The Sting
"Your boss is quite the card player, Mr. Kelly. How does he do it?"
"He cheats."
With my favorite line of a favorite movie is a prime presentation of what this movie is about.
As stated previously, I've loved this movie since childhood. A pairing of two great actors, Robert Redford and Paul Newman that comes a very tight second to their first pairing;
Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid. God only knows how many times I've seen this and I know it front to back, in and out and while I could have easily wrote a review without a rewatch, why on earth would I pass an opportunity NOT to watch it.
This, may or may not have instilled a fondness for Grifter movies but they truly do a wonderful tip of the hat to the Con and those who were at the top of the trade way back in the day. For this movie, the mid 30's in Chicago. Which was an ideal location as we get to meet a small timer, (Redford) running a game on bag runner for the wrong man (Robert Shaw). Though, technically, this part happens outside Chicago in Joliet, but that's purely a technicality.
From there, Redford's character goes to meet an old time, big con expert, for revenge, (Newman) and they go to work on Shaw.
From there, it is a razor's edge that is danced upon to get to the final big con with, not only Shaw's character; Lonnegan's thugs, but a bunco cop (Charles Durning) chasing down Redford's Hooker. All of it done with some lovely placards opening up each new chapter and the now famous "The Entertainer" played on piano. Also, the remaking of old time Chicago is really done well. From the clothing, to streets and buildings, its all quite impressive.
Through the twists of the con are some very funny moments along with some delightful little nuances played out in the actors' eyes as the game gets played out. And I would be remissed not to salute the secondary actors who, all do a splendid job; from Eileen Brennen to Ray Walston and the dapper Harold Gould.
As I've said, this is a favorite and I hope others enjoy this as well. Thanks @
Jay Redrum for nominating such a fun and enjoyable movie!
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Too lazy to look those facts up. I had noticed it was your one pointer