When a movie stars two of the best actors to ever grace the silver screen, you know it has to be good. And when the same movie wins seven Academy Awards, including best picture and best director, you know it has to be great. Such is the case with the 1973 hit "The Sting," starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
Set in 1936 in Chicago, Henry Gondorff (Newman) and Johnny Hooker (Redford), two smooth-operating con artists, are about to play the highest-staked game of their lives. Avenging the murder of mutual friend and past partner Luther Coleman (Robert Earl Jones), they set up a counterfeit bookie outfit as their front. The target is Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), a murderous, cheating mobster.
The two main characters balance narrowly on a fine wire while scrutinizing the sharks of the Chicago Mob, the Feds and one local cop. With a twisted sense of justice, they attempt to pull off the greatest con of all time.
The movie opens with Hooker and Coleman unwittingly pulling a street job on a heavy from the local chapter of the Chicago Mob, who happens to be carrying the week's profits. The result is the brutal murder of Coleman, an act that propels Hooker to seek revenge. In doing so he seeks out the assistance of semi-retired expert grifter Gondorff. The scene in which the two meet - inebriated, passed-out Newman and annoyed, unimpressed Redford - is one of the most memorable moments in cinematic history. As the two hatch their elaborate scheme, suspense builds. Not only do they lure Lonnegan into their web, but the Mob tries to kill Hooker; Lieutenant William Snyder (Charles Durning) attempts to extract his own revenge for past insults; and the Feds appear to be closing in on Gondorff.
Newman and Redford, reunited after their smashing success in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," are one of the most dynamic duos ever to set foot on a movie set. Redford's boyish good looks and charm combined with Newman's sophisticated, suave demeanor play off each other perfectly. Redford's execution of Hooker's disdain for authority and his need to do things his own way clashes beautifully with Newman's portrayal of Gordoff's mature expertise. The contrast between the two helps push the story along seamlessly. Supporting actors such as Dana Elcar, Eileen Brennan, Ray Walston, Charles Durning and Harold Gould, but especially the greedy and villainous Shaw and the caring father figure of Jones, only add to the richness of the show.
Director George Roy Hill, also from "Butch Cassidy," knows how to maximize all of their energy and talent. He successfully allows them to expertly negotiate the twisting plot. But he is not without help in this endeavor. Between David S. Ward's screenplay and Marvin Hamlisch's score (both of which won Academy Awards), the sexiness, allure and charisma of the 1930s is captured through dress, environment and Scott Joplin's ragtime - not to mention the very mood of the movie. The feeling that viewers get after watching this movie is one of regret - regret that they missed out on such a glamorous period.
The promo line for "The Sting" is: "All it takes is a little confidence." And nothing could be better than watching Redford and Newman sashay through this movie with complete assurance that this was, is and always will be a great ride.
"The Sting" will be shown at 1 p.m. on Friday in Culbreth Theatre, followed by a discussion with screenwriter David Ward.
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