The Cincinnati Kid Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A young card player tries to dethrone the king, but forgets that card games are mostly luck and also sleeps with the wrong woman.

🍿 The Cincinnati Kid: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Rising Star

Eric Stoner, known as the Cincinnati Kid (Steve McQueen), is an up-and-coming poker player in 1930s New Orleans, eager to prove his skill. He travels from game to game, building his reputation as a formidable card player. The Kid aims to be the best, and his ambition is fueled by a desire to test his mettle against the legendary Lancey “The Man” Howard.

The Legend Arrives

When Lancey Howard (Edward G. Robinson), the reigning champion of poker, arrives in town, the anticipation builds. The Kid sees this as his ultimate opportunity to solidify his status and claim the top spot. With the help of his friend Shooter (Karl Malden), a seasoned dealer, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown.

Distractions and Intrigue

As the game approaches, the Cincinnati Kid faces numerous challenges and distractions. His girlfriend, Christian (Tuesday Weld), seeks a deeper commitment. Melba (Ann-Margret), Shooter’s alluring wife, tempts him with infidelity. Meanwhile, a wealthy gambler, William Jefferson Slade (Rip Torn), plots to manipulate the game, adding layers of complexity and danger to the Kid’s quest.

The High-Stakes Game

The climactic poker game between the Kid and Howard unfolds, filled with tension and strategic maneuvers. The game is a grueling test of skill, focus, and composure, pushing both players to their limits. As the game progresses, the stakes rise, and the true character of each player is revealed.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• The Cincinnati Kid (Steve McQueen): A talented and ambitious young poker player determined to prove himself as the best by defeating the legendary Lancey Howard.
• Lancey Howard (Edward G. Robinson): The established and respected master poker player, known as ‘The Man,’ who is challenged by the up-and-coming Cincinnati Kid.
• Shooter (Karl Malden): The Cincinnati Kid’s loyal friend and card dealer, who is put in a compromising position.
• Melba (Ann-Margret): Shooter’s seductive and unfaithful wife who is drawn to the Cincinnati Kid.
• Christian (Tuesday Weld): The Cincinnati Kid’s girlfriend who longs for a deeper commitment from him beyond his gambling pursuits.
• Slade (Rip Torn): A wealthy and vengeful gambler who seeks to undermine Lancey Howard by manipulating the poker game.
• Lady Fingers (Joan Blondell): An experienced relief card dealer and old friend of Lancey Howard, adding to the high-stakes atmosphere.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lancey Howard: “Gets down to what it’s all about, doesn’t it? Making the wrong move at the right time.” – Howard says this after defeating the Kid in the final poker game, reflecting on the nature of the game and life.
• Cincinnati Kid: “I don’t need marked cards to beat you, pal.” – The Kid firmly tells Shooter that he does not want any help to win and wants a fair game.
• Lancey Howard: “You’re good, kid, but as long as I’m around you’re second best. You might as well learn to live with it.” – Howard delivers this line to the Kid after winning, asserting his dominance and experience.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5 million
• Domestic Gross: $15.26 million
• Worldwide Gross: $15.26 million

💥 The Cincinnati Kid Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved The Cincinnati Kid! McQueen is at his coolest, and the poker game scenes had me on the edge of my seat. Ann-Margret is mesmerizing, and the ending really stuck with me – it’s not the typical Hollywood ending, but it felt real. I especially enjoyed the scenes in New Orleans, they created an atmosphere of old money and high stakes gambling.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Steve McQueen”
  • “Classic movie enthusiasts”
  • “Poker aficionados”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Gambling themes”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Brief violence (cockfight scene)”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “The Cincinnati Kid’s tight pacing, excellent performances, and a compelling narrative make it a must-see for fans of classic cinema. McQueen’s cool demeanor is perfectly offset by Robinson’s seasoned presence. The poker scenes are gripping, and the supporting cast shines.
• The New York Times: “While not as gritty as The Hustler, The Cincinnati Kid offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-stakes poker. Norman Jewison’s direction keeps the tension high, and the performances are top-notch. The film’s ending, while controversial, is a fitting conclusion to the story.
• Chicago Tribune: “A solid poker movie with Steve McQueen’s presence making the film a worthwhile experience. Edward G. Robinson’s calm and cunning performance enhances McQueen’s character, with a plot which highlights how youthful talent is not always enough.

Audience Reactions

Steve McQueen’s charisma and Edward G. Robinson’s masterful performance create an unforgettable dynamic.: Viewers loved the tense poker scenes and the complex characters.

Ann-Margret’s beauty and sultry performance added a captivating element to the film.: Many praised the strong performances of the supporting cast and the intriguing subplots.

Overall Consensus: The Cincinnati Kid is a classic poker movie with great performances and gripping tension.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Sam Peckinpah was originally the director, but he was fired due to disagreements with the producer about the film’s tone and budget. Norman Jewison replaced him.”
• “Edward G. Robinson, a keen art collector, used his salary from the film to purchase a painting by Paul Klee.”
• “The final poker hand, a straight flush against a full house, is statistically improbable, but it heightened the dramatic tension for the film’s climax.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Cincinnati Kid?

The Cincinnati Kid is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services. Physical copies of the film, including Blu-ray and DVD, can be purchased through online retailers like Amazon and major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Cincinnati Kid, you might like these similar films:

• The Hustler (1961): A direct comparison, focusing on the high-stakes world of competitive pool and the personal sacrifices of ambition.
• Rounders (1998): A modern equivalent that explores the intense world of underground poker with a focus on skill, risk, and personal redemption.
• Maverick (1994): Shares the theme of high-stakes card games and cunning characters, though with a comedic and adventurous tone.
• California Split (1974): Explores the lives of compulsive gamblers and the highs and lows of their addiction.

🛒 The Cincinnati Kid Related Products

• The Cincinnati Kid [Blu-ray]: High-definition restoration of the film. Includes commentary by film historians and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Poker Chip Set with Aluminum Case: A complete poker set to recreate the high-stakes games from the movie. High-quality chips, cards, and case included.
• The Cincinnati Kid Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Printed on archival paper for lasting beauty.
• The Complete Steve McQueen Collection [DVD]: The perfect gift for fans looking to own Steve McQueen’s entire filmography

🎧 Soundtrack

The Cincinnati Kid features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Cincinnati Kid” – performed by Ray Charles
• “Main Title” – performed by Lalo Schifrin
• “Melba” – performed by Lalo Schifrin

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

This “CINCINNATI KID” actress CAUSED A MAJOR CONTROVERSY, she was only 15 & he was 45!

Whoa, did you know about this scandal surrounding one of the actresses in “The Cincinnati Kid”? This video dives into a pretty shocking age gap relationship that caused quite a stir back then. Definitely worth checking out!

Steve McQueen at Cincinnati Kid 1965 – Scene at Preservation Hall, New Orleans.

Ever wondered what it was like on set for “The Cincinnati Kid”? Check out this rare footage of Steve McQueen hanging out at Preservation Hall in New Orleans with some amazing musicians. It’s a cool little time capsule!

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