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Ace in the Hole (1951)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
29 June 1951 (USA)
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Plot:
A frustrated former big-city journalist now stuck working for an Albuquerque newspaper exploits a story about a man trapped in a cave to re-jump start his career, but the situation quickly escalates into an out-of-control circus. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar.
Another 2 wins
&
2 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(2 articles)
Balloon Boy Lives! Pass the popcorn
(From EW.com - PopWatch. 15 October 2009, 4:55 PM, PDT)
Noir City 7—Eddie Muller’s Introductory Remarks to Ace In The Hole
(From Twitch. 1 February 2009, 11:49 AM, PST)
(From EW.com - PopWatch. 15 October 2009, 4:55 PM, PDT)
Noir City 7—Eddie Muller’s Introductory Remarks to Ace In The Hole
(From Twitch. 1 February 2009, 11:49 AM, PST)
User Comments:
A Prophetic film
more (96 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Kirk Douglas | ... | Chuck Tatum | |
| Jan Sterling | ... | Lorraine Minosa | |
| Robert Arthur | ... | Herbie Cook (as Bob Arthur) | |
| Porter Hall | ... | Jacob Q. Boot | |
| Frank Cady | ... | Mr. Federber | |
| Richard Benedict | ... | Leo Minosa | |
| Ray Teal | ... | Sheriff Gus Kretzer | |
| Lewis Martin | ... | McCardle | |
| John Berkes | ... | Papa Minosa | |
| Frances Dominguez | ... | Mama Minosa | |
| Gene Evans | ... | Deputy Sheriff | |
| Frank Jaquet | ... | Sam Smollett | |
| Harry Harvey | ... | Dr. Hilton | |
| Bob Bumpas | ... | Radio Announcer | |
| Geraldine Hall | ... | Nellie Federber |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
111 min
Country:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Recording)
Certification:
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
When the film was released, it got bad reviews and lost money. The studio, without Billy Wilder's permission, changed the title to "The Big Carnival" to increase the box office take of the film. It didn't work. On top of that, Billy Wilder's next picture Stalag 17 (1953) was a hit and Billy Wilder expected a share of the Stalag 17 (1953)'s profits. Paramount accountants told him that since this picture lost money, the money it lost would be subtracted from the profits of Stalag 17 (1953).
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Goofs:
Continuity: When Tatum and Boot are talking in the Minosa's back room, the amount of alcohol Tatum pours in his glass changes.
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Quotes:
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Spielberg on Spielberg (2007) (TV)
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Soundtrack:
The Hut-Sut Song
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FAQ
What is the meaning of an "ace in the hole"?How does the movie end?
A Note Regarding Spoilers
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There are some films that when you see them you ask why they aren't available to rent or own. This is one of them. I had the fortune of seeing this hidden gem on the big screen and was pleasantly surprised.
With Kirk Douglas playing a Reporter whose been around the block, always looking for a shortcut, comes across an opportunity to exploit a man caught in a mine shaft. I have read where critics had considered the circus atmosphere of the the film unrealistic. It seems Mr. Wilder got the last laugh. If you are interesting in great dialogue and good story telling, I suggest you find this