The Hustler (1961)

From NetFlix:

Paul Newman scores as tragic, flawed pool hustler ‘Fast Eddie Felson’
in a brooding drama that explores the synergies between good and evil,
love and desperation. Felson tours the country hustling games — even
challenging reigning champion Minnesota Fats (a fabulous Jackie Gleason).
Co-starring Piper Laurie and George C. Scott, The Hustler was followed
30 years later by the sequel The Color of Money, starring Newman and
Tom Cruise. Rack ’em up!

This Christmas visit Kate and Nigel requested “The Color of Money” which we enjoyed. In it Paul Newman is the older “teacher” for a new young hustler Tom Cruise. I just had to re-see “The Hustler” as a comparison. I felt I had to invent yet another film category “Classic”
because there is no other way to describe “The Hustler”.
It seems impossible that “The Hustler” was made 48 years ago. How many of us in the MovieFans list are even that old? In fact, I will occasionally revisit older “Classics” to see how they survive the passage of time. Not only does “The Hustler” survive, in my opinion it surpasses “The Color of Money”. Whereas Tom Cruise is his usual brat-like self, the young Paul Newman will be the warmly human ‘Fast Eddie Felson’ forever, a man who appreciates too late the love he lost.

Of the 4 principle actors Newman, Gleason, and Scott are dead. Piper Laurie still acts and has been in ‘Law and Order’ episodes. We should probably keep score on how many actors (young and old) in our movie list have also played in at least one ‘Law and Order’ episode.

Do you feel “The Hustler” is dated ?

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