Hustle (1975)

Before Pain Hustlers (2023), The Hustle (2019), Hustlers (2019), American Hustle (2013), Hustle & Flow (2005), Hustler White (1996), The Big Hustle (1999), and Miami Hustle (1996) were released, there was Hustle (1975) — just Hustle. Robert Aldrich’s gritty pic gives a terrific depiction of Los Angeles County Beach, old-school officer obsession, street smarts, and some skin! If that’s not alluring enough, it stars French legend Catherine Deneuve and American icon Burt Reynolds. As Lieutenant Phil Gaines, Burt and Sergeant Louis Belgrave (Paul Winfield) are tasked to pursue the deviant killer of Gloria Hollinger (Sharon Kelly). Not only does the tarnished and conflicted detective assigned to her death pursue the deceased deviant’s killer with admirable and non-regulation single-mindedness, but the gone girl’s father (Ben Johnson) pushes an unconventional investigation of his own. Now, if Gaines can only keep his high-priced hooker girlfriend (Deneuve) in line and reign in his animosity toward Daddy dearest’s agents, perhaps justice will be served. It all depends on the actions of Kingfish (Eddie Albert), Santuro (Ernest Borgnine), and Herbie Dalitz (Jack Carter). Needless to say, Hustle gives a candid snapshot of a time and a place rendered in sordid details, bitter language, and choreographed chaos. Considering this, it’s no surprise the flick was a critical and box office hit. Add in the fact that moustachioed macho man Burt has several shirtless scenes, and spank bank interest is guaranteed. This is especially true when the topless dude lounges in bed with a cigarette. Yes, he’s smoking — hot!