 The <unk> is a 1961 American drama film directed by Robert <unk> from Walter <unk> 's 1959 novel of the same name , adapted for the screen by <unk> and Sidney Carroll . It tells the story of small @-@ time pool <unk> " Fast Eddie " <unk> and his desire to break into the " major league " of professional <unk> and high @-@ stakes <unk> by high @-@ <unk> that follows it . He throws his raw talent and ambition up against the best player in the country ; seeking to best the legendary pool player " Minnesota <unk> . " After initially losing to <unk> and getting involved with <unk> manager Bert Gordon , Eddie returns to try again , but only after paying a terrible personal price . 
