Ace in the Hole
An arrogant reporter exploits a story about a man trapped in a cave to revitalize his career.
Critics Sentiment
Rescue site becomes carnival with tourists and vendors
Tatum grows bored working at the Sun-Bulletin
Sharp rise from Tatum's mundane newspaper boredom to his discovery of Leo's entrapment, marking the film's transformation from character study to media manipulation thriller.
Reviews reveal a film that builds steadily from Tatum's cynical arrival to the peak of his orchestrated media circus, then maintains high regard through the tragic consequences of his manipulation. Critics universally praised the prophetic nature of Wilder's media satire and Douglas's powerful performance, though some found the relentless cynicism and lack of sympathetic characters challenging.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 51
Kirk Douglas
Charles Tatum
Jan Sterling
Lorraine
Robert Arthur
Herbie Cook
Porter Hall
Jacob Q. Boot
Frank Cady
Mr. Federber
Richard Benedict
Leo Minosa
Ray Teal
Sheriff
Lewis Martin
McCardle
John Berkes
Papa Minosa
Frances Dominguez
Mama Minosa
Gene Evans
Deputy Sheriff
Frank Jaquet
Smollett
Harry Harvey
Dr. Hilton
Bob Bumpas
Radio Announcer
Geraldine Hall
Mrs. Federber
Richard Gaines
Nagel
Oscar Belinda
Barker (uncredited)
Martin Bendleton
Barker (uncredited)
Basil Chester
Indian (uncredited)
Ken Christy
Jessop (uncredited)
Crew
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