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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Cincinnati Kid yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

The Cincinnati Kid (1965) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Cincinnati Kid (1965) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In the sultry heat of a river‑city that hums with jazz funerals and the clatter of casino floors, the world feels both glittering and gritty. Neon signs flicker over dimly lit hotel corridors, while the scent of tobacco and fried oysters drifts through plush lobby lounges. The atmosphere is steeped in smoky ambition, where fortunes are wagered on a single glance and reputation is measured by the size of a hand. It’s a place where the line between celebration and danger blurs with each shuffled deck.

Eric “The Cincinnati Kid” strides through this restless landscape with a grin that suggests he’s always one step ahead. Young, charismatic, and armed with a natural flair for cards, he has already earned a reputation as the city’s most daring gambler. His confidence is balanced by a tender side, hinted at in quiet moments with his lover Christian, whose presence offers a soft counterpoint to the high‑stakes world he inhabits. Around him, figures like the seasoned dealer Shooter and the shrewd organizer Slade populate the periphery, each adding texture to the bustling gambling undercurrent without eclipsing the Kid’s magnetic pull.

When word spreads that Lancey “The Man” Howard—the legendary poker ace whose name carries an almost mythic weight—has arrived in town, the stakes rise dramatically. The Kid sees a chance to etch his own name alongside the legend’s, but whispers of a hidden scheme threaten to tip the balance of an already precarious contest. As the inevitable showdown looms, the young shark must navigate a tangled web of whispers, loyalty, and intrigue, striving to keep the match pure while uncovering the forces that aim to manipulate it. The tension between ambition and integrity sets the tone for a showdown that promises to be as much a battle of wits as of cards.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:19

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Cincinnati Kid

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Cincinnati Kid. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Cincinnati Kid

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

Similar Movies to The Cincinnati Kid

Discover movies like The Cincinnati Kid that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.