Ace in the Hole Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A washed-up reporter finds a guy stuck in a hole and turns it into a national party, until the party pooper dies.

🍿 Ace in the Hole: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Reporter’s Desperation

Charles ‘Chuck’ Tatum, a down-on-his-luck reporter, finds himself working for a small newspaper in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He’s a seasoned journalist with a history of being fired from bigger papers due to his unethical behavior and alcoholism. Restless and eager to return to the big leagues, Chuck is desperate for a story that will catapult him back into the spotlight. He tells his boss he can make news if there is none.

Discovery at the Mountain of the Seven Vultures

While covering a routine assignment, Chuck and an apprentice photographer stumble upon a man named Leo Minosa trapped in a collapsed cave-dwelling. Leo was searching for Native American artifacts. Sensing an opportunity, Chuck manipulates the situation to his advantage. He realizes prolonging the rescue could create a sensational news story, bringing him the fame he craves. He sells the angle of a mountain cursed by spirits.

The Media Circus Begins

Chuck convinces a corrupt local sheriff to collaborate, ensuring he has exclusive access to Leo and the rescue operation. He persuades the engineer to use a slower drilling method, extending the rescue from hours to days. Soon, the site transforms into a media circus, attracting crowds, vendors, and national attention. Chuck profits from the spectacle, securing a lucrative deal with a New York newspaper and a chance to reclaim his former glory. But Leo’s health deteriorates.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Chuck Tatum (Kirk Douglas): A cynical and ambitious reporter who exploits a trapped miner to revive his career.
• Lorraine Minosa (Jan Sterling): The trapped miner’s discontented wife who sees an opportunity for personal gain from her husband’s misfortune.
• Leo Minosa (Richard Benedict): The trading post owner trapped in a cave while searching for Indian artifacts.
• Jacob Q. Boot (Porter Hall): The editor of the Albuquerque Sun-Bulletin, initially trusting but eventually disillusioned by Tatum’s actions.
• Herbie Cook (Robert Arthur): The young photographer who accompanies Tatum and becomes increasingly disturbed by his methods.
• Sheriff Gus Kretzer (Ray Teal): The corrupt local sheriff who collaborates with Tatum to prolong the rescue for his own benefit.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Chuck Tatum: “Bad news sells best. Cause good news is no news.” – Tatum explains his cynical view of journalism to a naive reporter.
• Chuck Tatum: “I can handle big news and little news, and if there’s no news, I’ll go out and bite a dog.” – Tatum tries to convince the editor that he is willing to do anything for a story.
• Lorraine Minosa: “I don’t go to church. Kneeling bags my nylons!” – Lorraine reveals her lack of piety and materialistic nature when Tatum suggests she pray for her husband.
• Lorraine Minosa: “I’ve met a lot of hard-boiled eggs in my time, but you – you’re twenty minutes.” – Lorraine delivers a cutting assessment of Tatum’s over-the-top personality and lack of genuine emotion.
• Chuck Tatum: “Go home! The carnival is over.” – Tatum’s final words after realizing the consequences of his actions, just before collapsing.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.8M
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $2.3M

💥 Ace in the Hole Reviews

Personal Review

I was absolutely floored by Ace in the Hole. The movie’s cynical take on media manipulation and human greed is just as relevant today as it was in the 50s. The scene where the rescue operation turns into a full-blown carnival is both shocking and darkly humorous. And Kirk Douglas… wow! He’s amazing at portraying this morally bankrupt character. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and the ending really packs a punch. Definitely a must-see for any film fan. This film made me think long after the credits rolled.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Viewers interested in media criticism”
  • “Those who appreciate cynical and thought-provoking dramas”
  • “Kirk Douglas fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes of greed and exploitation”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”
  • “Discussion of death and tragedy”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Wilder’s cynical masterpiece bites into the media’s sensationalism. Kirk Douglas delivers a career-defining performance as the ruthless journalist. A must-see for anyone interested in the dark side of the news.
• Variety: “A scathing indictment of media exploitation. Ace in the Hole is unrelenting in its depiction of human greed. The film’s intensity makes it a gripping, if unsettling, viewing experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “Wilder’s darkest vision. Ace in the Hole is a timeless masterpiece, relevant today as it was when released. Douglas’s performance is unforgettable, and the film’s themes are disturbingly prescient.

Audience Reactions

Kirk Douglas’s performance is a masterclass in portraying a morally corrupt character.: Viewers praise the film’s unflinching portrayal of media exploitation and its relevance to modern society.

The film’s cynical tone and dark humor make it a memorable and thought-provoking experience.: Many viewers are impressed by the movie’s boldness and its willingness to challenge the status quo.

Overall Consensus: Ace in the Hole is a highly regarded, though often overlooked, film noir that offers a searing critique of media sensationalism and human nature. Its cynical tone and powerful performances make it a relevant and impactful viewing experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Billy Wilder considered ‘Ace in the Hole’ to be the ‘runt’ of his litter, but many critics now regard it as one of his most significant works.”
• “The film was a commercial failure upon its initial release, partly due to its cynical portrayal of the media and public.”
• “To try and improve box office takings, the studio changed the title to ‘The Big Carnival’ without Wilder’s consent.”
• “The movie is based on the real-life story of Floyd Collins, a cave explorer trapped in Sand Cave, Kentucky, in 1925, which became a national media event.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ace in the Hole?

Currently, ‘Ace in the Hole’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for possible television airings. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) may also be available through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ace in the Hole, you might like these similar films:

• Sweet Smell of Success (1957): Explores the dark side of media and public relations, featuring an unscrupulous press agent manipulating events for personal gain.
• Network (1976): Satirizes the sensationalism and exploitation in the television news industry, with a focus on ratings-driven decisions.
• The Front Page (1974): Offers another look at the cutthroat and unethical tactics employed by journalists in pursuit of a sensational story.
• Nightcrawler (2014): A modern thriller about a stringer who goes to extremes to capture shocking crime scenes for local news, highlighting the ethical compromises in pursuit of ratings.
• Wag the Dog (1997): Focuses on how media can be manipulated to create stories and divert public attention, similar to how Tatum manipulates the narrative in ‘Ace in the Hole’.

🛒 Ace in the Hole Related Products

• Billy Wilder: Some Like It Hot, The Apartment, and Ace in the Hole (LOA #369): A collection of screenplays that delves into Wilder’s creative process.
• Ace in the Hole (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A digitally remastered version of Ace in the Hole (Criterion Collection) on Blu-ray
• Kirk Douglas: An American Legend: A documentary celebrating Kirk Douglas’s contribution to cinema.
• Vintage Movie Poster Ace in the Hole: A restored print of the original theatrical poster.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ace in the Hole features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Hut-Sut Song” – performed by Richard Benedict and Kirk Douglas

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Ace in the Hole Depicts the Use of Canvas Bags for Cooling Water – #shorts #short

Did you ever wonder how they kept water cool in the desert back then? This quick video shows a super cool detail about how ‘Ace in the Hole’ depicted cooling water, and it’s actually something people really did!

Spike Lee TCM 2012 1 on Billy Wilder’s Ace in the Hole

Ever wonder what other famous directors think of classic films? Spike Lee shares his thoughts on ‘Ace in the Hole,’ and his insights are totally fascinating – you won’t look at the movie the same way again!

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