19 Comments

  1. I asked the family what movie for newbies they would choose and the hubby rattled off a list of Wilder movies. Your selection of “Ace in the Hole” (or “The Big Carnival” as I first knew it) would certainly be an eye-opener to the uninitiated. It would hit them smack between the eyes. Excellent!

  2. That’s fascinating that this film coined the term “circus’ in relation to a crazy media event. I always thought this didn’t sound as interesting as Wilder’s other films, but you make it sound much more exciting than I supposed.

  3. Great choice for the blogathon! Like you said, this is a must for media watchers because it’s more timely now than when it was first released.

    I also agree re: Kirk Douglas’ performance. His amoral charisma is riveting.

    • I haven’t seen that one! Thank you for the rec. I love news movies of all kinds. I don’t think its multiple names (The Big Carnival) help when it comes to its popularity, but it’s hard to understand why a film so relevant today isn’t more accessible…Luckily, it’s on Amazon Watch Instantly now.

  4. Thank you so much for joining in! It’s amazing how a well-timed punch to the gut (cinematic, of course) will open people’s eyes about the versatility and power of classic film.

  5. There is not a time that I think about media and newspaper / TV news coverage that I don’t remember Ace in the Hole. It’s a poignant, raw, bitter and incredibly modern movie. And I agree that the current successes in the film world have a lot to do with this incredible movie.
    Don’t forget to read my contribution to the blogathon! 🙂
    Kisses!
    Le
    http://www.criticaretro.blogspot.com

  6. What a great choice Leah. “Ace in the Hole” is no namby pamby fluff musical. If some newbie wants to see an old “black ‘n white” that feels relevant to their experience today, a media that is craven and out for a story they can promote, what better vehicle than Kirk Douglas, the media circus, a victim’s wife is out to use this tragedy for her own gain. I enjoyed reading your well-written take on the film.

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