Ace in the Hole - this 1951 flick could not seem more timely.Billy Wilder(a former journalist) is the co-writer,director and producer for this wildly engrossing desert noir about an ambitious yellow journalist(played to perfection by Kirk Douglas-even when chewing the scenery) who exploits a man trapped in a cave-in to further his career.From yet another perfect opening sequence and introduction to the main character to the sideshow build of Leo-ville we see a master at the top of his game- great camera work,cutting dialogue and perfect plot make this a keeper.While Kirk Douglas upstages everyone while on screen- the rest of the cast is perfect - from the fed up wife to the corrupt sheriff and the cub photobug-everyone seems natural and helps drive the story forward.Ambition,greed,voyuerism and spectacle combine to create an unbelievable but realistic scenario.The DVD has a scholarly commentary, a 60 minute documentary on Billy Wilder and an interview with Kirk Douglas. A
Review of Ace in the Hole
