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The Rewatchables ·

The Sting

year 1973decade 70sdirector George Roy Hillgenre Crime
host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryanhost Sean Fennesseyproducer Craig Horlbeck
All 28 categories

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 1:19:33

Redford’s performance outside one speaker’s top ten

One participant says the Oscar-nominated performance would not make his top ten Redford performances.

Bill Simmons: Another argues that pranks were cooler in the 1970s and that modern anti-prank sentiment is excessive.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson · 1:46:21

Revenge is for suckers

Chris Ryan: Revenge is for suckers is selected as a lesson.

The film

The Sting (1973)

Directed by George Roy Hill · Crime

129 minutes

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Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Paul Newman Henry Gondorff
Robert Redford Johnny Hooker
Robert Shaw Doyle Lonnegan
Charles Durning Lt. William Snyder
Ray Walston J. J. Singleton
Harold Gould Kid Twist
John Heffernan Eddie Niles
Dana Elcar FBI Agent Polk
Jack Kehoe Erie Kid
Dimitra Arliss Loretta
Robert Earl Jones Luther Coleman
James J. Sloyan Mottola
Lee Paul Lonnegan's second bodyguard
Sally Kirkland Crystal
Avon Long Benny Garfield
Arch Johnson Combs
Ed Bakey Granger
John Quade Riley
Larry D. Mann Clemens
Leonard Barr Leonard
Paulene Myers Alva Coleman
Joe Tornatore Black Gloved Gunman
Jack Collins Duke Boudreau
Tom Spratley Curly Jackson
Ken Sansom Western Union Executive
Ta-Tanisha Louise

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

36:13

Half-Assed Internet Research

Robert Shaw’s post-production pub crawl, Sean Connery rivalry, source-book dispute, awards record, and profitability

Robert Shaw’s post-production pub crawl, Sean Connery rivalry, source-book dispute, awards record, and profitability

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:13Read transcript
  • George Roy Hill and Robert Shaw reportedly celebrated filming with a week-long Irish pub crawl ending with Shaw playing ping-pong in his underwear.
  • Shaw reportedly regarded Sean Connery as a professional rival. — Bill Simmons
  • The screenplay was associated with The Big Con; its author sued and the production settled while denying plagiarism. — Bill Simmons
  • The film won seven of ten Oscar nominations. — Sean Fennessey
  • The film’s budget and enormous box-office return are reported. — Bill Simmons
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47:11

Most Rewatchable Scene

The train poker game is selected twice; the first Gondorff-Hooker meeting is another explicit favorite. The opening c...

The train poker game is selected twice; the first Gondorff-Hooker meeting is another explicit favorite. The opening con, roulette loss, counterfeit handoff, train setup, fake race, revenge exchange, Salino reveal, and final con are additional nominees.

In the discussion (12)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:11Read transcript
  • The opening switch with Luther is nominated as a strong opening con.
  • The train stretch combining Lonnegan’s pickpocketing, card tricks, gin trick, and poker game is nominated as one long sequence. — Bill Simmons
  • Hooker immediately losing his winnings at roulette is included despite an objection that the bet is implausible. — Bill Simmons
  • Hooker paying Snyder with counterfeit money is nominated.
  • The poker game is selected for Newman’s comic drunk performance and the four-jack cheat.
  • Hooker apparently offering to double-cross Gondorff is nominated for making the audience question the con. — Bill Simmons
  • The fake Blue Note race is nominated. — Bill Simmons
  • Gondorff and Hooker’s exchange about revenge being for suckers is nominated. — Bill Simmons
  • Salino’s reveal as the assassin and death are nominated. — Bill Simmons
  • The final con, fake shootings, and Hooker declining his share are nominated. — Bill Simmons
  • The poker game is explicitly selected by two participants. — Chris Ryan
  • Gondorff and Hooker’s first meeting, with hungover Gondorff and their verbal sparring, is selected as another favorite. — Chris Ryan
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1:00:40

What’s Aged the Best?

Pickpocketing, train travel, period drinking, the practical con, and the loose 1974 Oscars presentation

Pickpocketing, train travel, period drinking, the practical con, and the loose 1974 Oscars presentation

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:40Read transcript
  • Pickpocketing is praised as an underused movie device. — Bill Simmons
  • A star-filled train trip with the possibility of danger is praised. — Bill Simmons
  • Schlitz bottles and beer at breakfast are praised as period texture. — Chris Ryan
  • The practical construction and staffing of the con are praised.
  • Elizabeth Taylor presenting Best Picture after the streaker interrupted the ceremony is recommended as loose, memorable awards footage. — Bill Simmons
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1:09:31

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

The fake gin and the diner’s blue-plate special

The fake gin and the diner’s blue-plate special

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:31Read transcript
  • The fake gin used during the poker con is selected. — Chris Ryan
  • The blue-plate special ordered at the diner is selected. — Chris Ryan
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1:09:45

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

The editing transitions and iris effects.

The editing transitions and iris effects.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:09:45Read transcript
  • William Reynolds’s editing is selected instead of a single photographic composition.
  • The iris transition is singled out.
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1:10:21

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

“The Entertainer.”

“The Entertainer.”

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:21Read transcript
  • “The Entertainer” is the immediate choice. — Bill Simmons
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1:10:21

Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name

Johnny Hooker; Doyle Lonnegan; Henry Gondorff and the con crew.

Johnny Hooker; Doyle Lonnegan; Henry Gondorff and the con crew.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:21Read transcript
  • Johnny Hooker is selected as a strong lead-character name.
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1:10:37

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

The carousel brothel

The carousel brothel

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:37Read transcript
  • The carousel brothel is selected as the scene-stealing location.
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1:11:41

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

The extra hitmen, absence of a substantial woman, sequel, racial slurs, and slow late stretch

The extra hitmen, absence of a substantial woman, sequel, racial slurs, and slow late stretch

In the discussion (5)
Approx. transcript time · 01:11:41Read transcript
  • Cole and Sullivan continuing to pursue Hooker after Salino takes over are criticized as a confusing and unnecessary extra hitman subplot. — Chris Ryan
  • The absence of a substantial woman in the con is identified as a missed opportunity. — Bill Simmons
  • The Sting II is selected as the worst extension of the film.
  • Several racial slurs are identified as dated. — Bill Simmons
  • The stretch after the Blue Note scene is criticized as slow and overextended. — Bill Simmons
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1:16:48

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Redford, Jack Kehoe, and Robert Shaw are nominated without a single resolved winner.

Redford, Jack Kehoe, and Robert Shaw are nominated without a single resolved winner.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:48Read transcript
  • Redford is nominated for several unusually heightened moments.
  • Jack Kehoe is nominated for a heightened barroom performance.
  • Robert Shaw is nominated for Lonnegan’s angry insistence on his name.
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1:17:51

Sean Fennessey Award for Stealth Homage That Gives Every Movie Nerd a Criterion Orgasm

Casablanca: the rigged black-22 roulette result

Casablanca: the rigged black-22 roulette result

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:17:51Read transcript
  • Hooker losing on rigged black 22 is identified as the same roulette result Rick arranges in Casablanca. — Sean Fennessey
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1:19:33

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Redford’s performance outside one speaker’s top ten; 1970s prank culture defended

Redford’s performance outside one speaker’s top ten; 1970s prank culture defended

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:19:33Read transcript
  • One participant says the Oscar-nominated performance would not make his top ten Redford performances.
  • Another argues that pranks were cooler in the 1970s and that modern anti-prank sentiment is excessive. — Bill Simmons
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1:23:50

Casting What-Ifs

Jack Nicholson, Sterling Hayden, and Richard Boone are reported casting alternatives.

Jack Nicholson, Sterling Hayden, and Richard Boone are reported casting alternatives.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:23:50Read transcript
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1:24:20

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Jack Kehoe

Jack Kehoe

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:20Read transcript
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1:25:09

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Lonnegan’s silent henchman

Lonnegan’s silent henchman

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:25:09Read transcript
  • Luther, Salino, Billie, Lonnegan’s silent henchman, and the fake FBI agent are nominated.
  • Lonnegan’s silent henchman is selected for standing out without dialogue. — Bill Simmons
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1:26:13

Recasting Couch

Jane Alexander is proposed as Salino; supporting con-team alternatives are discussed.

Jane Alexander is proposed as Salino; supporting con-team alternatives are discussed.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:13Read transcript
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1:26:25

Half-Assed Internet Research

Period streets and cars; an accidental drink spill; the diner set; Redford’s broken thumb and lateness; the adapted s...

Period streets and cars; an accidental drink spill; the diner set; Redford’s broken thumb and lateness; the adapted score; Julia Phillips’s producing milestone.

In the discussion (11)
Approx. transcript time · 01:26:25Read transcript
  • George Roy Hill reportedly copied the sparse extras of 1930s gangster films, creating empty-looking streets. — Bill Simmons
  • Many cars were authentic period vehicles sourced by producer Tony Bill.
  • Snyder pouring the rejected drink onto Billie’s hand was an accident retained in the film. — Bill Simmons
  • The diner set later appeared in Back to the Future. — Bill Simmons
  • Redford worked around a broken thumb from a skiing accident. — Bill Simmons
  • Robert Shaw recalled people recognizing Newman more than Redford; the hosts question whether he was teasing Redford. — Bill Simmons
  • The adapted-score Oscar recognized Marvin Hamlisch’s arrangement of Scott Joplin music, a category whose rules later changed. — Sean Fennessey
  • The discussion contrasts a proposed 1930s Chicago blues soundtrack with Hill’s preference for older ragtime music. — Sean Fennessey
  • Julia Phillips became the first woman to win Best Picture as a producer. — Chris Ryan
  • Julia Phillips recalled that the producers had not negotiated their credit lettering, leaving their names looking less prominent. — Chris Ryan
  • Phillips reported that Newman confronted Redford about arriving late, after which Redford reduced his lateness. — Bill Simmons
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1:30:25

Apex Mountain

Redford and George Roy Hill

Redford and George Roy Hill

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:25Read transcript
  • Paul Newman is rejected for Apex Mountain, which is placed earlier in his career. — Bill Simmons
  • Redford is selected for reaching first-call status through The Way We Were and The Sting.
  • George Roy Hill is selected after winning Best Director and following Butch Cassidy with The Sting.
  • Scott Joplin’s ragtime revival is proposed.
  • Schlitz is proposed for its 1930s dominance and possible 1970s revival. — Bill Simmons
  • The Sting is debated as Apex Mountain for con movies because of its success and influence.
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1:37:12

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Martin Scorsese, with a strong Spielberg case.

Martin Scorsese, with a strong Spielberg case.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:37:12Read transcript
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1:38:01

Picking Nits

Poker procedure, the train conductor, shooting evidence, race verification, Billie’s availability, and the large con ...

Poker procedure, the train conductor, shooting evidence, race verification, Billie’s availability, and the large con crew

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:38:01Read transcript
  • The poker game is criticized for splashing the pot and acting out of order.
  • The conductor’s participation in the full poker game is questioned.
  • The group argues Lonnegan should notice the absence of entry and exit wounds on Hooker.
  • Lonnegan’s ability to verify the horse races in newspapers is questioned. — Chris Ryan
  • Eileen Brennan’s ability to run the brothel while remaining available for elaborate cons is questioned. — Bill Simmons
  • The payout and loyalty of roughly thirty betting-parlor participants are questioned. — Bill Simmons
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1:42:14

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

A prestige continuation following Gondorff and Hooker running new cons

A prestige continuation following Gondorff and Hooker running new cons

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:42:14Read transcript
  • A continuation with Gondorff and Hooker on the run from Lonnegan is proposed.
  • A weekly Burn Notice-style series with a new con each episode is proposed.
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1:44:16

Just One Oscar

David S. Ward’s screenplay

David S. Ward’s screenplay

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:44:16Read transcript
  • George Roy Hill is proposed before the group notes he already won. — Bill Simmons
  • Marvin Hamlisch is proposed for the score.
  • David S. Ward is selected for a script said to have changed very little during filming.
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1:45:08

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Doyle Lonnegan’s golf handicap (unresolved)

Doyle Lonnegan’s golf handicap (unresolved)

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:45:08Read transcript
  • The group asks Doyle Lonnegan’s golf handicap and speculates that he cheats. — Bill Simmons
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1:45:53

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Poker chips, Gondorff’s cards, the alligator wallet, and counterfeit money

Poker chips, Gondorff’s cards, the alligator wallet, and counterfeit money

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:45:53Read transcript
  • The poker chips are selected. — Bill Simmons
  • Gondorff’s playing cards are selected. — Bill Simmons
  • The alligator wallet and counterfeit money are selected. — Chris Ryan
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1:46:07

The Vivian Award for Best Clothes

Gondorff’s overalls and relaxed con-man clothes.

Gondorff’s overalls and relaxed con-man clothes.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:46:07Read transcript
  • Gondorff’s overalls during the planning are praised. — Chris Ryan
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1:46:21

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Revenge is for suckers; never reveal that the con succeeded.

Revenge is for suckers; never reveal that the con succeeded.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:46:21Read transcript
  • Revenge is for suckers is selected as a lesson. — Chris Ryan
  • Keeping the victim unaware even after taking the money is selected as another lesson.
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1:47:16

Best Double Feature

Focus; another con movie.
The Sting
Focus
Ocean's Eleven
The Hot Rock
In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:47:16Read transcript
  • Focus is proposed as a modern double-con pairing.
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1:47:38

Who Won the Movie?

Robert Redford

Robert Redford

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:47:38Read transcript
  • Paul Newman receives the first winner vote.
  • Robert Redford receives two winner votes because he walks out of the movie “smelling like gold.”
  • George Roy Hill is proposed as an alternative for directing both this film and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. — Bill Simmons
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Paul Newman
Speaker not identified
Robert Redford
Speaker not identified
Robert Redford
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More from the conversation

Newman, Redford, George Roy Hill, the period setting, and the film’s production are discussed.
Approx. transcript time · 00:00:00Read transcript