IMDb >
Ace in the Hole (1951)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsAce in the Hole (1951) More at IMDbPro »
| Videos |
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
29 June 1951 (USA)
more
Plot:
A frustrated former big-city journalist now stuck working for an Albuquerque newspaper exploits a story about a man trapped in a cave to re-jump start his career, but the situation quickly escalates into an out-of-control circus. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar.
Another 2 wins
&
2 nominations
more
NewsDesk:
(2 articles)
Balloon Boy Lives! Pass the popcorn
(From EW.com - PopWatch. 15 October 2009, 4:55 PM, PDT)
Noir City 7—Eddie Muller’s Introductory Remarks to Ace In The Hole
(From Twitch. 1 February 2009, 11:49 AM, PST)
(From EW.com - PopWatch. 15 October 2009, 4:55 PM, PDT)
Noir City 7—Eddie Muller’s Introductory Remarks to Ace In The Hole
(From Twitch. 1 February 2009, 11:49 AM, PST)
User Comments:
Media of 1951 acting like media of 2001
more (95 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Kirk Douglas | ... | Chuck Tatum | |
| Jan Sterling | ... | Lorraine Minosa | |
| Robert Arthur | ... | Herbie Cook (as Bob Arthur) | |
| Porter Hall | ... | Jacob Q. Boot | |
| Frank Cady | ... | Mr. Federber | |
| Richard Benedict | ... | Leo Minosa | |
| Ray Teal | ... | Sheriff Gus Kretzer | |
| Lewis Martin | ... | McCardle | |
| John Berkes | ... | Papa Minosa | |
| Frances Dominguez | ... | Mama Minosa | |
| Gene Evans | ... | Deputy Sheriff | |
| Frank Jaquet | ... | Sam Smollett | |
| Harry Harvey | ... | Dr. Hilton | |
| Bob Bumpas | ... | Radio Announcer | |
| Geraldine Hall | ... | Nellie Federber |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
111 min
Country:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Recording)
Certification:
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
When the film was released, it got bad reviews and lost money. The studio, without Billy Wilder's permission, changed the title to "The Big Carnival" to increase the box office take of the film. It didn't work. On top of that, Billy Wilder's next picture Stalag 17 (1953) was a hit and Billy Wilder expected a share of the Stalag 17 (1953)'s profits. Paramount accountants told him that since this picture lost money, the money it lost would be subtracted from the profits of Stalag 17 (1953).
more
Goofs:
Continuity: When Tatum and Boot are talking in the Minosa's back room, the amount of alcohol Tatum pours in his glass changes.
more
Quotes:
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Portrait d'un homme 'à 60% parfait': Billy Wilder (1980)
more
Soundtrack:
We're Coming, Leo
more
FAQ
A Note Regarding SpoilersHow does the movie end?
What is the meaning of an "ace in the hole"?
more
more (95 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Ace in the Hole (1951) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Deadly Is the Female | 8½ | Babel | A Face in the Crowd | Giant |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Drama section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |


A powerful toasting of the media of the day. Imagine what this would have been like in the age of television. Kirk Douglas plays a self-centered heel, and does so very well. I also liked Jan Sterling as Lorraine. It's true that there is no really sympathetic character in this film, except maybe Leo, the man trapped in the cave. Someone wrote that he too, wasn't a sympathetic character, because he was trapped while collecting Indian artifacts for sale, but I don't think that would have bothered anyone in 1951. The tone of the film throughout was one of total cynicism, that seems a bit out of place for the times. Maybe that's why this movie was not a commercial success. It fits much better now, though, since everyone has seen the media behaving in such disgraceful fashion. However, that may rob it of some of its (probably intended) shock value. Grade: A