The Sting

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The Sting

PG

Released Dec 25, 1973

2h 9m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

107 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take revenge on the ruthless crime boss responsible, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Hooker and Gondorff set about implementing an elaborate scheme, one so crafty that Lonnegan won't even know he's been swindled. As their big con unfolds, however, things don't go according to plan, requiring some last-minute improvisation by the undaunted duo.

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Critics Consensus

Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and director George Roy Hill prove that charm, humor, and a few slick twists can add up to a great film.

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Richard Roeper

Chicago Sun-Times

One of the most enduring and exquisitely crafted blockbusters of all time.

Dec 2, 2023

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Andrew Sarris

Village Voice

Pure popcorn like this is hardly worthy of serious analysis... Fortunately, the stars have not lost their charm and authority.

Aug 8, 2022

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Judith Crist

New York Magazine/Vulture

It's a joy to look at and has that rarest of present-day ingredients, Hill's hallmark -- taste. What glitters here is pure movie gold.

Aug 8, 2022

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Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

Arguably the G.O.A.T. heist-comedy-blockbuster “The Sting” (seven Oscars) is the premier example of the saying, "They don't make 'em like that anymore."

Rated: 5/5

May 17, 2024

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

The Sting has everything going perfectly right from start to finish and still holds up 50 years later as one of the best films ever made. It is a masterclass in filmmaking.

Rated: 5/5

Dec 25, 2023

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Keith Garlington

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

There's a playful allure that permeates much of the film and it has a cool retro style that calls back to the classic mob movies of Raoul Walsh and Lloyd Bacon. But it also has a touch of 1970s grit which helps sets it apart.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 21, 2023

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Ericka R

I love that I had the opportunity to see it on the big screen again. The first movie I saw in a theater that I remember. I was too young to understand most of it, I was 3, but I loved it all the same. Such a marvelous ensemble of stelar craftsmen. My mom suggested we get the soundtrack. I already have it for her. We were over joyed.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/20/23

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Andy B

Pure brilliance from start to finish. Redford and Newman are at the top of their game and Robert Shaw is possibly the scariest villain in movie history.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/13/24

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Audience Member

This movie has really good acting and drama. While I haven't seen many movies with Paul Newman, Robert Shaw is a legend in everything he acted in and died too soon. Robert Redford is also a good actor and I really liked the smartly executed plot/character twists that they pulled in the last few scenes (such as his brief "love interest" that worked at the diner and the main FBI agent not being what they seemed to be). I also liked the poker scene on the train. Not only was it intense, but also funny at the same time! It's not underrated or overrated, it's rated just as it should be! It's old and old-fashioned but it deserves its reputation!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/15/24

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David F

I found the setup a little confusing but there’s lots of old Hollywood charm and glamour in this Gangster Era-set Chicago crime caper about con men pulling one over on a gang lord.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/05/24

Full Review

CodyZamboni Z

Too much fun. One of moviedom's all time great entertainments. Newman and Redford and Shaw, all at the the top of their games.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/12/24

Full Review

Mahsun Y

I think just problem about this film is Doyle Lonnegan lose his power while the movie continues.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/27/24

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George Roy Hill

Director

Paul Newman

Henry Gondorff

Robert Redford

Johnny Hooker

Robert Shaw

Doyle Lonnegan

Charles Durning

Lt. William Snyder

Ray Walston

J.J. Singleton

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The Sting: Official Clip - Name's Lonnegan

1:43

The Sting: Official Clip - You're a Gutless Cheat

2:34

The Sting: Official Clip - Johnny Gets the Girl

1:20

The Sting: Official Clip - It's Over, Hooker

2:58

The Sting: Official Clip - A Real Professional

1:35

The Sting: Official Clip - A Game of Jacks

2:59

The Sting: Official Clip - This is a Class Joint

2:59

The Sting: Official Clip - The Hook

1:55

The Sting: Official Clip - It's Close

2:31

The Sting: Official Clip - World's Easiest Five Grand

2:59

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Synopsis

Following the murder of a mutual friend, aspiring con man Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) teams up with old pro Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) to take revenge on the ruthless crime boss responsible, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Hooker and Gondorff set about implementing an elaborate scheme, one so crafty that Lonnegan won't even know he's been swindled. As their big con unfolds, however, things don't go according to plan, requiring some last-minute improvisation by the undaunted duo.

Director: George Roy Hill
Producer: Tony Bill, Julia Phillips, Michael Phillips
Screenwriter: David S. Ward
Distributor: Universal Home Entertainment, MCA/Universal Home Video, Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 1973, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015
Runtime: 2h 9m

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