Martin Scorsese directs this sequel to 'The Hustler'. Old-time poolsharp Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) has quit the game, but still acts as an unofficial agent for up and coming hustlers. One such is the young, precocious but talented Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise), who has a hard time accepting Eddie's advice that he should sometimes throw games in order to soften up an opponent.

The pair fall out and go their separate ways, but not before Eddie has been inspired to pick up the pool cue once more.