Estimated Read Time: 6 mins

In 1961, The Hustler, a gripping drama starring Paul Newman as "Fast" Eddie Felson, hit theaters and reignited America's fascination with the game of pool. While pool halls had once been cultural hubs in the early 20th century, they had gradually declined in popularity due to shifting social attitudes, the rise of alternative pastimes like bowling, and the sport's association with gambling and unsavory crowds. However, The Hustler managed to spark renewed interest in the sport, shaping its image and influencing pop culture for decades to come.

The Decline of Pool Before The Hustler

Before The Hustler, the sport of pocket billiards was facing a significant decline. Just before the movie's release in 1961, there were only eight thousand pool centers in operation nationwide, a stark contrast to the forty-two thousand before 1930. Even in New York City, the former pool capital of the world, the number of poolrooms had plummeted from four thousand to just 247. This stark decline reflected how previous efforts by Brunswick and others to cultivate a respectable image for pool had not fully prevented its downward trend.

The Impact of The Hustler

Despite initial fears within the billiards industry that The Hustler's portrayal of poolrooms and hustlers would further tarnish the sport's image, the movie had the opposite effect. Executives at Brunswick even threatened to fire Willie Mosconi for his involvement as a technical advisor, believing the film would set the industry back 150 years.

Although Willie had gotten Brunswick’s permission beforehand, it ultimately didn’t matter.
“You have no idea how many calls I got from people all over the country accusing me of ruining the game,” he said.
What the brass didn’t understand was that the game was already on its last leg.

However, following the release of The Hustler, a pool craze swept the nation, marking a significant resurgence for the sport. Within six months, approximately two thousand new pool centers popped up nationwide. This demonstrated a clear and immediate increase in public interest in playing pool directly after the movie's debut.

The film's intense pool sequences showcased the game’s strategic depth, skill, and psychological intensity. Jackie Gleason’s performance as Minnesota Fats added authenticity, as Gleason was a genuine pool enthusiast known for his sharp shooting. The film’s realistic depiction of high-stakes pool games made the sport look both stylish and challenging, drawing viewers back to the felt-covered tables.

Cultural Shift and Pool's Resurgence

The movie's popularity also inadvertently contributed to the rise of Minnesota Fats as a public figure. Rudolf Wanderone, who had previously done little of consequence, claimed to be the real-life inspiration for Jackie Gleason's character. Despite never having set foot in Minnesota, he adopted the moniker and, capitalizing on the film's success, positioned himself at the center of this revival. His larger-than-life persona, fueled by television appearances and self-promotion, helped sustain public interest in pool and contributed to its newfound popularity.

This renewed interest led to the emergence of new tournaments, such as The Hustler Jamborees in Johnston City, which prominently featured hustler-favored games like one-pocket. ABC's Wide World of Sports even began airing pocket billiards and covered these events, further exposing the sport to a national audience. Jim McKay's interviews with colorful hustlers like Boston Shorty and the newly christened Minnesota Fats on national television captured the public's imagination.

Professional pool tournaments also gained attention, with major figures like Willie Mosconi achieving greater fame. Mosconi’s involvement lent credibility to the resurgence of competitive pool.

Lasting Influence

The impact of The Hustler extended well beyond the 1960s. Its legacy inspired the 1986 sequel, The Color of Money, once again starring Paul Newman, this time alongside Tom Cruise. The renewed fascination with pool continued, reinforcing its presence in both pop culture and social circles. Today, pool remains a beloved pastime worldwide, thanks in large part to the unforgettable performances and dramatic tension that The Hustler brought to the table.

Conclusion

The 1961 release of The Hustler was pivotal in restoring pool’s reputation and reigniting public interest. It serves as a powerful reminder of how pop culture can breathe new life into fading pastimes, proving that even games on the brink of obscurity can find new relevance through compelling storytelling. By blending gripping storytelling with authentic pool mastery, the film ensured that generations of players would return to the game, cues in hand and ambition in their eyes.