“The Cincinnati Kid” follows a young poker prodigy named Eric “The Kid” Stoner as he challenges the reigning king of the game, Lancey “The Man” Howard, in a high-stakes game in 1930s New Orleans. The tension builds with each hand and bluff, as The Kid tries to outsmart his opponent and prove himself as the new master of the game. But as the stakes get higher and the risks become greater, The Kid soon realizes that he might not be prepared to handle all the consequences of success or defeat. The film features iconic performances from Steve McQueen and Edward G. Robinson, capturing the thrill and danger of gambling like few other films can.
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Review
The year was 1965, and the world of poker was yet to be exposed to the masses. It was in this era that Steve McQueen starred in one of his most iconic roles, playing the lead in the movie “The Cincinnati Kid”. Directed by Norman Jewison and based on Richard Jessup’s novel, the movie tells a thrilling tale of poker games, high stakes, and betrayal.
At its core, “The Cincinnati Kid” is a story about a young and talented poker player who wants to prove himself as the best player in town. Eric Stoner (McQueen), aka “the Kid”, is obsessed with beating Lancey Howard (Edward G. Robinson), aka “the Man”, widely regarded as the best poker player around. When word gets out that Howard is coming to town for a high-stakes game against Stoner, everyone wants in on the action.
The plot thickens as Stoner’s girlfriend Christian (Tuesday Weld) falls for another player played by Karl Malden. With so much at stake, every move counts, and every decision could mean the difference between winning or losing it all.
The movie was well received by critics and fans alike upon its release. It’s not hard to see why – McQueen’s performance is electric from start to finish. His cool demeanor and confidence make him a perfect fit for Stoner’s character. Edward G. Robinson turns in an equally impressive performance as Howard – he’s charming yet ruthless all at once.
One of the things that make this movie stand out is how it accurately portrays a time before technology changed everything we know about gambling. The grittiness and authenticity of those old-fashioned poker games help create an atmosphere that keeps viewers glued to their seats.
The movie also features an incredible score composed by Lalo Schifrin. The music adds just enough tension to each scene without ever overpowering McQueen’s coolness or Robinson’s suaveness.
Despite the rave reviews, “The Cincinnati Kid” never won any major awards. Still, its legacy endures, and it remains a classic in the world of gambling movies. Its influence can be seen in other movies and TV shows that have followed in its wake, including “Rounders,” “Molly’s Game,” and “Breaking Bad.”
It’s fascinating to think about how much has changed since this movie was released – not just in the world of gambling but also in the way movies are made. Yet, even after 55 years, “The Cincinnati Kid” remains a timeless classic.
Of course, with any successful movie comes gossip about its production. The filming of this movie was not without its challenges. For instance, McQueen supposedly clashed with director Norman Jewison over his portrayal of Stoner’s character. However, that tension seemed to work to their advantage – McQueen’s performance is undoubtedly one of his best.
Another interesting fact is that jeweler Harry Winston loaned out many of his diamonds for use in the film. The film’s costume designer ended up earning an Academy Award nomination for her work on the movie.
It’s hard to deny that McQueen was an icon – not just for his acting but also for his sense of style. His clothing choices were always effortless yet elegant – a perfect reflection of Stoner’s character. Even today, people look at McQueen as a symbol of coolness and sophistication.
“The Cincinnati Kid” may be a classic now, but it wasn’t an immediate financial success upon release. It barely broke even at the box office – mainly due to competition from another classic film: “The Sound of Music”.
Despite all these facts and trivia surrounding the movie, what stands out most is the story itself. The tension that builds up throughout each game is palpable – you can’t help but root for Stoner even though he takes risks that seem too risky. The ending of the movie is heartbreaking yet fitting – a perfect tribute to the era it came from.
In conclusion, “The Cincinnati Kid” will remain a classic for generations to come. Whether you’re a fan of gambling movies or simply enjoy a good story, this movie is a must-watch. Its legacy is an enduring one, and it serves as an excellent reminder that some things never go out of style.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 102
- Release : 1965-10-15
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Steve McQueen as Eric Stoner (“The Cincinnati Kid”), Edward G. Robinson as Lancey Howard, Ann-Margret as Melba Nile, Karl Malden as Shooter, Tuesday Weld as Christian Rudd
- Crew : Philip H. Lathrop as Director of Photography, Martin Ransohoff as Producer, Henry Grace as Set Decoration, Hal Ashby as Editor, John Calley as Producer
- Popularity 10.761
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : $15,260,000
- Company : Filmways Pictures, Solar Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Summary : An up-and-coming poker player tries to prove himself in a high-stakes match against a long-time master of the game.
- Tagline : He’d take on anyone, at anything, anytime.
