". After losing his initial high-stakes match due to his self-destructive attitude, Eddie becomes entangled with a lonely woman and a ruthless gambler who exploits his talent for personal gain. Ultimately, Eddie seeks a rematch with Fats, realizing that the victory he desires is more about personal integrity and self-respect than just winning the game.

Dad's Preview: Yes this is the granddaddy of all pool films. It has it all... Minnesota Fats... Fast Eddie Felson... Seedy gambling in smoke-filled back rooms. What it possesses that surprised me was how real is all felt. Newman, as the film's main focus, is great at pool, but he's a horrible, selfish person. Much of this can be attributed to a tough life populated with bad choices. Eddie, however, is a survivor; a master hustler swimming in a sea of sharks. He trusts no one and is emotionally shut off. He sees pool, and the respect it gets him, as the only way to finally escape. This film seeps mood and noir. It's a dank universe of wise-guys and shysters; conmen and cooks, all set to big city jazz. Newman, Laurie and Gleason shine throughout, but George C. Scott, as the manipulative professional gambler, chews up every scene he's in. So chalk up your cue and break!

Rossen Enterprises; 20th Century-Fox