When he was younger, Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) was a pool hustler, but he ran afoul of the mob and had to give the game up. Now, he lives a relatively quiet life as a liquor salesman. On a sales call to a bar, he notices Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise), a brash but talented young hustler that reminds Eddie of himself. Eddie agrees to take the young hustler on and teach him the tricks of the trade. The pair hit the road, along with Vincent’s girlfriend Carmen (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio). Vincent proves to be too headstrong and unappreciative of the older man, so they part ways. Eddie realizes how much he misses pool, and returns to competitive play, culminating in a show down with Vincent in a large Atlantic City tournament.
