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Ace in the Hole (1951) | Criteria

Backdrop for Ace in the Hole

Poster for Ace in the Hole

Ace in the Hole

United States • English • 1951 • 1h 51m

This film is not currently available on the Criterion Channel

Director

Drama Film Noir

#396Criterion Collection View Connections 4.28/5·60.1K ratings·12.5K reviewson Letterboxd

Synopsis

An arrogant reporter exploits a story about a man trapped in a cave to revitalize his career.

Ari Aster
Jul 2025
Marc Maron
Oct 2022

Included in
Read All About It!
Position 12
Included in
Starring Kirk Douglas
Position 7
Included in
Five by Billy Wilder
Position 2
Included in
September 2021
Position 3

Credits

Crew

DirectorBilly Wilder

WriterWalter Newman, Lesser Samuels, Billy Wilder

CinematographerCharles Lang

ComposerHugo Friedhofer

EditorArthur P. Schmidt

ProducerBilly Wilder

Cast

Kirk Douglasas Charles Tatum

Jan Sterlingas Lorraine

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Articles

via Criterion Collection

Spike Lee on Ace in the HoleMay 7, 2014
Some Like It Hot: How to Have FunSam Wasson — Nov 19, 2018
Ace in the Hole: Chin Up for MotherGuy Maddin — May 5, 2014

Ethan Hawke and Jonathan Marc Sherman

May 2017

Alexander Payne

Apr 2017

Amy Heckerling

May 2016

Volker Schlöndorff

Oct 2014

as Herbie Cook

Porter Hallas Jacob Q. Boot

Frank Cadyas Mr. Federber

Richard Benedictas Leo Minosa

Ray Tealas Sheriff

Lewis Martinas McCardle

John Berkesas Papa Minosa

Frances Dominguezas Mama Minosa

Gene Evansas Deputy Sheriff

Frank Jaquetas Smollett

Harry Harveyas Dr. Hilton

Bob Bumpasas Radio Announcer

Geraldine Hallas Mrs. Federber

Richard Gainesas Nagel

Oscar Belindaas Barker (uncredited)

Martin Bendletonas Barker (uncredited)

Basil Chesteras Indian (uncredited)

Ken Christyas Jessop (uncredited)

Ace in the Hole: Noir in Broad DaylightMolly Haskell — May 5, 2014