Ace in the Hole (1951)

Kirk Douglas is an ostracized big-city reporter pounding out small-town fluff pieces in New Mexico when he rolls into the story that he immediately recognizes could be his ticket back to the major papers -- if only he plays it right. And brother, does he ever.

The poor sap at the center of the brouhaha is buried up to his hips in a cave-in and Douglas aims to make that last as long as possible while he's got the exclusive scoop, sleeps in the bedroom of the sap's parents, and enjoys a mean little fling with the sap's missus.

Hard to believe this smart little movie with a heart of black was made more than 50 years ago. Hasn't aged at all.

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