Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 7:30 p.m., Dryden Theatre
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(Norman Jewison, US 1965, 102 min., 35mm)
Moving from the lighter comedies of his earlier career, Jewison takes on Richard Jessup’s novel of a small-time poker player trying to make it big. Eric Stoner (Steve McQueen) is the big fish of stud poker in the small pond of New Orleans in the 1930s. When nationally-renowned gambler Lancey Howard (Edward G. Robinson), comes to town, Stoner challenges him to a game to make his name. But not everything is on the level as Slade (Rip Torn), one of Howard’s victims, tries to steer the proceedings in Stoner’s favor. Stoner has to protect his honor, both on the felt and off, as he faces the biggest challenge of his career.