The Cincinnati Kid

Released Oct 15, 1965

1 hr. 53 min.

Drama

List

86%

22 Reviews

Tomatometer

78%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Young poker player Eric Stoner (Steve McQueen), also known as the "Cincinnati Kid," wants to build his reputation by beating the best player around, Lancey "The Man" Howard (Edward G. Robinson). Through Stoner's friend, "Shooter" (Karl Malden), a game with Howard is scheduled. However, Stoner discovers the game is being fixed against Howard by Slade (Rip Torn) out of revenge for a bad loss he suffered to Howard. Stoner objects because he feels he can take the match on his own merits.

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Joseph S

"The Cincinnati Kid" is a stylish and riveting journey into the high-stakes world of poker. Steve McQueen's cool charisma and a stellar supporting cast deliver a compelling narrative punctuated by tense card games. The film's timeless allure lies in its simplicity—an expertly crafted exploration of ambition and rivalry.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/13/24

Full Review

CodyZamboni

Movie was compelling for most of the way. Charismatic stars anchor this film. I was most fascinated by the realistic poker playing scenes, some of the best card playing scenes ever. Ann Margret is stunning, so attractive, but 1960'S dress and hairstyles don't match 1930s time period. Fine work by editor Hal Ashby, and director Norman Jewison.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/29/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Somewhat sad ending, though if The Kid had won, it might be considered "predictable." Ms. Margaret smolders throughout. Fantastic performance by Edward G. Robinson and a good one from perennial supporting actor Karl "Streets of San Francisco" Malden. Wise-cracking Joan Blondell also earned her paycheck.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It started off with a bang and ended on a whimper. It's a star studded cast, where most of the supporting cast are hamming it up, with some excessive over acting, at times winking straight at the camera., I guess to make up for the paper thin characters, and the ever rigid, ever brooding Steve McQueen, (a grown man, who's supposed to be playing the Kid). If you squint hard enough, you could accept that it's all taken place in the depression era of the 1930's, But again Steve McQueen's hair style and wardrobe looked, distractingly contemporary, witch also plagued the rest of the production design. Edward G. Robinson and Ann-Margret gave some solid performances, but couldn't stop this movie from sinking further into a quality of kooky, campiness, weighed down with heavy, at times exaggerated caricatures.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Imagine playing 5 card stud. You're getting beat by the young up and comer - McQueen - and on the final hand you draw... well, just imagine! Greatest of all time!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/13/22

Full Review

andy f

This one hasn't aged that well. It looks beautiful but it's quite hammy apart from when it focusses on the card playing narrative. It's ok, but doesn't have the spellbinding charm it seemed to have when watched in the 1970s.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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Norman Jewison

Director

Steve McQueen

Eric Stoner

Edward G. Robinson

Lancey Howard

Ann-Margret

Melba

Karl Malden

Shooter

Tuesday Weld

Christian

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William J. Nazzaro

Arizona Republic

The Cincinnati Kid is first-rate work, easily one of the best pictures of the year.

Sep 2, 2020

Full Review

TIME Magazine

By the time all the bets are in, Cincinnati Kid appears to hold a losing hand.

May 6, 2013

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Adapted from Richard Jessup's realistically-written novel, it emerges a tenseful examination of the gambling fraternity.

Oct 31, 2007

Full Review

Roger Moore

Movie Nation

An inferior run through the similar milieu and themes of “The Hustler.." But its muted colors, quiet tone and some impressive performances lift this classic also-ran into something worth watching.

Rated: 2.5/4

Jul 9, 2023

Full Review

Joan Didion

Vogue

Nothing seems to be at stake.

Mar 11, 2020

Full Review

Felix Vasquez Jr.

Cinema Crazed

A brilliant and utterly entertaining McQueen vehicle and one that fans of the actor will enjoy the most.

Aug 22, 2013

Full Review

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Synopsis

Young poker player Eric Stoner (Steve McQueen), also known as the "Cincinnati Kid," wants to build his reputation by beating the best player around, Lancey "The Man" Howard (Edward G. Robinson). Through Stoner's friend, "Shooter" (Karl Malden), a game with Howard is scheduled. However, Stoner discovers the game is being fixed against Howard by Slade (Rip Torn) out of revenge for a bad loss he suffered to Howard. Stoner objects because he feels he can take the match on his own merits.

Director: Norman Jewison
Screenwriter: Ring Lardner Jr., Terry Southern
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Production Co: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Solar Productions, Filmways Pictures
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 15, 1965, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 18, 2010

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