The Hustler

"Fast" Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) is a self-assured upstart pool shark who frequents the local halls to get a crack at bringing down the legendary Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason). Under the wing of corrupt manager Bert Gordon (George C. Scott), Eddie begins to struggle to the top. But when he starts to have real feelings for a woman (Piper Laurie), hes faced with a dilemma. This acclaimed drama was nominated for 9 Academy Awards (including Best Picture), and Newman would go on to achieve Best Actor for the films 1986 sequel, THE COLOR OF MONEY.