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The Sting

Play trailer Poster for The Sting PG 1973 2h 9m Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 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.
The Sting

What to Know

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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Critics Reviews

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Richard Roeper Chicago Sun-Times Dec 2, 2023
One of the most enduring and exquisitely crafted blockbusters of all time. Go to Full Review
Andrew Sarris Village Voice Aug 8, 2022
Pure popcorn like this is hardly worthy of serious analysis... Fortunately, the stars have not lost their charm and authority. Go to Full Review
Judith Crist New York Magazine/Vulture Aug 8, 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. Go to Full Review
David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Jun 21, 2026
3/4
...an overlong yet mostly engaging effort that benefits from its lighthearted, surprising narrative and raft of above-average performances... Go to Full Review
Sean Burns Crooked Marquee Jan 16, 2026
‘The Sting’ is both a grift and a great escape. It makes you nostalgic for something that never was. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 3, 2025
4/4
Pure pleasure. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Han R Apr 17, 2019 A great depression-era classic. Smart and original. Redford and Newman are once again a dynamic duo. See more
Rey S Apr 11, 2019 Classy,Redford and Newman are great and you can never go wrong with Shaw. See more
Mar 15, 2019 Paul Newman and Robert Redford's charm is enough to recommend this film but with fun characters and some interesting twist and turns this film will keep the audience satisfied from beginning till end, even if the music can sometimes be a little distracting. I give The Sting an A See more
Hermione P Mar 13, 2019 All con movies hide an essential secret: that the audiences are the real marks, the targets of the con. George Roy Hill's popular outing is no different, putting "easy smiles" Newman and Redford right out in front to, uhh, easy smile, and distract where the con is going, and this they do with finesse. It's a fun movie, but don't look at it too hard. The secondary cast and the set design and the music all lend themselves well to the spirit of the thing, a looking back on simpler times with fondness. See more
George W Mar 13, 2019 I came across the name of the movie during my search for must see con man movies and I decided to give it a go. Got to say it's pretty good considering it was made in 1973 and set in 1936, it had some great twists, laughs and charms. The plot involves two swindlers trying to con a gangster. There are many plays happening, I was able to guess a few and had missed on others. Got superb casting, performances and direction. It went on to win seven Oscars and was nominated for ten. See more
Hermione W Feb 18, 2019 A meticulously detailed crime caper. The Sting (1973) is director George Roy Hill paying tribute to Carol Reed's The Third Man, William Friedkin's The French Connection, and many older crime thrillers of seamless realism and crafty concoction. David S. Ward's script is clever and unscrupulous in the thought that went into this twist filled plot. The Sting's narrative is structured with precision that is gripping to the last. George Roy Hill's direction is a phenomenal recreation of The Great Depression era Chicago. The gritty realistic setting and incredible sets that really capture an old Chicago crime feel are impressive. The older clothes, accurate accents, and vintage haircuts all work to make The Sting feel a sense of verisimilitude. Robert Redford is awesome as the cool con artist with a heart of gold. He feels likable and realistic with an air of sincerity. His youthful energetic keeps The Sting feeling like a rush of energy. Redford is perfect whether ripping off someone from their money with his slick words or wooing a woman with affectionate words. He is the ultimate cool criminal. Paul Newman is again hilarious as the criminal mastermind and elder con artist teaching the younger Redford. His goofy playing at alcoholic during the first card game of poker is entertaining as the scene is suspenseful. Newman is delightful to watch work his charm with his air of control. He plays perfectly alongside the charismatic Redford. Robert Shaw is unsurprisingly masterful as the villainous criminal cheat Lonergan. His subtle performance leaves you impressed at how nuanced he accomplishes his character acting. He walks with a limp, yet roars out orders with an unshakable control and imposing presence. His staring eyes are haunting as well. Shaw is just excellent in The Sting. I loved all the smaller supporting roles in The Sting. Eileen Brennan is great as the madame of a Chicago brothel named Billie. Charles Durning is shocking as terrifying as the corrupt cop Lt. Snyder. Lastly, Dimitra Arliss is captivating as the waitress Loretta Salino. Everyone plays their part with a mystifying aura. The Sting's score is a lovely tribute to old vaudeville acts and early Americana. The music keeps you entertained and the movie moving along with a gleeful joy to life your spirits during the darker sequences. To conclude, The Sting is certainly worth watching for Robert Redford and Paul Newman, but also offers Robert Shaw's brilliant role and a ton of sweet songs. The chase sequences are otherworldly as are the scams and setups. You should give The Sting a chance! See more
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The Sting

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The Sting

The Sting: Official Clip - Name's Lonnegan The Sting: Official Clip - Name's Lonnegan 1:43 Now Playing The Sting: Official Clip - You're a Gutless Cheat The Sting: Official Clip - You're a Gutless Cheat 2:34 Now Playing The Sting: Official Clip - Johnny Gets the Girl The Sting: Official Clip - Johnny Gets the Girl 1:20 Now Playing The Sting: Official Clip - It's Over, Hooker The Sting: Official Clip - It's Over, Hooker 2:58 Now Playing The Sting: Official Clip - A Real Professional The Sting: Official Clip - A Real Professional 1:35 Now Playing The Sting: Official Clip - A Game of Jacks The Sting: Official Clip - A Game of Jacks 2:59 Now Playing The Sting: Official Clip - This is a Class Joint The Sting: Official Clip - This is a Class Joint 2:59 Now Playing The Sting: Official Clip - The Hook The Sting: Official Clip - The Hook 1:55 Now Playing The Sting: Official Clip - It's Close The Sting: Official Clip - It's Close 2:31 Now Playing The Sting: Official Clip - World's Easiest Five Grand The Sting: Official Clip - World's Easiest Five Grand 2:59 Now Playing View more videos
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Movie Info

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, Universal Pictures, MCA/Universal Home Video
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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