Low-life pool player Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) begins a downhill slide after losing to Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason). However, gambler Bert Gordon (George C. Scott) sees the potential in the boy, takes him in, teaches him the art of the hustle, and sets him on the road to another thrilling pool hall confrontation with the unbeatable Fats. Robert Rossen's acclaimed classic won an Oscar for Best Cinematography and was nominated for a further six. Martin Scorsese's film 'The Color of Money' (1986) is a sequel of sorts, with Newman playing Fast Eddie once again.