The Hustler (1961)

 

An up-and-coming pool player plays a long-time champion in a single high-stakes match.

Down in the dumps drama is realistically set and brilliantly photographed in sleazy pool halls, cheap hotels and worn-down bats and diners, where its downward spiraling tale seems all too inevitable; top performances all around, but Paul Newman is absolutely perfect in the title role.

Haliwell****: "Downbeat melodrama with brilliantly handled and atmospheric pool table scenes; the love interest is redundant."

Maltin***: "Newman is outstanding...Dingy pool-hall atmosphere vividly realized in this incisive film."

 

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)

A man is reunited with his childhood friend and her husband, who believe he knows the truth about the death of her rich aunt years earlier.

High-pitched melodrama with Noir elements takes its intricate plot to its bitter ending; the star cast make it work.

On rewatching: Indeed a pretty good Noir melodrama with a superb cast.

Halliwell**: "Irresistible star melodrama which leaves no stone unturned; compulsive entertainment of the old school."

Maltin***: "Gripping melodrama..."

The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946)

A man is reunited with his childhood friend and her husband, who believe he knows the truth about the death of her rich aunt years earlier.

High-pitched melodrama with Noir elements takes its intricate plot to its bitter ending; the star cast make it work.

Halliwell**: "Irresistible star melodrama which leaves no stone unturned; compulsive entertainment of the old school."

Maltin***: "Gripping melodrama..."