A Game of Pool story

tz1959e3x05 · 1961-10-13

A legendary pool player returns from the dead to meet the challenge of a pool shark with the shark's life at stake. Directed by: Buzz Kulik. Story by: George Clayton Johnson.

14 total · 2 choice · 6 major · 4 minor

ThemeLevelMotivation
obsession choice Jesse was obsessed with being the best pool player of all time.
the need to prove one's self choice Jesse really wanted to show that he was better at pool than the legendary pool player Fats Brown.
attitude of superiority major Both Jesse and Fats Brown bragged about their pool playing prowess.
be careful what you wish for major When the undead Fats Brown actually appeared, Jesse instantly regretted his loose talk.
competitiveness major Jesse and Fats Brown were both extremely competitive pool players.
inferiority complex major The story centered on Jesse's feeling of always playing second fiddle to the departed Fats Brown. Jesse also resented other people who had outshone him in music, arithmetic, and whatnot.
ironic twist of fate major Jesse thought defeating Fats Brown would lead to happiness. Instead he found himself taking Fats' unenviable place, for eternity in the hereafter.
the game of pool major Two pool sharks played a high stakes game of eight-ball, discussed the nuances of the game while they played.
deal with the devil minor Fats was a denizen of the afterlife and seemed sinister much like the Devil when he asked Jesse's to stake his life.
sportsmanship minor Jesse accused Fats of poor sportsmanship twice, because Fats distracted him during their games of pool.