Guide Note

The 1961 drama The Hustler stars Paul Newman as "Fast" Eddie Felson, a talented but troubled pool hustler who challenges the legendary "Minnesota Fats" (Jackie Gleason) to an all-night, high-stakes match. Felson takes unnecessary chances and finally loses; the film follows his struggle to get himself in position for a rematch.

Fast Facts

1. Director: Robert Rossen
2. Starring: Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, George C. Scott, Piper Laurie
3. Released: September 25, 1961
4. Budget: $2 million USD
5. Filmed in New York City
6. Nominated for nine Academy Awards
7. Won Oscars for Best Art/Set Direction and Best Cinematography for a black-and-white film
8. Laurie, Gleason and Scott were all nominated for their supporting roles
9. Scott refused his nomination, but would later win for his leading role in Patton
10. Adaptation of the novel of the same name by Walter Tevis
11. Widely considered to have rekindled an international interest in pool
12. Boxer Jake LaMotta, portrayed by Robert DiNiro two decades later in Raging Bull, has a cameo as a bartender