Former pool hustler "Fast Eddie" Felson decides he wants to return to the game by taking a pupil. He meets talented but green Vincent Lauria and proposes a partnership. As they tour pool halls, Eddie teaches Vincent the tricks of scamming, but he eventually grows frustrated with Vincent's showboat antics, leading to an argument and a falling-out. Eddie takes up playing again and soon crosses paths with Vincent as an opponent.
Paul Newman
as Eddie Felson
Tom Cruise
as Vincent Lauria
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
as Carmen
Helen Shaver
as Janelle
John Turturro
as Julian
Bill Cobbs
as Orvis
Forest Whitaker
as Amos
Keith McCready
as Grady Seasons
Elizabeth Bracco
as Diane at Bar
Vito D'Ambrosio
as Lou in Child World
Ron Dean
as Guy in Crowd
Robert Agins
as Earl at Chalkies
