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Ace in the Hole (1951)

Rate: 5
Viewed: 12/12

12/12: Kirk Douglas' hammy acting renders Ace in the Hole somewhat outdated.

However, the principles as outlined are true and pertinent today. Yet the plot suffers from lack of intelligence. It's a situation that'll never happen. The driller, having nothing to gain from the incident, has zero reasons to jeopardize his conscience in exchange for fame. Why would he do that?

If the reporter can see the trapped victim, then his wife (because she's too ugly, so who cares about her?) can and should, too, along with his father...and a doctor...and a priest...and anyone else who's concerned about his life. That brings up another, albeit crucial, point: does it make sense to give the guy a shovel, so he can try to dig himself out?

Anyway, I can't see a newspaper reporter taking 100% control of the situation and, at the same time, be elected deputy of the town. The ending is too Hollywoodized for my taste. Once again, Kirk Douglas' hammy acting is too much.

All in all, Billy Wilder should've taken the Sunset Boulevard route for Ace in the Hole.

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