#2 - The Hustler

Bert: You got talent.
Eddie: So I got talent? So what beat me?
Bert: Character.

This is just one of many great quotes. It is also how Ebert begins his review of the movie. You can read it here. It is a great review. I highly recommend it. This movie has a peak performance from Paul Newman, a breakout role for George C Scott, and Jackie Gleason as Minnesota Fats. I think if you catch me on any given day my #1 and #2 change. It is more like 1a and 1b.

Paul Newman was nominated 6 times for best actor but only won once in Color of Money. Many believe, including me, that was more of a fix for him not winning for the Hustler. He should have won it in 1962 for the Hustler. With no offense to Cool Hand Luke, I believe this was his best individual performance. Shame on the AFI for not putting it in their top 100 movies. I will forever think it is #101 on their list.

Go about 2 minutes in to this scene. The back and forth between Gleason and Newman is awesome.

Fats: "Now I know why they call you Fast Eddie."



Here is part of their first match.

2:15 in - Eddie's description of Fats is great. Gleason is gliding around the table.

4:45 in - Eddie's manager tell him to quit and Eddie stands up and takes control. Awesome!



Their last match and basically the rest of the movie. Do not watch if you want to watch the movie.

6:00 in - Bert yells "You owe me MONEY!" I love this whole scene after that line!
10:05 in - Fast Eddie: "Fat man, you shoot a great game of pool."
Fats: "So do you fast Eddie."