
The Hustler
1961, Drama, 2h 15m
44 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
Paul Newman and Jackie Gleason give iconic performances in this dark, morally complex tale of redemption. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Show all servicesThe Hustler Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
"Fast" Eddie Felson
Minnesota Fats
Bert Gordon
Sarah Packard
Charlie Burns
Oames Findley
News & Interviews for The Hustler
Critic Reviews for The Hustler
All Critics (44) | Top Critics (13) | Fresh (43) | Rotten (1)
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Newman gives a restrained, modulated performance, an unusual one in that character development is sought and achieved with utilization only of voice, gesture, intensity.
September 25, 2018 | Full Review… -
Rosen, the co-author, has directed with a sure, economical hand. Newman is first-rate.
January 27, 2016 | Full Review… -
Like a traditional morality play; teens and up.
December 28, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Newman is better than usual; Gleason, as the slit-mouthed, beady-eyed Minnesota Fats, darts among the shabby little pool sharks like an improbably agile and natty whale; and Gambler Scott looks as though he could sell hot-air heat to the devil.
August 3, 2008 | Full Review… -
This is the purest examination of an athlete's internal struggle ever mounted for the screen.
June 29, 2007 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review… -
The Hustler belongs to that school of screen realism that allows impressive performances but defeats the basic goal of pure entertainment.
March 21, 2007 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Hustler
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Jun 24, 2019A truly amazing story of a pool shark grifter who finds himself along a painful journey. One of the finest directed movies I've ever seen (Robert Rossen) as its carefully crafted in every way.Aldo G Super Reviewer
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May 25, 2016Paul Newman is at his best playing "Fast" Eddie Felson; a degenerate gambler who shoots pool to make a living. A sad but entertaining film made even more impressive by the knowledge that Newman and Gleason mainly played the shots themselves.Peter B Super Reviewer
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Mar 07, 2015With an exceptional cast - most especially Paul Newman and Piper Laurie in outstanding performances -, this is a profoundly compelling and richly complex character study about an arrogant, self-destructive anti-hero in search of his own "character" and finding it in a most painful way.Carlos M Super Reviewer
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Oct 21, 2013Before bringing down the character in the Color of Money, Newman creates a great pool shark in Fast Eddie Felson. The showdown with Minnesota Fats has a wonderful buildup and gives us good tension for the final battle.John B Super Reviewer
The Hustler Quotes
Charlie Bums: | It's quiet. |
"Fast" Eddie Felson: | Yeah, like a church. Church of the Good Hustler. |
Charlie Bums: | It looks more like a morgue to me. Those tables are the slabs they lay the stiffs on. |
"Fast" Eddie Felson: | I'll be alive when I get out, Charlie. |
"Fast" Eddie Felson: | You still don't see it, do you, Charlie? You are nothing but a small-time Charlie. You'd love to keep me hustling for you, huh? Wouldn't ya? I mean, a couple more years with me, scuffling around them little towns and those back alleys. You might make yourself enough to get a little poolroom back in Oakland. Six tables and a handbook on the side. Is that when you say goodbye to me, Charlie? |
Sarah Packard: | You know, I've been living here for almost three years. Now in three days it seems as if I know everybody. When I pass people on the street I want to stop and say, "Listen, I got a fella." |
Sarah Packard: | You know, I've been living here for almost three years. Now in three days it seems as if I know everybody. When I pass people on the street I want to stop and say, 'Listen, I got a fella.' |
Sarah Packard: | Why me? He takes her head in his hands and kisses her. She responds but, as he holds her tighter, she starts to struggle. |
Sarah Packard: | Please ... please ... please. She pushes him away and shakes her head. |
Sarah Packard: | You're too hungry. |
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