“Revenge is for suckers.”
Johnny Hooker navigates revenge, elaborate schemes, and the search for purpose in a world built on deception. We break down whose story it really is, what he wants vs. what he truly needs, and why trust, cleverness, and moral choices make The Sting an iconic and endlessly entertaining caper — all with laughs, playful debate, and a love for classic movies.
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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.
Release date: December 25, 1973 (USA)
Director: George Roy Hill
Screenplay: David S. Ward
Awards: Academy Award for Best Picture