Frustrated pool champion Jesse Cardiff (a terrific performance by Jack Klugman) has defeated every last major player in the game, but keeps hearing that he could have never beat deceased legend James Howard "Fats" Brown (smoothly played with laid-back assurance by Jonathan Winters). Cardiff gets the surprise of his life when Brown appears in person to put Cardiff's prowess at pool to the ultimate test.
Director Buzz Kulik makes the most out of the single claustrophobic pool hall setting and maintains a tense serious tone throughout. The two leads both do sterling work: Klugman astutely nails the anger, anguish, and underlying insecurity of a brash hotshot who wants to be the best in the worst way while funny man Winters proves he could handle a meaty dramatic role with considerable skill and conviction. George Clayton Johnson's inspired and intelligent script offers a profound statement on what it takes to be a legend and the bitter spiritual price one must may to retain one's legendary status. A bang-up episode.
Director Buzz Kulik makes the most out of the single claustrophobic pool hall setting and maintains a tense serious tone throughout. The two leads both do sterling work: Klugman astutely nails the anger, anguish, and underlying insecurity of a brash hotshot who wants to be the best in the worst way while funny man Winters proves he could handle a meaty dramatic role with considerable skill and conviction. George Clayton Johnson's inspired and intelligent script offers a profound statement on what it takes to be a legend and the bitter spiritual price one must may to retain one's legendary status. A bang-up episode.