Wht did they use a Balabushka cue in the film "The Color of Money"?
- Thread starter Hustle_Bustle
- Start date
As I remember it, Janes refused to further replicate the exact cue, so all those available on the market have those inlays that were not on the movie cues.
I remember the auction happened, but I have never heard of any of the other movie cues cropping up.
CajunPopeye
Member
Some new folks like me (I've only been on the forums since 2017) have only just read these threads.
The cue was made by Dan and not Mr. Stroud.
Dan Janes cue making was as just good as Bill’s.
Last edited:
vintagecollectibles831
Well-known member
Because Fast Eddie probably used a Balabushka in the movie, The Hustler, from the 60's. A lot of top players probably played with a Balabushka back in the 60's.
At the time, most movie goers would have no idea. That's still true today. At least they gave a nod to the legendary maker, and used cues custom made by another.
Imagine if they didn't care at all and used some K-Mart cues.
In the end "Doom" took on a life of its own, it was a character in the movie. Look at us still talking about it today.
There was a guy on Facebook making exact replicas of the case. I don't know if he's still doing it.
It would be cool to have a Joss COM cue in a replica case. I'm not prepared to throw money at that, but if I found that set under the Christmas tree I would giggle like a school girl.
I might even take it to the pool hall, play the sound track, and twirl that thing around like Vincent. LOL!
I'm more likely to say "I'm back" when I break. Which I actually did after taking 5 years off. I'm the old guy now...
As I recall, 5 were made.
Newman gave his copy for charity in Israel, I’m still waiting for it to pop up at some flea market…
I posted about it with a news clip years ago here on the forum
Edit:
Here is what I posted almost 20 years ago.... (amazing that this cue is still a hot topic)
Newman gave his copy for charity in Israel, I’m still waiting for it to pop up at some flea market…
I posted about it with a news clip years ago here on the forum
Edit:
Here is what I posted almost 20 years ago.... (amazing that this cue is still a hot topic)
Last edited:
vintagecollectibles831
Well-known member
They chose a really great cue maker, for the cue, in the movie. I think it is a beautiful cue too. I have so much respect for 80's Era Joss cues.
I would be remiss if I did not post this. Joss “Fast Eddie” cue and my prize, Eddie Cohen “Doom” homage. I love the history and mythology of the 2 movies, makes me want to watch them again. It’s been a while.
Cues are like musical instruments. No matter how much you savor what you own and play,
do remember there are lots of others that can make it sound better than you can achieve.
In music & pool, there will always be others that make it perform a whole lot better than you.
Just be satisfied to claim it’s yours and do your best to fly with eagles instead of turkeys.
do remember there are lots of others that can make it sound better than you can achieve.
In music & pool, there will always be others that make it perform a whole lot better than you.
Just be satisfied to claim it’s yours and do your best to fly with eagles instead of turkeys.
Last edited:
Paul Newman's Balabushka sold for $9,500: https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/you-too-can-own-paul-newmans-balabushka.555188/
Paul Newman's movie-prop Joss cue for "The Color of Money": https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auc...paul-newmans-fast-eddie-pool-cue-by-joss-1986
Over 60 bids were also placed for Newman's Fast Eddie's pool cue from "The Color of Money," which totaled $76,200.
Paul Newman's movie-prop Joss cue for "The Color of Money": https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auc...paul-newmans-fast-eddie-pool-cue-by-joss-1986
Over 60 bids were also placed for Newman's Fast Eddie's pool cue from "The Color of Money," which totaled $76,200.
CajunPopeye
Member
Wasn't it Mike Segal (spelling?)?
The Color of Money is my favorite movie. I remember watching it with my dad when I was a pool playing kid. I remember him buying it when it came out on VHS. I have probably watched this movie 1000 times.
Who didn't love it when the best player in town (Moselle), who Vincent had been told to avoid, comes over asking, "Hey, what you get in that case?"
Cruise, looking down with a huge grin opens up his case to show off the beautiful "Balabushka" and looks up at him while simultaneously responding with, "Doom."
Moselle, looking down at Vincent and "Doom" in disbelief, seemingly unimpressed, says, "Come on, boy. Lets play."
Vincent, with a big grin still stretched across his face, replies, "Yeah, let's play. We're gonna have a lot of fun."
Queue "Werewolves of London", Queue Samurai Sword antics. In the 80s, this was AWESOME (especially to a 9 year old kid).
For all of the cues I've bought I've never owned a COM cue, and I'm probably the biggest fan of them. It's just that none of them have been quite "right". It would be really neat to have a correct replica of that cue, case (in a shadowbox) along with the movie poster displayed in my billiard room.
I think for a lot of us getting a Joss COM cue could be like meeting our heroes. Likely to be disappointing. It could rob some of the magic aura from the thing.
In a display case? I guess. I would likely rather play with it if I had one. Joss cues are so consistent, the odds it would play exactly like any other Joss of the same era are pretty darn high. And that would be the disappointment. Not to say a Joss plays poorly, but that there is no magic in that cue. Maybe it would be best in a display.
Well it's already their best selling cue aside from the plain jane sort of stuff, so it's not gonna be super unique regardless.
But it would still be cool to shoot with IMO
Not unique. So many made. That's why I would personally prefer a homage or tribute cue like this:
I would be remiss if I did not post this. Joss “Fast Eddie” cue and my prize, Eddie Cohen “Doom” homage. I love the history and mythology of the 2 movies, makes me want to watch them again. It’s been a while.
Right. I am so fortunate to own my dream JOSS (attached). It just doesn't get any better than this JOSS (to me). TCOM turned both me and my dad on to JOSS CUES back in the 80s. I remember him having all of the JOSS catalogs. I'm not sure why he never bought one. He wasn't much of a collector, and loved his MEUCCI to play with.
