Movie stars live forever. All we have to do is pop in a VHS tape or DVD and re-live their best moments.
When I heard that Paul Newman died, I went to my living room and looked for "The Hustler." I consider it one of the best sports movies of all time and probably could argue that it's one of the best movies of all time. The concept of the film has been used repeatedly over the years. Many films based their scripts on "The Hustler."
Fast Eddie Felson and Minnesota Fats could have easily been Bud Fox and Gordon Gekko. It could have been Mr. Miyagi and Daniel LaRusso. It could have been Doc Hudson and Lightnight McQueen. It's the classic teacher-and-pupil storyline. The concept is timeless and brilliantly crafted.
The movie had such a lasting impact that Hollywood brought back Fast Eddie in "The Color of Money," which earned Newman an Oscar.
On Saturday afternoon on Sept. 27, I had to watch Newman in "The Hustler" again. I didn't like the feeling of hearing Paul Newman dying at the age of 83 as my last memory of the man who gave me so many unforgettable memories.
Newman was more than just a movie star. He was a humanitarian and a sportsman. He was co-owner of the Newman-Hass Racing team. His last major motion picture was the 2006 animated film "Cars." He was the voice of Doc Hudson. Newman loved cars and it was ironic that "Cars" was his last project.
Newman may have lost his race with life but his contribution to film and entertainment lives on.
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