Former pool hustler "Fast Eddie" Felson decides he wants to return to the game by taking a pupil. He meets talented but green Vincent Lauria and proposes a partnership. As they tour pool halls, Eddie teaches Vincent the tricks of scamming, but he eventually grows frustrated with Vincent's showboat antics, leading to an argument and a falling-out. Eddie takes up playing again and soon crosses paths with Vincent as an opponent.

• Touchstone Pictures
• Silver Screen Partners II
• Paul Newman
• Tom Cruise
• Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
• Helen Shaver
• John Turturro
• Bill Cobbs
• Robert Agins
• Alvin Anastasia