THE STING (1973) C widescreen 127m dir: George Roy Hill

w/Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning, Ray Walston, Eileen Brennan, Harold Gould, John Heffernan, Dana Elcar, Jack Kehoe

From Variety's review of the film: "Paul Newman and Robert Redford are superbly reteamed [after BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID] as a pair of con artists in Chicago of the 1930s, out to fleece a big-time racketeer, brilliantly played by Robert Shaw. ...

"The three stars make all the difference between simply a good film and a superior one. Newman's relationship with Brennan (in a sensational supporting role) rounds out his characterization of an old pro making his last big score. Redford really turns to and works superbly. Shaw's taciturn menace commands attention even when he is simply part of a master shot.

"The film comes to a series of startling climaxes, piled atop one another with zest. In the final seconds the audience realizes it's been had, but when one enjoys the ride, it's a pleasure."

From The Movie Guide: "Much of the film's success is a result of its visual brilliance; the aged look of Surtees' photography evokes a feeling of nostalgia, and the art direction, set decoration, and costuming are equally effective. Marvin Hamlisch did a fine job of adapting Scott Joplin's classic rags, especially 'The Entertainer,' which was soon a radio commonplace and sparked renewed interest in the composer."

Oscars awarded for Best Picture, Director, Original Story & Screenplay (David S. Ward), Art Direction, Adapted Scoring, Editing (William Reynolds), and Costume Design (Edith Head). The film was also nominated for Best Actor (Redford), Cinematography (Robert Surtees), and Sound.