(Monday, September 25, 1961) — The Hustler, a drama film directed by Robert Rossen and starring Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie and George C. Scott, premiered today in Washington, D.C.

It tells the story of small-time pool hustler “Fast Eddie” Felson and his desire to prove himself the best player in the country by beating legendary pool player “Minnesota Fats.”