THE SETUP Cocky young pool shark Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) takes aim at the best — the dapper Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason).
FRANK TALK Pool maestro Willie Mosconi recommended Frank Sinatra for the role of Eddie. Sinatra wanted it so badly that he optioned the book.
WORTHY EXTRAS? Yes, if only to hear the elusive Newman concede Gleason's billiards supremacy, and Piper Laurie, who played Eddie's gal, confide her deathly fear of imposing costar George C. Scott. A-
