(1969)

Submitted by Curt aka The Grand Poopbah

POOPER:
Ratso (Dustin Hoffman) doesn’t make it to Florida.


LONG VERSION: (Submitted by Dan)
Joe Buck (Jon Voight) leaves his job as a dishwasher in Texas to become a gigolo in New York City. He arrives with high hopes, dressed in cowboy attire, believing he will be a hit among wealthy women. However, the reality of New York is harsh, and Joe struggles to succeed, often being the one hustled.
He meets Rico “Ratso” Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman), a small-time con artist with a limp and a dream of escaping to Florida. Ratso initially scams Joe out of money but they soon form an unlikely bond. They share living conditions in a condemned building, facing the grim realities of urban poverty together. Joe continues his futile attempts at hustling while Ratso’s health deteriorates due to his chronic illness.
As Ratso’s condition worsens, Joe decides to use his meager earnings to fulfill Ratso’s dream of moving to Miami. They board a bus to Florida, but during the journey, Ratso’s health fails further. He becomes incontinent and eventually dies in his sleep on the bus. Joe, realizing Ratso is dead, informs the bus driver, who advises they continue to Miami.
In the film’s closing, Joe sits beside Ratso, now deceased, contemplating his next steps in a new city, alone but with a newfound sense of responsibility and empathy.

Academy Awards:
Won:
Best Picture
Best Director (John Schlesinger)
Best Adapted Screenplay
Nominated:
Best Actor (Jon Voight)
Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman)
Best Supporting Actress (Sylvia Miles)