The Cincinnati Kid

The Cincinnati Kid

Year: 1965

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Norman Jewison

Drama

A young and charismatic card shark known as Eric "The Cincinnati Kid" challenges the seemingly invincible and legendary poker player Lancey "The Man" Howard to a high-stakes game. As the competition intensifies, the Kid discovers a dangerous scheme to manipulate the match against Howard, putting the integrity of the contest and the reputations of everyone involved at risk. He must navigate a web of deceit and find a way to expose the plot and triumph.

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Timeline & Setting – The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Cincinnati Kid (1965). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The narrative unfolds in a contemporary setting, capturing the essence of mid-20th century America, especially in its portrayal of the gambling culture. This era is marked by the rise of poker as a popular pastime, intertwined with social dynamics and interpersonal relationships.

Location

New Orleans, Lafayette Hotel

The movie is set in the vibrant city of New Orleans, known for its rich cultural heritage, lively music scene, and distinctive neighborhoods. It also prominently features the Lafayette Hotel, a luxurious locale where high-stakes poker games take place, reflecting the glamour and tension of the gambling world.

🎭 Casino 🎷 Jazz

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:57

Main Characters – The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

Meet the key characters of The Cincinnati Kid (1965), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

The Kid

A young, ambitious poker player eager to establish his reputation in the gambling scene. He possesses a playful spirit but is intensely focused on surpassing the legendary Lancey Howard, embodying both confidence and vulnerability.

🃏 Poker 🎉 Ambition

Lancey Howard

A seasoned and charismatic poker champion known for his skill and experience. His presence brings a sense of challenge to the Kid, as his confidence often borders on arrogance, making him both a formidable opponent and a mentor figure.

🏅 Champion 🎭 Rivalry

Shooter

The Kid's friend and card dealer who carries a complex history with gambling. He serves as both a support system and a cautionary figure, emphasizing the moral dilemmas associated with ambition and integrity in the gambling world.

🔄 Support 🎲 Dealer

Christian

The Kid's love interest who represents emotional depth amidst the competitive backdrop of the poker scene. She offers a glimpse of tenderness and support, bringing a humanizing element to the Kid's struggles.

💕 Love ✨ Support

Melba

Shooter's alluring wife, who navigates her own feelings regarding her husband's involvement in the gambling world. Her character adds layers to the personal stakes as she reflects the impact of ambition on relationships.

💔 Emotion 👩‍❤️‍👨 Complexity

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:57

Major Themes – The Cincinnati Kid (1965)

Explore the central themes of The Cincinnati Kid (1965), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎴 Gambling

Gambling serves as the central theme of the film, showcasing the thrill, risks, and emotional stakes involved in high-stakes poker. It explores the competitive nature of the characters, particularly the confrontation between the Kid and Lancey, emphasizing ambition and the desire for recognition.

❤️ Romance

The theme of romance is woven through the relationships between the Kid and Christian, as well as Shooter and Melba. Their interactions highlight the emotional landscapes affected by ambition and tension from the gambling world, reflecting both love and heartache.

🏆 Ambition

Ambition drives the story forward, particularly for the Kid, who dreams of achieving greatness by defeating the renowned Lancey. The stakes in the poker match symbolize not only monetary gain but also personal validation and the aspiration to be recognized in a competitive environment.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:57

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

High-stakes character tests like The Cincinnati Kid

Stories where a professional's skill and integrity are put to the ultimate test.If you liked watching The Cincinnati Kid's Eric face off against Lancey Howard, you'll enjoy these movies about professionals pushed to their limits. These films explore intense rivalries and moral dilemmas where one's skill and integrity are on the line.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically build toward a climactic, high-pressure confrontation—a game, a performance, or a critical decision—that serves as the ultimate test for the protagonist. The journey explores the weight of reputation, the cost of ambition, and the struggle to remain honorable when faced with temptation or deceit.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared focus on a consummate professional in a tense, competitive scenario. The core appeal lies in watching a character navigate immense pressure, where the outcome defines their legacy and personal worth.

Movies with bittersweet endings like The Cincinnati Kid

Narratives where a major loss brings a poignant, personal realization.For viewers who appreciated the nuanced conclusion of The Cincinnati Kid, this collection features stories with bittersweet endings. These films explore themes of ambition, defeat, and the quiet wisdom that comes from accepting one's limits.

bittersweetmelancholicreflectiveatmosphericgrittycharacter-driven

Narrative Summary

The story arc follows a driven individual striving for a pinnacle of success, only to fall short in the climax. The resolution focuses not on victory, but on the protagonist's acceptance of their defeat and the maturation that arises from it, often accompanied by a reaffirmation of what truly matters in life.

Why These Movies?

They share a specific emotional trajectory: the combination of professional failure with personal insight. The unifying element is the melancholic yet reflective tone of an ending that is satisfying not because the hero wins, but because they learn and grow from loss.

Unlock the Full Story of The Cincinnati Kid

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Cincinnati Kid in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Cincinnati Kid is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Cincinnati Kid Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Cincinnati Kid, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Cincinnati Kid Summary

The Cincinnati Kid Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Cincinnati Kid with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Cincinnati Kid Timeline

The Cincinnati Kid Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Cincinnati Kid that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Cincinnati Kid Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Cincinnati Kid

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Cincinnati Kid: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Cincinnati Kid

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