The Sting (1973) < 100% Latest >

The story is set in motion when a young grifter, (Robert Redford), accidentally steals money belonging to a powerful racketeer, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). After Lonnegan murders Hooker's mentor as revenge, Hooker seeks out a legendary, "on-the-skids" con man named Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to help him execute the "long con"—a complex, psychological hustle designed to bankrupt Lonnegan without him ever realizing he was robbed. 🏆 Critical & Commercial Success

: Robert Earl Jones, who plays Hooker's first partner Luther, was the father of legendary actor James Earl Jones . ❓ Why It’s a Classic The Sting (1973)

Unlike many modern heist films that rely on CGI or high-tech gadgets, The Sting relies on , witty dialogue , and an intricate plot that cons the audience as much as it cons the villain. It is widely considered the blueprint for the caper genre, praised for its "effortless cool" and satisfying final twist. The story is set in motion when a

Give you more details on the who inspired the script ❓ Why It’s a Classic Unlike many modern

: The film popularized Scott Joplin's Ragtime music , specifically "The Entertainer." Ironically, this music was popular in the early 1900s, making it technically "out of date" for the film's 1930s setting.

The film was a massive hit, earning on a modest $5.5 million budget . It dominated the 46th Academy Awards, winning seven Oscars, including: Best Picture Best Director (George Roy Hill) Best Original Screenplay (David S. Ward) Best Film Editing Best Original Score (Marvin Hamlisch) ✨ Key Features & Trivia