The Hustler - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 1961 and running a little long at 134 minutes this might be the best last b&w film.The story is not new but tying it to a "game"like pool adds the final drama to a tale of losers who strive to survive and excel in a world they have already failed in.Why care at all??Because the cast compels us to.Again star power!!!Below is a summary from IMDB and a trailer follows the pix and I took 1 1/2 stars off for being in b&w and a story we have seen before.But Newman,Gleason  ( yes the fat comic) Scott and Lurie along with others demand you see it at least once.I bought it and will review the 30 years latter sequel qt q later date.

"Fast" Eddie Felson is a small-time pool hustler with a lot of talent but a self-destructive attitude. His bravado causes him to challenge the legendary "Minnesota Fats" to a high-stakes match, but he loses in a heartbreaking marathon. Now broke and without his long-time manager, Felson faces an uphill battle to regain his confidence and his game. It isn't until he hits rock bottom that he agrees to join up with ruthless and cutthroat manager Bert Gordon. Gordon agrees to take him on the road to learn the ropes. But Felson soon realizes that making it to the top could cost him his soul, and perhaps his girlfriend. Will he decide that this is too steep a price to pay in time to save himself? Written by <jgp3553@yahoo.com>

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2475557145/