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Ace in the Hole (1951)
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Overview
Release Date:
29 June 1951 (USA) morePlot:
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 | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations moreUser Comments:
wow! moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Kirk Douglas | ... | Charles '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:
The Big Carnival (USA) (new title)The Human Interest Story (USA) (working title)
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Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
111 minCountry:
USAColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Recording)MOVIEmeter: 
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The studio constructed a replica cliff dwelling at a cost of $30,000. The set was located behind the Lookout Point Trading Post on U.S. Route 66, west of Gallup, New Mexico. After filming was completed, the set was left intact and the owner of the trading post used it to draw tourists to his store. moreGoofs:
Continuity: When Tatum and Boot are talking in the Minosa's back room, the amount of alcohol Tatum pours in his glass changes. moreSoundtrack:
The Hut-Sut Song moreFAQ
A NOTE REGARDING SPOILERSHow does the movie end?
What is the meaning of an "ace in the hole"?
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Saw this films years ago and it's still gripping.Mr.Wilder seldom did films that gripped the human condition like this one.After this movie flopped he stuck to screen adaptions of stage hits through most of the fifties.Both director and star,Kirk Douglas really delivered a stinging expose of media hype and manipulation of the newspaper business.Herein,burned out reporter Douglas chances on a man trapped in a cave and ruthlessly exploits it for his own gain.There's no softness here,even the leading lady (played wonderfully by Jan Sterling)is as hard as Douglas.The scenes of all the gawkers showing up,complete with carnival,are outright creepy.There's even a cheesy country western singer plunking a guitar and singing about poor Leo,(the trapped man.) The only sympathetic person is poor Leo's mom who continually prays for his release.Definitely a film for lovers of great movie drama.