Sept. 25, 1961 - Opening in local theatres today is "The Hustler," a CinemaScope drama directed by Robert Rossen from Walter Tevis's 1959 novel of the same name. It tells the story of small-time pool hustler "Fast" Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) and his desire to break into the "major league" of professional hustling and high-stakes wagering. He throws his considerable but undisciplined talent up against the best player in the country, "Minnesota Fats" (Jackie Gleason). Along the way, he forms a relationship with an intelligent but alcoholic young woman (Piper Laurie), a relationship threatened by his backer, a predatory gangster (George C. Scott).
