8 Most Iconic Kirk Douglas Roles

7. Chuck Tatum - Ace In The Hole (1951)

Following up from his success in Champion, Douglas starred in the film noir Ace in the Hole, otherwise known as The Big Carnival, Billy Wilder’s ambitious first project as writer, producer, and director.

Douglas stars as Chuck Tatum, an ambitious but cynical reporter whose career has declined to the point of ruin. His luck turns when he learns about a local man becoming stuck in a cave searching for Native American artifacts. Conspiring with the local sheriff, Tatum creates a media circus of which he has sole reporting rights, launching his work back onto the front pages of newspapers nationwide.

Douglas was praised for his intimidating performance, but the film otherwise received a muted critical reception. On top of this it did not do well at the box office, failing to break even. This was in some ways unexpected as Wilder had recently written and directed similarly noir-styled hits such as Double Indemnity and Sunset Boulevard.

In the years since its release, it has cultivated a more favourable critical opinion. In particular, Douglas’ performance has been often cited as the outstanding aspect of the film, in such a way that the film now stands as one of his most famous roles.