Factual error: In the first match between Fast Eddie and Minnesota Fats towards the beginning of the film, Eddie, right after declaring he would start to win after losing thus far, shoots the one ball into the side pocket by shooting the cue into a striped ball. Sharp eyes will notice that he actually hits THROUGH the cue and strikes the stripe into the one with his stick. While a nice trick, this is an incredibly illegal shot and would never have been allowed.
The Hustler (1961)
1 factual error
Directed by: Robert Rossen
Starring: Paul Newman, George C. Scott, Piper Laurie, Jackie Gleason
Factual error: In the first match between Fast Eddie and Minnesota Fats towards the beginning of the film, Eddie, right after declaring he would start to win after losing thus far, shoots the one ball into the side pocket by shooting the cue into a striped ball. Sharp eyes will notice that he actually hits THROUGH the cue and strikes the stripe into the one with his stick. While a nice trick, this is an incredibly illegal shot and would never have been allowed.
Sarah Packard: I love you, Eddie.
Fast Eddie: You know, someday, Sarah, you're gonna settle down... you're gonna marry a college professor and you're gonna write a great book. Maybe about me. Huh? Fast Eddie Felson... hustler.
Sarah Packard: I love you.
Fast Eddie: You need the words?
Sarah Packard: Yes, I need them very much. If you ever say them I'll never let you take them back.
Trivia: In 1973, Paul Newman played Henry Gondorff in "The Sting." Jackie Gleason later played the same role in the film's sequel, "The Sting II."