When I was teaching theatre arts, I covered my classroom and office walls with appropriate, inspiring, colorful posters. One of the massive spaces that was behind my desk kept “my men.” They were huge close-ups of six of the hottest movie stars on stage or screen. I chose them thoughtfully and with great consideration because I knew they would be scrutinized every day. This was an understatement since I taught for over thirty years at this school. Let me be clear, “my men” were fully clothed, but it was a head and body shot of each actor. I loved and adored them. Two of the six were Paul Newman and Robert Redford. I am a sucker for blue eyes. They were strong, talented actors who also happened to be gorgeous. I always felt calmer and well-protected knowing that they had my back. I smiled when I walked in each morning, and I used to whisper goodnight at the end of the day. They were extremely special, so when I first saw Paul and Bob together in one movie, my heart soared with sheer delight. Their chemistry was off the chain. It was hard to contain myself as I watched one of the greatest movies of all time…THE STING.
THE STING was a phenomenon when it premiered in 1973. The film won seven Oscars including Best Picture, Director, Music, Editing, Screenplay, Costumes, and Art Direction. It was based on a short book called THE BIG CON by David W. Maurer. This was exactly what the film was about. Chicago grifters from the 30’s who would go to any length to “sucker” money from other gangsters or even ordinary citizens. The details were brilliant and elaborate. The payoffs were outstanding and worth the risk. Everyone was “on the take” which included cops and judges. The con could not be discovered as long as the right people were “cast” for each role or part to play. It was like watching a play or movie within a play. And there were always twists, turns, and surprises along the way. The film was made for five and a half million dollars and grossed 175 million. Paul and Bob’s salary was $500,000 which with today’s inflation would be three million each.
Newman and Redford were a match any director would want to have as their lead actors. On the set they were continually playing pranks on each other, but while in character, they both were engrossed in their roles as Henry and Johnny. Redford was nursing a broken thumb throughout the entire film schedule, and there are moments he takes great effort to hide or cover his bandage.
Edith Head, the Costume Designer for THE STING won her eighth Oscar which is still the record number ever awarded. Marvin Hamlisch composed the ragtime score, and on the evening of the awards ceremony, he also won an Oscar for his haunting music to THE WAY WE WERE. His upbeat, piano tunes set the tone from the moment THE STING began with its clever page-turning frames dividing each scene and scenario. Those joyful chords are embedded within our brains whenever we hear those opening first notes.
What I loved about this film was the ease of all the bookies and con men carrying on doing their “job.” It appeared effortless, natural, and authentic. I was taken in and swept away to another decade when men and women would do anything to survive. The fear of being gunned down by a mobster was palatable. Every day was a challenge. The crazy cast names were a humorous touch as well. It gave the audience an insider’s take on everyone’s personality. The spectacular ensemble included Charles Durning, Harold Gould, Ray Walton, Eileen Brennan, and Robert Shaw.
The director, George Roy Hill, was able to create a masterclass in filmmaking. It was visually exquisite and worked like a well-oiled machine and meshed perfectly. Hill was fortunate to be able to work with the Newman/Redford duo once again when he directed BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID.
THE STING is an endearing, blockbuster classic that holds up even after fifty years. It represents pure escapism. It is treasured as one of the best films of all time. I recommend wearing a “wife beater undershirt, suspenders, and a cap or choose a total, formal tux while watching. You never know whose wall you might end up on.
THE STING is available on TCM.
