Newman gives a restrained, modulated performance, an unusual one in that character development is sought and achieved with utilization only of voice, gesture, intensity.

Rosen, the co-author, has directed with a sure, economical hand. Newman is first-rate.

Like a traditional morality play; teens and up.

Paul Newman clearly should have won the Oscar for his initial portrayal of Fast Eddie Felson (instead, fifth-billed Maximilian Schell won for a supporting role in Judgment at Nuremberg).