Welcome to The Best Movies I’ve Never Seen! This is the part of the blog where I work my way through 100 films I’ve never seen that are generally considered to be great. You’re invited to watch along with me if you can find a copy or find it streaming. So grab some popcorn and let’s get started!

The Sting

1973

Directed by George Roy Hill

In the annals of cinematic history, there are caper films, and then there is The Sting. Directed by George Roy Hill, this 1973 masterpiece stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling, wit, and charisma. With a dynamic duo at its helm, Paul Newman and Robert Redford, this film is a journey through the bygone era of 1936 that’s so charming and clever, it makes grifting look like an art form.

The Sting reunites Hill with the duo of Newman and Redford, who previously charmed audiences in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Once again, their on-screen chemistry is nothing short of magic. The film’s screenplay, penned by David S. Ward, is a nod to the real-life cons detailed in David Maurer’s The Big Con, and it unfolds like an intricately woven tapestry of deception and cunning.

Set in the smoky, sepia-toned world of 1936, we are thrust into a realm where every smirk and every nuance matters. The attention to detail is impeccable, from the period-appropriate costumes to the authentic jazz score that will have your toes tapping throughout.

At the heart of this cinematic jewel are the characters. Paul Newman, in his role as Henry Gondorff, is as smooth as silk, with a cool confidence that could charm the birds from the trees. Robert Redford, portraying Johnny Hooker, delivers the perfect blend of vulnerability and determination, drawing us into his plight and making us root for him every step of the way.

Their target is the formidable mob boss, Robert Shaw’s Doyle Lonnegan. Shaw’s performance oozes menace, and you can practically feel the tension rise with every scene he graces. As the plot unfolds, it’s clear that Lonnegan is no pushover, setting the stage for an intricate web of cons, double-crosses, and ingenious trickery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

One of the film’s most enchanting aspects is its unexpected humor. The quick-witted banter, the unapologetic cheekiness, and the perfectly timed pranks infuse a lighthearted energy into a story that could have been unbearably tense. The clever set pieces, elaborate schemes, and the eventual “sting” itself are executed with such precision that it’s impossible not to admire the sheer audacity and intelligence of our protagonists.

The Sting is a journey into the world of high-stakes cons, where nothing is as it seems, and trust is a fleeting illusion. It’s a film that revels in the art of the grift, where you can’t help but be delighted by the constant twists and turns.

In the end, The Sting isn’t just a heist film; it’s a celebration of the grifter’s craft. George Roy Hill and his talented cast and crew create a cinematic experience that keeps you guessing, laughing, and applauding the ingenuity of our anti-heroes. If you haven’t experienced this classic yet, you’re missing out on one of the finest caper films ever made. It’s a timeless piece of storytelling that lures you in and leaves you with a smile, like the sweetest con you ever fell for.

Now, I’d love to hear your thoughts on The Sting. Have you seen it? Did the charm of Newman and Redford sweep you off your feet, or were you as captivated by the intricate plot as I was? Share your experiences in the comments!