“The Cincinnati Kid” is a classic 1960s drama about poker, featuring Steve McQueen as the talented young gun coming up against the seasoned pro, played by Edward G. Robinson. It’s a tense game of cat and mouse, full of psychological warfare and dramatic twists. As the stakes get higher and tensions rise, it becomes clear that both men are playing for keeps. The film is a masterclass in tension-building and character development, with great performances from the entire cast.

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Review
The Cincinnati Kid – A Masterclass in Deception and Ambition
In the bustling city of New Orleans, Eric Stoner, known as “The Cincinnati Kid,” makes his way through life as a young poker player with big dreams. He is self-assured and confident. He has a reputation for always playing to win. His ambition leads him to challenge Lancey Howard, a legendary poker player from Texas, to the ultimate game of poker.
The Cincinnati Kid is a masterpiece of deception and ambition that leaves an indelible impression on anyone who watches it. The movie, directed by Norman Jewison, was released in 1965 and starred Steve McQueen as Eric Stoner and Edward G. Robinson as Lancey Howard.
The movie has an intricate plot that keeps you guessing from beginning to end. It is set against the backdrop of a high-stakes poker game where both players are master strategists who will do whatever it takes to win. The tension between these two characters is palpable throughout the movie.
The story is about ambition and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. The central conflict involves Eric Stoner’s determination to win at all costs against Lancey Howard’s old-fashioned insistence on playing with honor and integrity.
Throughout the movie, we see Eric Stoner struggle with his own limitations, both as a player and as a person. His desire for success blinds him to everything else around him, including his girlfriend Christian (played by Tuesday Weld) who tries desperately to get him to see reason.
One cannot fail to notice how well Steve McQueen plays the role of Eric Stoner. He embodies the character’s manic energy perfectly, capturing his impulsive nature and raw determination remarkably well.
Edward G Robinson’s portrayal of Lancey Howard was also masterful. He played the character with great poise and wisdom – imparting valuable life lessons about honesty and fair play through his actions.
From a technical standpoint, the Cincinnati Kid was a marvel of filmmaking. The cinematography was top-notch, with every shot perfectly framed and timed. The sound management was also impressive. The sound effects of cards being shuffled or chips being placed on the table made for an electrifying atmosphere.
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie is when Eric Stoner takes on a local card shark named Slade (played by Rip Torn). The scene is tense and nerve-wracking. Steve McQueen’s performance is particularly noteworthy as he conveys his character’s nervousness and bravado beautifully.
The movie did well at the box office and garnered critical acclaim from movie critics worldwide. It went on to be nominated for various awards including two Academy Awards – one for Best Song and another for Best Cinematography.
However, despite its success, some critics criticized the film for its ending, which they claimed was abrupt and unsatisfying.
Regardless of what anyone thinks, it’s hard not to be impressed by this classic movie. Its themes of ambition and deception resonate with people today just as much as they did when it was released over half a century ago.
In conclusion, The Cincinnati Kid is a must-watch for anyone who loves poker or movies that explore human nature. It’s a movie that will leave you feeling both exhilarated and thoughtful – an enduring masterpiece that deserves to be cherished forever!
Technical Data

- Release : 1965-10-15
- Runtime : 102
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Steve McQueen as Eric Stoner (“The Cincinnati Kid”), Edward G. Robinson as Lancey Howard, Ann-Margret as Melba Nile, Karl Malden as Shooter, Tuesday Weld as Christian Rudd
- Crew : Philip H. Lathrop as Director of Photography, Martin Ransohoff as Producer, Henry Grace as Set Decoration, Hal Ashby as Editor, John Calley as Producer
- Revenue : $15,260,000
- Budget : 0
- Company : Filmways Pictures, Solar Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Popularity : 12.456
- Summary : An up-and-coming poker player tries to prove himself in a high-stakes match against a long-time master of the game.
- Tagline : He’d take on anyone, at anything, anytime.