The Sting

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The Sting

PG

1973

2h 9m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

109 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

12/02/2023

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

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Andrew Sarris

Village Voice

08/08/2022

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

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Judith Crist

New York Magazine/Vulture

08/08/2022

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.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Jun 21

3/4

...an overlong yet mostly engaging effort that benefits from its lighthearted, surprising narrative and raft of above-average performances...

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Sean Burns

Crooked Marquee

Jan 16

‘The Sting’ is both a grift and a great escape. It makes you nostalgic for something that never was.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Nov 3

4/4

Pure pleasure.

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Ericka R

07/20/2023

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.

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nick S

@Nick_S Jun 20

I thought the story was slightly overcooked but that doesn't take away from it's greatness. Set design, acting and directing were all incredible.

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Emerson H.

@movielover9 Jun 9

Absolutely fantastic! Some absolutely awesome twists, that make you rethink a lot of the film, plus, Robert Redford gives a great performance, may he rest in peace, 10/10

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acsdoug D

@acsdoug May 15

I saw this when it first came out 59+ years ago, I remembered the twist ending. In other words, I knew what was coming and I still enjoyed it very much. It's just a great film.

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Chris H

@RT60525826 May 8

Terrific stuff. Not what you'd call challenging, but why should it be. Just a fun couple of hours. Robert Shaw is both charismatic and menacing.

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom Apr 26

The Sting is another great example of how clever writing, style, and performances can come together to create a truly memorable film. It has a smooth, confident rhythm that pulls you in from the start and keeps you engaged without ever feeling rushed or confusing. The chemistry between the characters is a major highlight, and the film’s charm comes from how well everything is executed rather than relying on flashy excess. It feels timeless, with strong direction, a great sense of atmosphere, and a playful energy that never overdoes itself. Overall, it’s a smart, entertaining classic that still holds up really well today. I rate it a 9/10.

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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

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