Cinncinnati Kid: Honesty in Poker?

Posted by Colin Edelman Dec 20, 2006

I just finished watching The Cincinnati Kid (1965) with Steve McQueen as the maverick stud poker player who faces Edward G. Robinson playing “the man,” the reigning champion. (And yes, I spelled it wrong in the title, but I have prayed for redemption). Perhaps it was that the movie is now over forty years old, but I found the drama to be less intense than necessary today. The stakes were not built up by director Norman Jewison, who pits two great poker players against each other. They play for money and more importantly, the title to be the best. Because the acting is downplayed, the characters don’t seem to care if they win or lose by the end.

The theme of the movie; however, is the struggle to maintain honor. More that I think of it, the more the main plot actually does support the theme, along with the subplots. The Kid is completely honest when it comes to poker, and threatens his friend, a cheating dealer, yet he sleeps with his friend’s wife (meanwhile the Kid also has a girlfriend, Christian). Christian is the only character that remains honest and pure the entire movie, and even with the knowledge of his adultery, takes back the Kid. Talk about turning the other cheek. She knows they slept together and on top of that, Christian was friends with the wife…wonder if that will last.

In terms of poker, a few hands are shown but the drama is all saved for the last hand. Of course it has to be ridiculous but the lighting and editing of the audience’s faces steals the show, as all the other characters look on, rooting for their own interests.

If you see this movie, look out for Rip Torn as Slade, who I did not recognize at all until the credits came on, and I immediately rewound to one of his parts. Also of note is the scene stealing Ann-Margret, who makes me wish I was born in the 50’s.

The Cincinnati Kid is a good movie, not great. The lighting, editing and dialogue save it from the acting. Disagree with me? Let me know.