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Ace in the Hole (1951)

APPROVED  111 min  -  Drama | Film-Noir   -  29 June 1951 (USA)
8.2
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Ratings: 8.2/10 from 9,506 users   Metascore: 72/100 
Reviews: 111 user | 78 critic | 6 from Metacritic.com

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.

Director:

Billy Wilder
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Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kirk Douglas ...
Chuck Tatum
Jan Sterling ...
Robert Arthur Robert Arthur ...
Herbie Cook (as Bob Arthur)
Porter Hall Porter Hall ...
Frank Cady Frank Cady ...
Mr. Federber
Richard Benedict Richard Benedict ...
Leo Minosa
Ray Teal Ray Teal ...
Sheriff Gus Kretzer
Lewis Martin Lewis Martin ...
McCardle
John Berkes John Berkes ...
Papa Minosa
Frances Dominguez Frances Dominguez ...
Mama Minosa
Gene Evans Gene Evans ...
Deputy Sheriff
Frank Jaquet Frank Jaquet ...
Sam Smollett
Harry Harvey Harry Harvey ...
Dr. Hilton
Bob Bumpas Bob Bumpas ...
Radio Announcer
Geraldine Hall Geraldine Hall ...
Nellie Federber
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Storyline

Charles Tatum, a down-on-his-luck reporter, takes a job with a small New Mexico newspaper. The job is pretty boring until he finds a man trapped in an old Indian dwelling. He jumps at the chance to make a name for himself by taking over and prolonging the rescue effort, and feeding stories to major newspapers. He creates a national media sensation and milks it for all it is worth - until things go terribly wrong. Written by John Oswalt <jao@jao.com>  

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Newspaper | Trapped | Rescue | Reporter | Cave  | See more »

Genres:

Drama | Film-Noir

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Latin

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Big Carnival See more »

Filming Locations:

Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$1,821,052 (estimated)
See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures See more »
Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The studio constructed a replica cliff dwelling at a cost of $30,000. The set was located behind the Lookout Point Trading Post on U.S. Route 66, west of Gallup, New Mexico. After filming was completed, the set was left intact and the owner of the trading post used it to draw tourists to his store. See 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. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Charles Tatum: Hey. Pull up at the corner.
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Connections

Referenced in Billy Wilder Speaks (2006) See more »

Soundtracks

"The Hut-Sut Song"
(uncredited)
Written by Leo Killion, Ted McMichael and Jack Owens
Sung by 'Richard Benedict' and Kirk Douglas See more »