Cincinnati Kid The (1965) – full review!

Cincinnati Kid The (1965) – full review!

Directed by Norman Jewison who took over for Sam Peckinpah when he was fired by producer Martin Ransohoff with a screenplay by Ring Lardner Jr. (Woman of the Year (1942)) and Terry Southern (Dr. Strangelove (1964)) that was based on Richard Jessup’s novel this slightly above average drama explores the world of high stakes poker. While the story itself is fairly ordinary & predictable the film’s strengths are the rich credible characterizations by its just right cast. Steve McQueen (in the title role) plays Eric Stoner the young challenger to "the man" and aging legendary champion Lancey Howard played by Edward G. Robinson. Karl Malden plays Shooter a former challenger himself who’s currently advises the Kid; Ann-Margaret plays Shooter’s sexy "man eater" wife (of questionable background) Melba Nile who’s spent her husband into a precarious position. Tuesday Weld plays Eric’s country girlfriend (a largely unnecessary character) Christian Rudd who’s getting an "education" from Melba. Joan Blondell plays the well known big game dealer Lady Fingers. Rip Torn plays a wannabe good poker player wealthy New Orleans businessman named William Jefferson Slade; Theodore Marcuse plays Slade’s heavy. Jack Weston Cab Calloway and Milton Selzer play characters in the film’s big climactic game; Jeff Corey plays a noteworthy spectator. Karl Swenson & Irene Tedrow play Christian’s parents.

After some set-ups: the requisite inconsequential game after which the Kid almost gets killed by some sore losers (ala The Hustler (1961)) and another between Lancey and Slade to give the humiliated Southerner a reason to want revenge against "the man" it’s learned that Slade holds a $12000 marker (I.O.U.) from Shooter who’s scheduled to split the dealing duties during the big showdown game between Lancey & the Kid with Lady Fingers. Known for his integrity this naturally causes (a brief) inner conflict for Shooter who’s wife would leave him in a flash (e.g. for the new champ) if he could no longer afford her. All these events lead to the final poker game spiced initially by outbursts from Pig (Weston) and continuing until only "the man" and the Kid are left. The tension is palatable throughout and the ending may surprise.

Purchase this DVD now at

or buy the Blu-Ray Disc here

or buy this movie’s soundtrack here