Paul Newman: The Verdict and The Hustler

By: Catherine Ott

Wednesday June 13, 2007

Classic Screen Legend on DVD
Paul Newman has been heard to say "It's hard taking yourself seriously when your picture is on a salad dressing bottle." But for over 50 years he has entertained his fans and impressed the critics with his mesmerizing performances.

Two of Paul Newman's legendary films, The Verdict and The Hustler, are coming are out on DVD June 12 in a 2 - Disc Collector's Edition.

In The Verdict, the 1982 courtroom drama directed by Sidney Lumet, Paul Newman stars as Frank Galvin, a Boston lawyer suffering from alcoholism. In an effort to salvage his reputation and self-respect, Frank takes on a challenging medical malpractice court case. On top of his own personal battles, he must also help the family of a woman who was left in a coma after an operation conducted at a large Catholic hospital. Jack Warden stars as Galvin's colleague and best friend; James Mason, the opposing lawyer, and Charlotte Rampling, the woman who inevitably complicates things. Written by David Mamet and based on the novel by Barry Reed, The Verdict received Oscar nods for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Also coming to DVD, is Robert Rossen's 1961 film The Hustler starring Paul Newman as "Fast" Eddie Felson. Newman plays a pool shark whose ego must compete with his game when playing against his rival, Minnesota Fats, played by Jackie Gleason. Piper Laurie starring as Sarah, is a suffering alcoholic who can't even help herself, yet is able to help Fast Eddie regain his confidence after loss. With a new boost in confidence and positive outlook, he attracts the attention of Bert Gordon (George C. Scott) a promoter with his eye on Fast Eddie. But his heart is on big money, no mater what the cost. Behind the schematic elements of the game of pool and competitive rivalry, The Hustler depicts a man's personal competition with his inner self.

Twenty-five years later, Newman will have appeared as an older, wiser Fast Eddie Felson in Martin Scorsese's film, Color of Money.

The Verdict and the Hustler are both great examples of Paul Newman's finest work. Each DVD includes special features of commentaries, making of the films, trailers and more.