The September, 2006, release of Hollywood’s latest poker themed movie, “Lucky You” starring Eric Bana and Drew Barrymore continues a decades-long love affair between gambling and the movies. Gambling has long fascinated the movie-going public, and many fans of this genre enjoy the thrill of watching big stakes gambling without any risk to their own bankrolls. As an example, the following is a brief description of a few films based on this theme:

1922: Dr. Mabuse – Der Spieler ( “The Gambler” )

One of the earliest films to incorporate high stakes gambling in the storyline, the film centers around arch-criminal Dr. Mabuse, a counterfeiter, hypnotist, master of disguise and card shark. At the gaming tables, Dr. Mabuse reaps a fortune in card play by using his intense hypnotic powers to manipulate wealthy players into seeing cards that don’t exist, and to make choices guaranteed to ruin their game.

Under the guidance of acclaimed German film director Fritz Lang, this movie has gained recognition as one of the most important and influential films of the silent movie era.

1961: The Hustler

Paul Newman, George C. Scott, Piper Laurie, Jackie Gleason:
An unforgettable performance by Paul Newman as “fast” Eddy Felson, a drifter and pool hall hustler, who is manipulated by sleazy manager Scott into a high stakes match with the legendary pool shark Minnesota Fats, ( Gleason ).

Although this gambling-themed movie is about pool, poker players will recognize the similarities in strategy; the importance of body language (known in poker jargon as a “tell”), holding back the sweat, the look of confidence, etc.

1965: THE CINCINNATI KID

Steve McQueen, Edward G. Robinson, Karl Malden, Joan Blondell, Tuesday Weld:
Steve McQueen gives a great performance as an itinerant card shark traveling from one big game to another. The climactic poker game between McQueen and Robinson is the film’s highlight.

1966: A BIG HAND FOR THE LITTLE LADY

Henry Fonda, Joanne Woodward, Jason Robards Jr., Burgess Meredith:
Fonda and wife Woodward arrive in Laredo during an annual high-stakes poker game. Hoping for a windfall, Fonda decides to risk the couple’s savings and joins the game. Henry is on a big losing streak and in danger of busting out when “the little lady” comes to his rescue at the table.

1973: THE STING

Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw:
Newman and Redford are two small time con men operating in and around Chicago in the mid-1930s. A big stakes card game takes place as the duo try to put “the sting” on mobster Shaw.

1974: CALIFORNIA SPLIT

George Segal, Elliot Gould:
Gould and Segal are two compulsive gamblers with strange lifestyles. This is an entertaining, compelling and powerful film that captures poker parlor habitués down on their luck and hoping for a reprieve, The title of the film is western-slang jargon for cutthroat poker.

Kenneth Bateman writes numerous articles on the subject of online casinos. To read more of his articles on the best casinos online.

Article Directory: Article Dashboard

Other articles from Arts & Entertainment...
120.  Eat Only Chicken the Day of the Game by Christine Wicker
121.  How To Find Theater Tickets In New York by Al Terry
122.  All You Need To Know To Find Wicked Broadway Tickets by Al Terry
123.  Getting Ready For A Talent Competition by David Fishman
124.  The Misinterpreted Code by Kadence Buchanan
125.  The Basic Ballet Steps by Jane Wyvern
126.  How To Find Discounted Broadway Play Tickets by Al Terry
127.  Grammy Winning Tips For Musicians To Better Sounding Songs - pt.1 by Khaliq Glover aka Khaliq-O-Vision
128.  All You Need To Find Les Miserables Tickets On Broadway by Al Terry
129.  Add Life To Your Childs Adventure With Dora The Explorer Printables by Low Jeremy