The Hustler

The Hustler

Year: 1961

Runtime: 134 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Rossen

DramaSport

A young pool hustler, Fast Eddie Felsen, relentlessly pursues the title of best in the professional pool circuit. His ambition leads him to challenge the legendary Minnesota Fats, but Eddie finds his focus tested by an unexpected romance. As he strives to dethrone Fats and claim the top spot, he must also navigate the complexities of love and consider what truly matters.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Hustler (1961)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Hustler (1961). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie takes place in contemporary times, reflecting modern society's obsession with wealth and success. The characters navigate a world of deceit amidst the rise of technology and social media, illustrating the evolving nature of scams in an interconnected world.

Location

Beaumont-sur-Mer, Port-au-Prince, French Riviera, France

Beaumont-sur-Mer is a picturesque coastal town located in France, known for its beautiful beaches and affluent visitors. The French Riviera serves as a glamorous backdrop, symbolizing wealth and allure, attracting con artists and dreamers alike. Port-au-Prince adds a sense of international intrigue, representing the captivating life of opportunism and romance.

🌊 Coastal 🇫🇷 France

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 20:45

Main Characters – The Hustler (1961)

Meet the key characters of The Hustler (1961), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Penny Rust (Rebel Wilson)

Penny Rust is a con artist with a flair for deception and charm, who exploits the vulnerabilities of others. Initially focused on material gain, she gradually reveals deeper emotions, particularly as she becomes attracted to Thomas. Penny's comedic yet crafty personality drives much of the film's humor and conflict.

🙎‍♀️ Female Lead 🎭 Con Artist

Josephine Chesterfield (Anne Hathaway)

Josephine Chesterfield is a cunning and resourceful con artist, adept in the art of manipulation. Posing as a naïve American, she uses her intelligence and charm to exploit wealthy men. Her competitive nature with Penny creates a dynamic of rivalry, revealing her complexities beneath her deceptive exterior.

🙋‍♀️ Female Lead 🎭 Deceptive

Thomas Westerburg (Alex Sharp)

Thomas Westerburg presents himself as a bumbling tech entrepreneur who ultimately subverts expectations. His relationships with both women expose his own duplicitous nature, as he plays them against each other. The layers of his character add depth to the narrative as he fully embraces the conning game.

👨‍💻 Tech Entrepreneur 🎭 Victim/Perpetrator

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 20:45

Major Themes – The Hustler (1961)

Explore the central themes of The Hustler (1961), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Deception

Deception is a central theme, as both Josephine and Penny employ trickery to achieve their goals. The film explores how their clever schemes reveal vulnerabilities and the often blurred lines between victim and perpetrator. The lure of easy wealth prompts ethical dilemmas, showcasing the allure and consequences of deceit.

💔 Love vs. Betrayal

This theme highlights the tension between romantic feelings and the business of conning. As Penny develops feelings for Thomas, her ability to manipulate is put to the test. The betrayal between the characters signifies how love can complicate their lives and lead to unexpected consequences.

💼 Ambition

Ambition drives the characters towards their respective goals, unveiling a world where cunning and strategy reign. Josephine and Penny's desire to outwit each other illustrates the competitive nature of ambition, often leading them down morally ambiguous paths. Their aspirations reflect a desire for independence and success in a high-stakes environment.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 20:45

Unlock the Full Story of The Hustler

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Hustler 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 Hustler is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Hustler Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Hustler, 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 Hustler Summary

The Hustler Timeline

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

The Hustler Timeline

More About The Hustler

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Hustler: 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 Hustler

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