February 20 . . .
No less an authority than Orson Welles dubbed Jackie Gleason “The Greatest”. Whether he was talking about his talent or his appetite is anybody’s guess.
Jackie Gleason was born this day in 1916 in Brooklyn, in a tough neighborhood. He father abandoned his family when Jackie was 8, and his mother died when he was 16. Hanging out in pool halls and bars, Gleason well understood the lives of the poor working stiffs who talked big and dreamed big but would never break out of their humdrum jobs. He drew on these memories when he created one of the most endearing and enduring comedic characters in TV history: Blustery bus driver Ralph Kramden of The Honeymooners.
Gleason made his mark in television, but he had a long history with the movies. He was a contract player for Warners in the late 1940s, playing supporting roles, including a small part with Bogart in ‘All Through the Night’ (1942). But Hollywood didn’t really know what to do with his oversize, boisterous talents.
After he had established himself as a huge TV star in the 50s, he took Hollywood on his own terms and delivered fine performances in films like 'Soldier In The Rain' (1963, with Steve McQueen) ‘Requiem for a Heavyweight’ (1962), ‘Papa’s Delicate Condition’ (1963), and ‘Gigot’ (1962), which he also wrote. But Gleason was never better than in ‘The Hustler’ (1961).
Paul Newman stars as ‘Fast’ Eddie Felson, a hotshot pool hustler who is hungry to beat the best – and the best is Gleason as Minnesota Fats. Their marathon showdown midway through the film is so drenched in atmosphere you can almost smell the sweat and burnt coffee. Newman overacts (a rare occurance for him), but Gleason is magnificent and understated – elegant, confident, and every inch the champion. Gleason obviously drew from his youth in this mesmerizing portrait of a king who rules a shadowy and seedy kingdom. A masterful character study, moody, dark, and on the money. Six ball, corner pocket.
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