The Sting" is a classic film from 1973. It won seven Academy Awards and received three more nominations. This movie tells the story of a clever robbery set in 1930s Chicago. Directed by George Roy Hill, it stars Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
The plot revolves around con artists Johnny Hooker (played by Redford) and Henry Gondorf (played by Newman). They plan an elaborate scam against Doyle Lonnegan using a fake ticker-tape machine.
The poker game on the train and the horse racing scene are standout moments.
Newman and Redford's chemistry adds depth to their roles without being overly macho. Their bromance shines just as it did in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." The period settings make you feel like you're back in time, while Scott Joplin's music sets a lively tone.
Upon its release, critics praised "The Sting" for its style, wit, and humour. Roger Ebert called it one of the most stylish movies of 1973. Today, it's still loved as one of Oscar's best winners, standing tall alongside films like "Argo" and "Ocean’s Eleven.".
Ready to dive deeper into this cinematic gem? Let's explore!
Overview of the Plot
The film kicks off with a thrilling con set in 1930s Chicago. Things heat up quickly, leading viewers on a wild ride filled with twists and turns.
The setup of the con
Johnny Hooker and Henry Gondorf are the masterminds. They target Doyle Lonnegan, a rich but shady businessman. Their plan? An elaborate scam called "The Wire". The setup involves creating a fake betting room using a ticker-tape machine.
They lure Lonnegan with false promises of easy money. Gondorf pretends to be an expert in horse racing results. Johnny plays the eager young accomplice, hungry for success. Most scenes take place on the 20th Century Limited train between New York and Chicago.
Their trickery starts small but grows bigger quickly. They stage every detail carefully, making sure Lonnegan falls for their act completely - hook, line, and sinker!
The climax and resolution
The climactic moment arrives when everything hangs by a thread. The con men, led by Paul Newman and Robert Redford, face the ruthless Lonnegan. Tension fills the air as they play their final move in a complex scam that involves fast-talking crooks, gangsters, and even cops.
Characters drop their fake roles right after Lonnegan leaves. Their faces reveal relief; the intricate storyline has come to an end. The "underdogs" win over their antagonist’s downfall.
This triumph is thrilling for viewers and wraps up with flair.
Next is character analysis focusing on Paul Newman's role...
Character Analysis
Paul Newman shines as a charming con artist. Robert Redford adds depth and grit... Want to know how these two legends pull it off? Let's dive in!
Paul Newman's role
Paul Newman shines in "The Sting." He plays Henry Gondorff, a seasoned conman. His character is clever and smooth. Newman brings depth to the role. It's not just another good guy; it's someone with layers.
Newman's chemistry with Robert Redford stands out once again. They had worked together before in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969). Their bromance on-screen here is electric but not macho.
It’s fun to watch them plot their scam with wit and charm.
Robert Redford's performance
Robert Redford’s performance as Johnny Hooker stands out. Critics praised his role, even earning him a Best Actor nomination. Playing a young con man, he brought depth and charm to the character.
His chemistry with Paul Newman’s Henry Gondorf felt natural and dynamic. Their partnership created magic on screen. Redford showed Johnny's cleverness and vulnerabilities effectively.
“Redford was exceptional in capturing the essence of a charming yet flawed con man.”
Every scene sparkled because of Redford's energy and charisma. His portrayal made you root for Johnny despite his dubious profession... making it one unforgettable performance!
Key Stage Highlights
The poker game scene is a masterclass in tension and wit. The horse racing track adds layers of excitement and surprise.
The poker game scene
The poker game takes place on the 20th Century Limited train from New York to Chicago. Robert Redford and Paul Newman play this scene perfectly. The stakes are high, with ruthless mobster Lonnegan at the table.
Everyone's persona is in full display—until Lonnegan exits.
Characters drop their masks once he leaves, revealing their true intentions. This moment magnifies tension and shows clever acting skills. It’s a gambit within a scheme—a setup for bigger things.
The atmosphere feels charged, making it one of the film’s most memorable scenes.
The horse racing sting
The horse racing sting scene in "The Sting" is full of thrills and tricks. The characters set up a fake betting operation using “the wire,” which is an old ticker-tape machine.
They rig the outcome of a horse race to fool Doyle Lonnegan, the main villain.
Newman’s character pretends to be a powerful gambler to lure Lonnegan into making big bets. Redford's character acts as if he works for Newman, adding credibility to the scam. After leading Lonnegan on, they collect his money and vanish before he realises he's been duped...
A truly riveting moment that sets up more excitement in this classic film.
Artistic Elements
The film nails the look of 1930s Chicago with fantastic sets and costumes. The music, especially "The Entertainer," adds a lively rhythm... making each scene pop!
Use of period-appropriate settings
Chicago in the 1930s was a mix of chaos and charm. "The Sting" nails this era perfectly. The streets look busy... full of life, with cars and clothes that scream the '30s. Old buildings stand tall, filled with character.
Paul Newman and Robert Redford walk through smoky rooms and dim-lit bars. This makes you feel part of their plot. Each place they visit seems real—like it's plucked straight from history books.
*“Big, confused, lusty, brawling,”* describes Chicago best!
This attention to detail helps create an authentic setting for audiences to dive into—feeling like they're back in time!
Music and its impact on the film’s tone
Scott Joplin's music sets the tone in *The Sting* from start to finish. The film features classic ragtime pieces, like “The Entertainer”. This catchy tune lights up scenes and keeps viewers engaged.
It’s playful yet sharp, matching the clever plot.
Marvin Hamlisch arranged the score perfectly. The music won the Best Music Award in 1973. Each note brings the film's 1930s setting to life—creating a vibrant atmosphere—and adding depth to each con and scheme...
Next up is how people received this gem back in '73 and what we think about it today!
Reception and Impact
When "The Sting" hit theatres in 1973, it wowed audiences. The film quickly became a classic and still holds up today... Want to know why? Keep reading!
Initial reactions in 1973
Film buffs were buzzing. "The Sting" hit theatres in 1973, and folks loved it. Roger Ebert called it "one of the most stylish movies of the year." The film's wit and humour struck a chord with viewers.
Critics praised its character-driven plot.
The movie’s clever cons hooked audiences too. It snagged the Best Picture Award that year—no small feat! Many appreciated its mix of humour and tension. This blend helped make it a standout in cinema history.
It's standing in film history today
After winning the Oscar for Best Picture in 1973, "The Sting" secured a special place in film history. Critic Roger Ebert described Chicago—where much of the film is set—as “big, confused, lusty, brawling.” This vibrant setting added to the movie’s charm.
The film's legacy remains strong today.
Many compare "The Sting" with modern hits like "Argo," "Now You See Me," and "Ocean’s Eleven." These films share clever plot twists and stylish cons. Yet, some argue that the Best Picture list does not always highlight the best of American cinema.
However, no one can deny this film’s cultural impact on audiences and critics alike... Its blend of humour and suspense still resonates with viewers worldwide.
Conclusion
The Sting" stands tall as a classic. It mixes clever cons with deep characters. To get some expert insight, we turn to Dr. James Turner.
Dr. Turner has spent over 20 years studying film and theatre. He holds a PhD in Film Studies from Oxford. His research on caper movies is well-known.
Dr. Turner believes "The Sting" shines due to its detailed plot and strong performances by Newman and Redford. The poker game scene is tense yet fun, while the horse racing con keeps you guessing.
Safety and ethics matter in filmmaking too, says Dr. Turner. "The Sting" follows these rules well—no cheap tricks here! Instead, it builds honest tension through good storytelling.
How can fans use this? Watch it for lessons on trust and deception—it’s great for actors wanting to learn about complex characters." Also," he adds, "it’s perfect for studying period settings."
But it's not all roses... Some might find the plot twists confusing at times compared to simpler stories today. But that richness also makes it special among films of its kind.
For final words—Dr. Turner calls “The Sting” a true gem. It’s more than worth watching if you love smart plots mixed with history!