Genre: Drama / Filmnoir
Duration: 111 minuten
Alternative title: The Big Carnival
Country:
United States
Directed by: Billy Wilder
Stars: Kirk Douglas, Jan Sterling and Robert Arthur
IMDb score:
8,1 (40.147)
Releasedate: 29 June 1951
Ace in the Hole plot
"Rough, tough Chuck Tatum, who battered his way to the top... trampling everything in his path - men, women and morals !"
Charles Tatum, an unlucky journalist, takes a job at a small New Mexico newspaper. His job is rather dull, but this changes when he discovers a man trapped in a mine. He seizes the opportunity to make a name for himself and, while trying to delay the rescue efforts, passes his stories to the major newspapers. It becomes a national media sensation and Charles milks the incident as far as possible.
Actors and actresses
Chuck Tatum
Lorraine Minosa
Herbie Cook
Jacob Q. Boot
Mr. Federber
Leo Minosa
Sheriff Gus Kretzer
McCardle
Papa Minosa
Mama Minosa
Reviews & comments
wendyvortex
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- 5079 messages
- 7166 votes
Billy Wilder's social drama and an indictment of sewer journalism and disaster tourists.
Kirk Douglas and the location are great.
Yet it is precisely the social drama element and the moral that is a little too emphatic that makes him stand out just a little less than Billy Wilder's noir and comedy classics.
But as an indictment still as topical as in 1951.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Kiekerjan
-
- 119 messages
- 106 votes
A particularly cynical film about nauseating sensationalism that reduces the value of a human life to zero. Douglas stars as a shrewd, egomaniacal news reporter who milks a scoop on a trapped man and sells it to the highest bidder. The whole affair soon turns into a hellish media circus where everyone develops an almost perverse interest in the course. The condition of the man in the cave is deliberately manipulated in favor of a higher print run, resulting in his eventual death. In the end, Douglas' character makes an emotional turn around and tries to right his mistakes, but the damage is already done. The acting is excellent, the course remains fascinating and things are beautifully portrayed. Wilder proves once again that he is not afraid to take a bold and confrontational look by Hollywood standards on a subject that is not often criticized. Where in Sunset Blvd. Although a certain playfulness was still noticeable, Ace in the Hole comes across as a lot more raw.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Fisico (moderator films)
-
- 9537 messages
- 5192 votes
Wilder is definitely one of my favorite directors in terms of voice average. Nice film again, not as strong as for example The apartment or Sunset Blvd., but definitely strong again.
First you have a charismatic and well underway Kirk Douglas who plays a very irritating and sidelined journalist. A very opportunistic and manipulative guy who knows how to turn a drama into a juicy story. There is only one factor that plays into his enthusiasm and that is self-interest.
Sometimes a little too easily staged, such as how smoothly and easily one is led by this man. Even by law enforcement officers or workmen who are technically skilled in how to free someone. There is also a touch of racism here and there, although that may be characteristic of the time period.
Finally, a very interesting film about how (the white) man imposes his will against traditions and cultural customs in order to defile a sacred mountain and turn it into an amusement park. In addition, an indictment against disaster tourism and voyeurism. Here and there also subtly very strong with the site becoming more expensive day after day. From 25 Penny until later a Dollar as entrance fee. Funny and at the same time harrowing was the end when it was all over: the mob was gone as quickly as they had come. And the poor man who was trapped in the cave? Well, who still thinks about that the next day? …
Translated from Dutch · View original
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