Life is a game of poker: a review of Cincinnati Kid!

Life is a game of poker: a review of Cincinnati Kid!

Director Norman Jewison's 1965 drama The Cincinnati Kid tells the story of an ambitious up and coming poker player named Eric Stoner, played by Steve McQueen, who learns the hard way courtesy of "the man" Lancey Howard that, in poker as in life, you got to know when to fold.

The film uses stud poker as a metaphor throughout the film, and focuses particularly on the relationship between McQueen and Christian (Tuesday Weld). The cast is top notch with supporting actors like Karl Malden, who plays a washed up player named shooter reduced to dealing cards, Joan Blondell, the deft-fingered dealer known as "Lady-Fingers," Rip Torn as the wealthy villain obsessed with beating "The Man,” played by Edward G. Robinson, Ann-Margaret as Shooter's high-maintenance floozy, and even a cameo by Cab Calloway. All of these actors are perfect in their supporting roles, but the main focus of this film is the buildup of and showdown between McQueen and Robinson (the Man) at the poker table.

Terrific film. Low-key like some of his other films like Le Mans, Bullit, and The Thomas Crown Affair, very crisp, very cool like the man himself. Norman Jewison is one of those directors you don't think about when you think of great directors but his movies that I've seen are good, including Rollerball and The Thomas Crown Affair, which also features McQueen. Steve McQueen is one of those actors who defined the 60's. Definitely up there with James Dean as one of the coolest actors ever.