This is one of the most well made and even better written American films of the 20th century. Such an enjoyable and fun experience that just leaves you with a huge smile on your face by the end, even if you've seen it before.
If you loved this movie, I don't see a reason why you wouldn't love Newman & Redford together again in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid". Another loved classic with Paul Newman is "Cool Hand Luke". Both worth watching.
This was in theaters for 2 years and every time we went to see it, there were always gasps and cheers at The Big Reveal. And that "nose touch" became very popular for a while, parodied on TV shows constantly. The music too became super popular.
@@johnnehrich9601 Yes it did - and as noted above, this movie sparked a revival in Scott Joplin's music. I particularly love the soft, slow melancholy piece that's played the night before the Sting itself - the music is Joplin's "Solace": th-cam.com/video/OKNHp-daefk/w-d-xo.html This movie is great on re-watches too, because now you're in on the plot and you can appreciate all the threads and how they weave together; and all the great character moments between everyone.
By the way, congratulations on leaving "the F word" as is - I would rather hear IT than those most offensive ear-piercing beeps. I mean - aren't those far worse to listen to?!!
One of the few movies I remember there being wild applause at the end. One of the others was the original Rocky where the crowd was cheering like it was a real fight and not scripted.
And if you don't know about betting on horse races, it's impossible to see coming. Win finishes 1st, Place 2nd, and Show 3rd. If you bet on a horse to Place, you win money if it comes in 1st or 2nd.
If they didn't need to get rid of crooked cop Snyder with the fake FBI guys, Lonnegan could have correctly put the bet down to place. The fake FBI guys seemed only to be added to the grand plan kind of late in the game. Unless the FBI guys were intended from day one, that bit has never made sense to me.
It's an interesting tidbit, but I'm not sure how necessary, though. I think that wording could make Lonegan suspicious after the fact about Twist's part, and possibly expose the scam. Something Gondorff expressly stated he didn't want. A Place payout for a 4:1 horse would hardly be worthwhile (in the unlikely event it ever had to be explained). Lonegan would have lost that money regardless of the outcome of his bet, and I suspect would have made some inquiries in any case. I do often wonder what Robert Shaw was thinking when he hesitated to move after that call, though. Alternately, (speculating on behalf of Lonegan), it would explain why Gondorf takes the bet, if he knows Lucky Dan is going to run 2nd. We have no reason to think this, as the Western Union scam is meant to be unknown to him. In theory, it'd make no sense if he takes any winning bet. But who does that inform? Neither the audience nor Lonegan recognize the significance at the time. It could only be to avoid suspicion from Lonegan after the fact, about why Gondorff would have taken a bet he knew he'd lose (assuming the results given were accurate, and presumably they would, again to avoid stirring suspicion, and that he knew beforehand).
@@Hexon66 No it was necessary to say Place it on Lucky Dan because you need Lonnegan to believe that the tip off was legit. Technically it was but it appears that Kid Twist just improperly worded the tip off. This is far less suspicious than giving the wrong winner, or even worse, giving Lonnegan the correct horse.
Very good reaction guys. When you said you just got chills, that's when you know you were watching a great movie. Lonnigan was played by Robert Shaw (Captain Quint on Jaws). A couple very good Robert Redford movies to watch that nobody has done a reaction to are Three Days of the Condor and All The Presidents Men with Dustin Hoffman.😊
And the actor Robert Shaw suffered a real leg injury prior to filming, so that’s why Doyle Lonnegan limps. They figured it just added a cool, villainous dimension to the character
I find it humorous that Newman/Gondorf takes the last name of SHAW for the poker game on the train -- a salute to cast-mate Robert Shaw/Lonnegan. My miniscule movie hi-point in "The Sting" is Gondorf pausing for just a moment of concentration JUST BEFORE ENTERING the big poker game on the train; AN ACTOR PREPARES is the phrase that runs through my mind.
1) As usual, the two of you are amazing. You are the sweetest, most fun couple in the world. It's always a delight to watch with you. 2) This is one of my favorite movies. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It is amazing how many layers the con has. 3) Awesome T-shirt. Watch how I soar.
Sweet reaction. My father was not a movie man, it was family joke how long into a movie before he got up and went to the computer to play solitaire. If he made it 30 mins it was good movie. For whatever reason, this was his favorite movie. I'm sure it had some childhood connection looking back man the smile this movie out in his face, priceless. Much love from North Carolina.
MJoy, great reaction, the best I've seen for this film. You followed along and caught all the subtleties. Not an easy feat for your first viewing. Well done!
@@jasonm8017 just in case you thought you knew everything..... my pee doesn't smell funny after I eat asparagus and my farts sound more like an accordion than a trumpet now. I really don't think you want to know "everything".
@@JuandeFucaU 🤣🤣 see, I knew all that. Didn’t want to. Can’t un-know it. I was kidding. I don’t know shit and am pretty proud of it. But, Juan de Fuca? That sounds like a place I’m familiar with. I’m originally from Vancouver, Canada
@@jasonm8017 small world..... I'm currently in Coquitlam and stole this name from an old UVic jokebook..... don't say it out loud near a woman these days or you'll get #metoo-ed.
The Sting... famous horror movie! The reason that Lonegan limps is bexause Robert Shaw injured himself playing handball before shooting started. But the limp made Lonegan look more sinister so they kept Shaw in the movie.
MJoy4Fun! Typing this before even watching your reaction video. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for making this reaction video. One of the most fun movies to watch that has only a few reactions out there. Well done you two! (fun fact - the actor who plays Luther is James Earl Jones' father - the actor who was the first voice of Star Wars' Darth Vader and very famous actor.)
A couple of notes on this time period. This film was set during The Great Depression in America from 1929-1939 which saw 15-20 million people out of work. There weren't any governmental assistance, or safety net programs to help Americans so crime went up, and people took to conning, bootlegging, gambling, and more to make money. Also, many families couldn't feed or support their children so children were placed on farms to work, or in orphanages. My own grandfather, who was born in 1915, lived in a Jewish home for children in St. Louis for a few years along with his siblings as his parents couldn't afford to care for their children. Another huge factor during this time was Prohibition. It occured from 1920-1933 and constitutionally banned the production, sale, transport, etc. of all alcoholic beverages. This led to hotels and certain restaurants having speakeasies, or secret rooms where alcohol was sold and consumed without the threat of arrest, or jail. The US government dedicated a whole unit to raiding businesses, and arresting people for drinking and buying alcohol. The unit was termed "The U.S. Bureau of Prohibition," and was led by Eliot Ness who worked from 1930-1932 to shut down infamous Mafioso boss Al Capone. I highly recommend the 1987 film "The Untouchables," starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert De Niro. Although the film is not 100 percent accurate, it is highly entertaining and provides some truth as to what life was like in Chicago during this time period. Prohibition occured because a bunch of religious wives decided that alcohol was the root of all evil. However, crime actually went up during Prohibition which makes it quite a case study as to why having religion dictate laws is a bad idea.
Such a great, fun reaction to this classic! I love this film and watching you both get so involved in it was almost like seeing it for the first time again! Thanks so much!
This film is such a smartly put together and stylish heist film made with a care that is rarely found nowadays. As others have said Redford and Newman were first paired in Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid which is a completely worthwhile watch but the two men were individually leading box office stars for decades, Paul Newman about a decade longer than Redford since success came to him in the late 50's and Bob Redford while a promising working actor for most of the 60's didn't hit real stardom until the latter years of that decade, and both have many classics to see on their respective sheets. For Paul Newman: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Sweet Bird of Youth, Hud, The Prize, Harper, Cool Hand Luke, The Towering Inferno, Absence of Malice and The Road to Perdition. For Robert Redford-Barefoot in the Park, The Way We Were, Three Days of the Condor, All the President's Men (a masterpiece), Brubaker and The Natural.
Great movie and great reaction. My two favourite moments are: Gondorff flashing Lonnegan's money into his face with "You come to a game like this, you bring your money." and the moment when they left Western Union office with half painted wall and the blanket on table. Also - there are many great details which you would surely miss in first view - like in the first con scene. You can see exactly when and how Hooker switched handkerchiefs and how in the critical moment Luther is distracting that guy with "I have family" and "Hurry up". Really great movie.
This movie is one of the 1st movie I remember watching as I grew up back in the day. It's one of my dads favorites of all time and it was always playing around the house until the VHS tape wore out. Good times. Great watch. thx for watching it with us!
The best con is one where the victim doesn't even know they've been scammed, and that's what makes this plan work. Lonnegan (the mob boss) leaves thinking that Hooker and Gondorff are dead and that the police have confiscated all the money as evidence. He can't go to the police because the gambling was illegal and so the money is forfeit (if the real police actually had it, which of course they don't but he doesn't know that.) It's a nearly perfect plan - with a big problem that the movie leaves out. Lonnegan is a mob boss with connections to criminals in several major cities. Gondorff hired dozens of grifters who are all in on the plan and who know him and Hooker set up the whole thing. If any of them talk and word gets around about it then it's possible that Lonnegan might find out about it. But at least he's not actively looking for them anymore, so they have a chance to get away, change their names and start new lives.
This is very good point. Lonnegan could find that he was scammed if he dig into it, but may be he wouldn't want to embarrass himself in front of his people. Or may be we are just overthinking it :)
The thing is, all these grifters know that Lonnegan might kill them anyway for being involved in the con. From his point of view? They could have warned him in advance, but no, they took their share of his money. And then he might go after everyone involved in the con. There is also the point that even he will feel the sting of the missing money. The IRS might have questions even if it was from his own account. So he might be a little busy for a while, keeping his illegal stuff hidden while the IRS goes through his books.
@@Dreamfox-df6bg You have good point. The other grifters definitely have an extra incentive to keep quiet. They are just as likely to be hunted down. Of course, as we saw with the way Hooker blew his first take on flashy clothes and conspicuous gambling, grifters don't always act smart and keep a low profile. As for the Lonnegan feeling some pressure from the missing money; Detective Snyder knew he was running illegal operations and wasn't surprised when he thought the FBI was protecting Lonnegan from arrest. I have a feeling that Lonnegan has been paying off authorities for a long time.
Your vid at 0:10 says this film was directed by Quentin Tarantino. That's incorrect. The director was George Roy Hill. Hill previously directed Newman and Redford in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." That's worth a watch, too.
One of my all time favorites. Good reaction and review, guys! You really "fallaed" along with the story and made the correct deductions about what was going on. Great job, guys!
Great job of editing by you to capture all the key scenes. I was born in Chicago and I love the sets and street scenes in this film, plus the all star cast and the fantastic script. Loved your reactions throughout! This movie never gets old!
This is the film that introduced us to the concept of "conning the audience." So influential that it's an audience expectation whenever we watch a film with heists and con artists. If that kind of ending isn't there now, we feel disappointed.
Must have been an inside joke, Paul Newman [Henry Gondorf] calling himself "Shaw" at the card game, when the guy playing the big gangster, Lonnegan, his real name IS Robert Shaw.
I've watched a lot of reactors, and you two are the best! I'd never seen another that paid enough attention to understand the movie they're watching every step of the way. Good job, both of you. Oh, nice touch at the end. "Lonneg.... whatever his name is." Just like Gondorf always getting his name wrong.
Such an enjoyable reaction. So glad you went in completely blind. There's a TV show called *Leverage* that is basically _a sting a week._ It's pretty fun. The original *Mission Impossible* also had an element of this to it.
Yes young people that is it . Saw it when I was a teenager . That is the essence . They conned the audience too. Don’t know why more people of subsequent generations haven’t seen this Masterpiece
Did you recognize the actor Robert Shaw who played Doyle Lonnegan? He played Quint in JAWS. Great actor. Also if you want to see a fantastic legal drama with Paul Newman by the sane director of 12 ANGRY MEN react to THE VERDICT (1982). Such a fun reaction. Thanks! 💕
Winner of 7 Oscars including: Best Picture Best Director Best Screenplay Best Production Design Best Costume Design Best Film Editing Best Original Song Score. It was nominated for: Best Actor Robert Redford Best Cinematography Best Sound Editing.
Consider yourselves lucky to watch this as an adult (in any era). I saw this on television with commercials many times when I was a kid, so I didn't quite grasp all that was going on. It took me years to figure out the FBI man was not FBI. So the surprises were not there for me later in life. I would watch this with my grandparents who were born in the 1910s so they knew the 1930s very well and would say things like "that's how the '30s looked". So I watch The Sting for nostalgia as when it aired on TV (TNT or TBS), summers at my grandparents when they were still alive and talked about those olden days.
You guys are so smart & funny, love it! I have missed you for a while, since I'm not such a fan of super-hero or fantasy films. Hope you do more classics!
An under appreciated and under- reacted to (especially on you tube) cinema gem ! The poker game on the train was classic in itself. P.S. Thought Robert Shaw stole the movie !
When I was on line to see The Sting back in its first run, a woman ahead loudly said “They don’t die” ruining the surprise for me. Lonergan was played by Robert Shaw (see him in Jaws and From Russia With Love) who had injured his leg so a limp was written into his character.
Great reaction! I've seen this movie more than dozen times over the years and now the most fun of the film is watching someone else's surprise at the end, Yours was priceless! One big takeaway for was something Gondorff said to Hooker when he explained "A successful con is when the mark doesn't know he's been conned" or something like that. Makes perfect sense when you don't want the victim to come looking for you later, especially if he thinks your dead.
The music style is called "Ragtime" but the movie takes place in 1936, Ragtime was already done almost 20 years before. This movie revived an insteret in ragtme music. Think of Ragtime Music as great great Grandpa's rock and roll, lol. The song use d in this movie frequently, is called "The Entertainer," written in 1902 by Scott Joplin , became a popular hit record because of this movie. there are many famous character actors you wouldn't know in this. as usual lol.
You are two of the very best reactors and this may have been your best reaction. I would love to see you do more like this, like Catch Me if You Can, Sneakers, American Hustle, The Prestige, Rounders, Lucky Number Slevin, Molly’s Game or Mississippi Grind. Keep up the good work!
The FBI was a last minute add-on that became necessary when Gondorff found out about Snyder. They had to deal with the cop somehow, throw him off the scent, so they came up with the whole Fed canard. For all that this is a fun movie, it's a very accurate one. The time of the film, the 30's, was a very special era in that technology and communications had advanced just enough to pull off this kind of elaborate, in-person con, and if the grifters were confident and skilled enough, they could get away with it and be gone without a trace. (For example, notice how long this story could go on simply because Lonnegan's henchmen _didn't know what Hooker looked like.)_ Another interesting detail is that all the names of the con artists are authentic. Guys like Limehouse Chappy, Kid Twist, and The Big Alabama were real grifters operating in the Chicago area in the 30's, and the architecture of every con in the film is real, as well. The filmmakers used all this, of course, to pull of the biggest con of all - the one they play on us, the audience. I still remember the audibly shocked reactions in the theater when Hooker opened his eyes, and the thunderous laughter and applause that followed it. We'd been HAD, and it had been a delight. This is truly one of the most cathartic and joyful movie experiences I know.
Such a great film with a wonderful cast. Newman and Redford were such huge stars back then. And the Hamlisch track "The Entertainer" was a big hit and played on the radio everywhere. Glad you enjoyed this one. Your reactions are fun to watch!
Great classic film. And Newman and Redford together are absolute perfection. Now you should watch the other movie they did together - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
I'm so happy to see you both discovered this wonderful movie. Hands down, this is my favorite movie. It was one of two movies my father saw in the theatre in the 1970s (the other being Young Frankenstein) and I can keep re-watching The Sting without getting tired of it. I love watching new viewers being swept up in the movie's plot.
1973 was a Cosmic year. The Exorcist hit theaters, Bruce Lee died, America gave up in Vietnam, Pink Floyd released 'The Dark Side of the Moon' and the Twin Towers opened...60 days after I was born. Next year is sure to be the 50 year storm! 😎
Paul Newman was from the STAR system of the Hollywood GOLDEN AGE. Watch his "Long Hot Summer" where he met and married his for lifetime wife Joanne Woodward. Also see "Cat on a hot tin Roof". Watch the classics, not so much modern 'dermo'. You loved "Casablanca".
The 2 leads were also in a super great movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid! Also Paul Newman was in my all time favorite sport comedy movie, Slapshot!!
I was waiting for you to recognize the actor who was playing Doyle Lonnigan. His name is Robert Shaw, and he played Captain Quint in Jaws. He got eaten by the shark at the end of the film.
Paul Newman and Robert Redford were a legendary pair of stars. This movie was so popular, it brought back an interest in ragtime music for a while. BTW, did you recognize Lonnegan? The actor played Quint in "Jaws."
For reactors who like this film I always recommend watching "The Rockford Files." It was a TV show in the late 70's starring James Garner. It ran for 7-8 years. My favorites episodes are the con episodes. Very good writing, with some of the same character actors in this movie.
Paul Newman was one of the great actors as is Robert Redford. Newman is known for many movies like Cool Hand Luke, The Long Hot Summer, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (with Redford ... based on a true story), and many more. Redford also has been in many great movies, The Natural, 3 Days of the Condor, All the President's Men.
Thank you for showing The Sting, I was eighteen when it was released in 1973, and I was totally mixed up when I saw Redford rise because I had not realised that it was a fake FBI. Half of my group of friends felt the same and the other half explained to us that the only true one was the rotten policeman : I went to see the movie the next week and then I realise how the plot was really well tide up ! A very good movie. I hope you will explore earlier movies from the Golden Age, even if they are in black and white, there were so good directors and actors from the thirties to the sixties ! Thanks a lot from France 🇫🇷
Nice reaction guys! Most of us get played the first time watching :) But the whole plot, the sets, the fun, and of course the ever-classic Newman / Redford duo makes this my favorite movie. You need to check they're other buddy movie classic - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. You follow?
its soo frking fun to see the new reactors to this CLASSIc film, and the way they fooled the whole audience. We all were in shock at first like you 2, and the people in the movie were all clapping after Redford & Newman got up. I dont think i have ever seen in person the cheering at the end of any film that my fam and I experienced.
Love your reaction. Same for me. Didn't see the FBI twist. The theme music (based on Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer") reached #1 on the popular music charts in 1975.
The main song, "The Entertainer", was written by American composer, Scott Joplin, the King of Ragtime. Also watch Paul Newman and Robert Redford in, "Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid." ✌️
In theaters, audiences walked out shocked and laughing, knowing 'the sting' was on us as much as it was on Snyder and the bad guys. And upon rewatching, even though we know the ending, the film is magnificent because we see how all the parts are constructed and set up. Just amazing. I loved watching it that first time but it was disconcerting and fret-filled - suspenseful, yes - but in rewatching, the suspense is replaced by amazement: "Oh yeah, so THAT'S how they set that part of up!"
Someone should run a poll to see how many STING fans ever saw STING II with Jackie Gleason. I did not. I avoided it. I did stupidly see SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT II, figuring the first film wasn't so great so how badly could a sequel ruin it? It still ruined it. But STING II has an unfavorite actor (Jackie Gleason) and I still have resisted seeing it.
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This is one of the most well made and even better written American films of the 20th century. Such an enjoyable and fun experience that just leaves you with a huge smile on your face by the end, even if you've seen it before.
Amazingly, screenwriter David S. Ward was only 28 years old when The Sting came out, and he went on to win the Oscar for original screenplay.
Don't forget the soundtrack.
@@baskervillebee6097 Ohh, yes- Scott Joplin is always sublime. ☺
Very true
I love that the movies you choose are not necessarily trendy, but pretty good or awesome classics. You're doing a great job, congratulations!
If you loved this movie, I don't see a reason why you wouldn't love Newman & Redford together again in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid".
Another loved classic with Paul Newman is "Cool Hand Luke". Both worth watching.
I would like to add that a Robert Redford must see is Jeremiah Johnson... another forgotten gem from this period of film making
One of the absolute best heist movies ever, one of the best twists ever, one of the best casts ever, best movies ever.
You described it: "a gem."
I don't think the stars will die. You'd have to be a moron to believe that.
Oh, wait a minute! That is you!
This was in theaters for 2 years and every time we went to see it, there were always gasps and cheers at The Big Reveal. And that "nose touch" became very popular for a while, parodied on TV shows constantly. The music too became super popular.
Yes, now that you mention it, the nose thing became a short-lived fad.
@@johnnehrich9601 Yes it did - and as noted above, this movie sparked a revival in Scott Joplin's music. I particularly love the soft, slow melancholy piece that's played the night before the Sting itself - the music is Joplin's "Solace": th-cam.com/video/OKNHp-daefk/w-d-xo.html
This movie is great on re-watches too, because now you're in on the plot and you can appreciate all the threads and how they weave together; and all the great character moments between everyone.
By the way, congratulations on leaving "the F word" as is - I would rather hear IT than those most offensive ear-piercing beeps. I mean - aren't those far worse to listen to?!!
One of the few movies I remember there being wild applause at the end. One of the others was the original Rocky where the crowd was cheering like it was a real fight and not scripted.
ゴンドーフとフッカーにハラハラしながら、最後に観客全員騙されたんですからね
Great choice, now you have to do Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid With Redford and Newman in their first movie . A western
On the phone: "PLACE it on Lucky Dan..."
They made sure the wording was just confusing enough to sell it. I freaking LOVE this movie!
And if you don't know about betting on horse races, it's impossible to see coming. Win finishes 1st, Place 2nd, and Show 3rd. If you bet on a horse to Place, you win money if it comes in 1st or 2nd.
If they didn't need to get rid of crooked cop Snyder with the fake FBI guys, Lonnegan could have correctly put the bet down to place. The fake FBI guys seemed only to be added to the grand plan kind of late in the game. Unless the FBI guys were intended from day one, that bit has never made sense to me.
It's an interesting tidbit, but I'm not sure how necessary, though. I think that wording could make Lonegan suspicious after the fact about Twist's part, and possibly expose the scam. Something Gondorff expressly stated he didn't want. A Place payout for a 4:1 horse would hardly be worthwhile (in the unlikely event it ever had to be explained). Lonegan would have lost that money regardless of the outcome of his bet, and I suspect would have made some inquiries in any case. I do often wonder what Robert Shaw was thinking when he hesitated to move after that call, though.
Alternately, (speculating on behalf of Lonegan), it would explain why Gondorf takes the bet, if he knows Lucky Dan is going to run 2nd. We have no reason to think this, as the Western Union scam is meant to be unknown to him. In theory, it'd make no sense if he takes any winning bet. But who does that inform? Neither the audience nor Lonegan recognize the significance at the time. It could only be to avoid suspicion from Lonegan after the fact, about why Gondorff would have taken a bet he knew he'd lose (assuming the results given were accurate, and presumably they would, again to avoid stirring suspicion, and that he knew beforehand).
@@Hexon66 no.
@@Hexon66 No it was necessary to say Place it on Lucky Dan because you need Lonnegan to believe that the tip off was legit. Technically it was but it appears that Kid Twist just improperly worded the tip off. This is far less suspicious than giving the wrong winner, or even worse, giving Lonnegan the correct horse.
Such a great movie. Every time I watch it, I enjoy it more. The plot, the performances, the score! Perfect movie! Definitely in my all time top ten.
The Sting came out the same year as the Exorcist. Vastly different films but the top of their genre.
Very good reaction guys. When you said you just got chills, that's when you know you were watching a great movie. Lonnigan was played by Robert Shaw (Captain Quint on Jaws). A couple very good Robert Redford movies to watch that nobody has done a reaction to are Three Days of the Condor and All The Presidents Men with Dustin Hoffman.😊
And the actor Robert Shaw suffered a real leg injury prior to filming, so that’s why Doyle Lonnegan limps. They figured it just added a cool, villainous dimension to the character
Three Days of the Condor is great indeed. The opening scene, WTC (RIP) scene and many others
I find it humorous that Newman/Gondorf takes the last name of SHAW for the poker game on the train -- a salute to cast-mate Robert Shaw/Lonnegan. My miniscule movie hi-point in "The Sting" is Gondorf pausing for just a moment of concentration JUST BEFORE ENTERING the big poker game on the train; AN ACTOR PREPARES is the phrase that runs through my mind.
Add "Sneakers" to that list.
@@falcychead8198 Yes Sneakers is a gem! Suspenseful but funny with a great cast.
1) As usual, the two of you are amazing. You are the sweetest, most fun couple in the world. It's always a delight to watch with you.
2) This is one of my favorite movies. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It is amazing how many layers the con has.
3) Awesome T-shirt. Watch how I soar.
Sweet reaction.
My father was not a movie man, it was family joke how long into a movie before he got up and went to the computer to play solitaire.
If he made it 30 mins it was good movie.
For whatever reason, this was his favorite movie. I'm sure it had some childhood connection looking back man the smile this movie out in his face, priceless.
Much love from North Carolina.
MJoy, great reaction, the best I've seen for this film. You followed along and caught all the subtleties. Not an easy feat for your first viewing. Well done!
it wasn't easy! but oh boy..they got us at the end!
This movie single handedly brought back the 3 piece suit. And pinstripes.
The black actor who plays Luther is the real-life father of James Earl Jones, Darth Vader
voice sounds similar doesn't it?
I did not know that. I’m 52 I thought I knew everything. Well, I really knew everything at 19 😂
@@jasonm8017 just in case you thought you knew everything.....
my pee doesn't smell funny after I eat asparagus and my farts sound more like an accordion than a trumpet now.
I really don't think you want to know "everything".
@@JuandeFucaU 🤣🤣 see, I knew all that. Didn’t want to. Can’t un-know it. I was kidding. I don’t know shit and am pretty proud of it. But, Juan de Fuca? That sounds like a place I’m familiar with. I’m originally from Vancouver, Canada
@@jasonm8017 small world..... I'm currently in Coquitlam and stole this name from an old UVic jokebook..... don't say it out loud near a woman these days or you'll get #metoo-ed.
I saw this movie in 1973. I was impressed. The audience applauded. It won the Oscar for best film. I had fun.
Yep. Me too.
The Sting... famous horror movie!
The reason that Lonegan limps is bexause Robert Shaw injured himself playing handball before shooting started. But the limp made Lonegan look more sinister so they kept Shaw in the movie.
Thank you guys for another GREAT reaction
❤️❤️❤️ You two are so much fun to watch
You have wonderful chemistry. And you ALWAYS make me smile 😃 💖
what we love best isn't their movie reaction ... it's eavesdropping on these two adoring each other.
This is a perfect reaction video. You two were so good at understanding a complicated movie plot.
Thank you so much!! It's not hard when you are really enjoying the movie
MJoy4Fun! Typing this before even watching your reaction video. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for making this reaction video. One of the most fun movies to watch that has only a few reactions out there. Well done you two! (fun fact - the actor who plays Luther is James Earl Jones' father - the actor who was the first voice of Star Wars' Darth Vader and very famous actor.)
I did not know that was Luke Skywalker's father's father. :)
Not directed by Quentin Tarantino. The director was George Roy Hill, who also directed Newman & Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Paul Newman and Robert Redford were in another classic before this. If you get the chance, please react to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
It’s AMAZING that you said the lady was the killer!!!! Kudos!🥇 🎖 🏅 no one has EVER guessed that in advance!!!
Great movie!!!!!!!
A couple of notes on this time period.
This film was set during The Great Depression in America from 1929-1939 which saw 15-20 million people out of work. There weren't any governmental assistance, or safety net programs to help Americans so crime went up, and people took to conning, bootlegging, gambling, and more to make money. Also, many families couldn't feed or support their children so children were placed on farms to work, or in orphanages. My own grandfather, who was born in 1915, lived in a Jewish home for children in St. Louis for a few years along with his siblings as his parents couldn't afford to care for their children.
Another huge factor during this time was Prohibition. It occured from 1920-1933 and constitutionally banned the production, sale, transport, etc. of all alcoholic beverages. This led to hotels and certain restaurants having speakeasies, or secret rooms where alcohol was sold and consumed without the threat of arrest, or jail. The US government dedicated a whole unit to raiding businesses, and arresting people for drinking and buying alcohol.
The unit was termed "The U.S. Bureau of Prohibition," and was led by Eliot Ness who worked from 1930-1932 to shut down infamous Mafioso boss Al Capone.
I highly recommend the 1987 film "The Untouchables," starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert De Niro. Although the film is not 100 percent accurate, it is highly entertaining and provides some truth as to what life was like in Chicago during this time period.
Prohibition occured because a bunch of religious wives decided that alcohol was the root of all evil. However, crime actually went up during Prohibition which makes it quite a case study as to why having religion dictate laws is a bad idea.
4:00 I believe such scams are called "the pigeon drop".
Such a great, fun reaction to this classic! I love this film and watching you both get so involved in it was almost like seeing it for the first time again! Thanks so much!
This film is such a smartly put together and stylish heist film made with a care that is rarely found nowadays.
As others have said Redford and Newman were first paired in Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid which is a completely worthwhile watch but the two men were individually leading box office stars for decades, Paul Newman about a decade longer than Redford since success came to him in the late 50's and Bob Redford while a promising working actor for most of the 60's didn't hit real stardom until the latter years of that decade, and both have many classics to see on their respective sheets.
For Paul Newman: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Sweet Bird of Youth, Hud, The Prize, Harper, Cool Hand Luke, The Towering Inferno, Absence of Malice and The Road to Perdition.
For Robert Redford-Barefoot in the Park, The Way We Were, Three Days of the Condor, All the President's Men (a masterpiece), Brubaker and The Natural.
Great movie and great reaction. My two favourite moments are: Gondorff flashing Lonnegan's money into his face with "You come to a game like this, you bring your money." and the moment when they left Western Union office with half painted wall and the blanket on table.
Also - there are many great details which you would surely miss in first view - like in the first con scene. You can see exactly when and how Hooker switched handkerchiefs and how in the critical moment Luther is distracting that guy with "I have family" and "Hurry up". Really great movie.
That con is called the "Pigeon Drop" and is also done with a newspaper instead of a handkerchief.
Another Paul Newman film is Cool Hand Luke, it's one of the all time greats!
"Do not use the F word!" "Frickin' right!"
This movie is one of the 1st movie I remember watching as I grew up back in the day. It's one of my dads favorites of all time and it was always playing around the house until the VHS tape wore out. Good times. Great watch. thx for watching it with us!
The best con is one where the victim doesn't even know they've been scammed, and that's what makes this plan work.
Lonnegan (the mob boss) leaves thinking that Hooker and Gondorff are dead and that the police have confiscated all the money as evidence. He can't go to the police because the gambling was illegal and so the money is forfeit (if the real police actually had it, which of course they don't but he doesn't know that.)
It's a nearly perfect plan - with a big problem that the movie leaves out. Lonnegan is a mob boss with connections to criminals in several major cities. Gondorff hired dozens of grifters who are all in on the plan and who know him and Hooker set up the whole thing. If any of them talk and word gets around about it then it's possible that Lonnegan might find out about it. But at least he's not actively looking for them anymore, so they have a chance to get away, change their names and start new lives.
This is very good point. Lonnegan could find that he was scammed if he dig into it, but may be he wouldn't want to embarrass himself in front of his people. Or may be we are just overthinking it :)
The thing is, all these grifters know that Lonnegan might kill them anyway for being involved in the con. From his point of view? They could have warned him in advance, but no, they took their share of his money. And then he might go after everyone involved in the con.
There is also the point that even he will feel the sting of the missing money. The IRS might have questions even if it was from his own account. So he might be a little busy for a while, keeping his illegal stuff hidden while the IRS goes through his books.
@@Dreamfox-df6bg You have good point. The other grifters definitely have an extra incentive to keep quiet. They are just as likely to be hunted down.
Of course, as we saw with the way Hooker blew his first take on flashy clothes and conspicuous gambling, grifters don't always act smart and keep a low profile.
As for the Lonnegan feeling some pressure from the missing money; Detective Snyder knew he was running illegal operations and wasn't surprised when he thought the FBI was protecting Lonnegan from arrest. I have a feeling that Lonnegan has been paying off authorities for a long time.
Great reaction from you both. Now, Lonnegan and Schneider both think they’re dead, so they won’t be searching for revenge.
Your vid at 0:10 says this film was directed by Quentin Tarantino. That's incorrect. The director was George Roy Hill.
Hill previously directed Newman and Redford in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." That's worth a watch, too.
Ohh sorry about that.. just a silly error.. we forgot to edit it out 😅
One of my all time favorites. Good reaction and review, guys! You really "fallaed" along with the story and made the correct deductions about what was going on. Great job, guys!
Great job of editing by you to capture all the key scenes. I was born in Chicago and I love the sets and street scenes in this film, plus the all star cast and the fantastic script. Loved your reactions throughout! This movie never gets old!
This is the film that introduced us to the concept of "conning the audience." So influential that it's an audience expectation whenever we watch a film with heists and con artists. If that kind of ending isn't there now, we feel disappointed.
Must have been an inside joke, Paul Newman [Henry Gondorf] calling himself "Shaw" at the card game, when the guy playing the big gangster, Lonnegan, his real name IS Robert Shaw.
23:28 "Why doesn't he give the guy (the cop) $2000 to get rid of him?"
Because $2000 in the 1930's was like $50,000 - $60,000 today.
I've watched a lot of reactors, and you two are the best! I'd never seen another that paid enough attention to understand the movie they're watching every step of the way. Good job, both of you. Oh, nice touch at the end. "Lonneg.... whatever his name is." Just like Gondorf always getting his name wrong.
I love watching people watch this movie for the first time and being taken for the ride. Such a great movie.
Such an enjoyable reaction. So glad you went in completely blind. There's a TV show called *Leverage* that is basically _a sting a week._ It's pretty fun. The original *Mission Impossible* also had an element of this to it.
You should love this, it's a wonderful movie, so well made, it won 7 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor - Redford.
You guys are so funny. The first time watching this 'gem', gives you that, can't believe it feeling. Classic
Yes young people that is it . Saw it when I was a teenager . That is the essence . They conned the audience too. Don’t know why more people of subsequent generations haven’t seen this Masterpiece
Did you recognize the actor Robert Shaw who played Doyle Lonnegan? He played Quint in JAWS. Great actor. Also if you want to see a fantastic legal drama with Paul Newman by the sane director of 12 ANGRY MEN react to THE VERDICT (1982).
Such a fun reaction. Thanks! 💕
Winner of 7 Oscars including:
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Production Design
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Original Song Score.
It was nominated for:
Best Actor Robert Redford
Best Cinematography
Best Sound Editing.
Deserved every one, especially the screenplay. So amazingly written, it's crazy.
What was so real was your reactions, throughout. Well done!
Great reaction. I love this movie! When I saw this in the theatre, I was blown away just like you were. What a great ending!!
Great reaction. You two are fun to follow. This was one of my favorite movies from the 70s. Always fun to watch new people see it for the first time.
This film was a huge box office hit but today its mostly forgotten.... a real gem just waiting to be rediscovered....
Consider yourselves lucky to watch this as an adult (in any era). I saw this on television with commercials many times when I was a kid, so I didn't quite grasp all that was going on. It took me years to figure out the FBI man was not FBI. So the surprises were not there for me later in life. I would watch this with my grandparents who were born in the 1910s so they knew the 1930s very well and would say things like "that's how the '30s looked". So I watch The Sting for nostalgia as when it aired on TV (TNT or TBS), summers at my grandparents when they were still alive and talked about those olden days.
You guys are so smart & funny, love it! I have missed you for a while, since I'm not such a fan of super-hero or fantasy films. Hope you do more classics!
Agree. They have lovely chemistry together. They laugh and gently tease one another, and no one gets their feeling hurt.
One of my favourites of all time. Fun fact. Robert Shaw had a real limp,, he hurt his knee playing racquet ball just before the film started.
An under appreciated and under- reacted to (especially on you tube) cinema gem ! The poker game on the train was classic in itself. P.S. Thought Robert Shaw stole the movie !
I was in school when this came out. Everyone loved the piano score, and suddenly all amature piano players were playing "The Entertainer".
I saw this in the theater when I was 11 and loved it. It was a big hit and so was the music from it.
You guys were great. Right on it all the way, and they played you just like they played the rest of us.
One of the best reactions I've ever seen! Great job!
These two leading men, each major stars in their own right, teamed up in another great movie - "Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid".
When I was on line to see The Sting back in its first run, a woman ahead loudly said “They don’t die” ruining the surprise for me.
Lonergan was played by Robert Shaw (see him in Jaws and From Russia With Love) who had injured his leg so a limp was written into his character.
Your energy is infectious - I love it! Subscribed!
Great reaction! I've seen this movie more than dozen times over the years and now the most fun of the film is watching someone else's surprise at the end, Yours was priceless! One big takeaway for was something Gondorff said to Hooker when he explained "A successful con is when the mark doesn't know he's been conned" or something like that. Makes perfect sense when you don't want the victim to come looking for you later, especially if he thinks your dead.
The music style is called "Ragtime" but the movie takes place in 1936, Ragtime was already done almost 20 years before. This movie revived an insteret in ragtme music. Think of Ragtime Music as great great Grandpa's rock and roll, lol. The song use d in this movie frequently, is called "The Entertainer," written in 1902 by Scott Joplin , became a popular hit record because of this movie. there are many famous character actors you wouldn't know in this. as usual lol.
You are two of the very best reactors and this may have been your best reaction. I would love to see you do more like this, like Catch Me if You Can, Sneakers, American Hustle, The Prestige, Rounders, Lucky Number Slevin, Molly’s Game or Mississippi Grind. Keep up the good work!
The FBI was a last minute add-on that became necessary when Gondorff found out about Snyder. They had to deal with the cop somehow, throw him off the scent, so they came up with the whole Fed canard. For all that this is a fun movie, it's a very accurate one. The time of the film, the 30's, was a very special era in that technology and communications had advanced just enough to pull off this kind of elaborate, in-person con, and if the grifters were confident and skilled enough, they could get away with it and be gone without a trace. (For example, notice how long this story could go on simply because Lonnegan's henchmen _didn't know what Hooker looked like.)_ Another interesting detail is that all the names of the con artists are authentic. Guys like Limehouse Chappy, Kid Twist, and The Big Alabama were real grifters operating in the Chicago area in the 30's, and the architecture of every con in the film is real, as well. The filmmakers used all this, of course, to pull of the biggest con of all - the one they play on us, the audience. I still remember the audibly shocked reactions in the theater when Hooker opened his eyes, and the thunderous laughter and applause that followed it. We'd been HAD, and it had been a delight. This is truly one of the most cathartic and joyful movie experiences I know.
Such a great film with a wonderful cast. Newman and Redford were such huge stars back then. And the Hamlisch track "The Entertainer" was a big hit and played on the radio everywhere. Glad you enjoyed this one. Your reactions are fun to watch!
Great classic film. And Newman and Redford together are absolute perfection. Now you should watch the other movie they did together - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
I'm so happy to see you both discovered this wonderful movie. Hands down, this is my favorite movie. It was one of two movies my father saw in the theatre in the 1970s (the other being Young Frankenstein) and I can keep re-watching The Sting without getting tired of it. I love watching new viewers being swept up in the movie's plot.
1973 was a Cosmic year.
The Exorcist hit theaters, Bruce Lee died, America gave up in Vietnam, Pink Floyd released 'The Dark Side of the Moon' and the Twin Towers opened...60 days after I was born.
Next year is sure to be the 50 year storm!
😎
Paul Newman was from the STAR system of the Hollywood GOLDEN AGE. Watch his "Long Hot Summer" where he met and married his for lifetime wife Joanne Woodward. Also see "Cat on a hot tin Roof". Watch the classics, not so much modern 'dermo'. You loved "Casablanca".
Such a classic. So good! Nice job, M&F! 😆
The 2 leads were also in a super great movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid! Also Paul Newman was in my all time favorite sport comedy movie, Slapshot!!
I was waiting for you to recognize the actor who was playing Doyle Lonnigan. His name is Robert Shaw, and he played Captain Quint in Jaws. He got eaten by the shark at the end of the film.
we were so bad we didn't recognize him! 😢
Paul Newman and Robert Redford were a legendary pair of stars. This movie was so popular, it brought back an interest in ragtime music for a while.
BTW, did you recognize Lonnegan? The actor played Quint in "Jaws."
Y'all need to have shirts for sale that have a pic of Marian with his arms crossed and underneath him it says "game over"
"What is that?"
"I don't know. How the HECK would I know?"
That made me laugh.
7:23 "dey trew him." 😆🥰
For reactors who like this film I always recommend watching "The Rockford Files." It was a TV show in the late 70's starring James Garner. It ran for 7-8 years. My favorites episodes are the con episodes. Very good writing, with some of the same character actors in this movie.
Great reaction by a wonderful, intelligent couple. Thank you both.
Great reaction from you guys!! Do you realize that Lonigan (Robert Shaw) was Quint, the captain of the Orca, in Jaws.
I love your guys reaction to the ending that was priceless
Did you guys notice the actor who played Lonnigan was the guy who was in Jaws? Robert Shaw. Great actor.
Paul Newman was one of the great actors as is Robert Redford. Newman is known for many movies like Cool Hand Luke, The Long Hot Summer, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (with Redford ... based on a true story), and many more. Redford also has been in many great movies, The Natural, 3 Days of the Condor, All the President's Men.
$500,000 in 1936 is equivalent to around $11,000,000 in 2022 money.
Thank you for showing The Sting, I was eighteen when it was released in 1973, and I was totally mixed up when I saw Redford rise because I had not realised that it was a fake FBI. Half of my group of friends felt the same and the other half explained to us that the only true one was the rotten policeman : I went to see the movie the next week and then I realise how the plot was really well tide up ! A very good movie.
I hope you will explore earlier movies from the Golden Age, even if they are in black and white, there were so good directors and actors from the thirties to the sixties !
Thanks a lot from France 🇫🇷
Cool Hand Luke - Paul Newman
1973 was a GREAT YEAR for FILMS & MUSIC!!
Paper Moon is such an underrated movie.
You might recognize Lonnegan as the ship captain from "Jaws"
Nice reaction guys! Most of us get played the first time watching :) But the whole plot, the sets, the fun, and of course the ever-classic Newman / Redford duo makes this my favorite movie. You need to check they're other buddy movie classic - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. You follow?
its soo frking fun to see the new reactors to this CLASSIc film, and the way they fooled the whole audience. We all were in shock at first like you 2, and the people in the movie were all clapping after Redford & Newman got up. I dont think i have ever seen in person the cheering at the end of any film that my fam and I experienced.
Such a joy watching you both react to this absolute classic!
The ending gets everyone the first time. Live this movie, great cast and brilliant writing. Loved your reaction.
Love your reaction. Same for me. Didn't see the FBI twist. The theme music (based on Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer") reached #1 on the popular music charts in 1975.
Golden Oldie!! Great reaction guys!
The main song, "The Entertainer", was written by American composer, Scott Joplin, the King of Ragtime. Also watch Paul Newman and Robert Redford in, "Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid." ✌️
Paul Newman and Robert Redford have just marvellous tandem in this movie. For sure on of the best movies of 70th.
Absolutely a great film with truly outstanding performances all around!
Great choice
In theaters, audiences walked out shocked and laughing, knowing 'the sting' was on us as much as it was on Snyder and the bad guys. And upon rewatching, even though we know the ending, the film is magnificent because we see how all the parts are constructed and set up. Just amazing. I loved watching it that first time but it was disconcerting and fret-filled - suspenseful, yes - but in rewatching, the suspense is replaced by amazement: "Oh yeah, so THAT'S how they set that part of up!"
Someone should run a poll to see how many STING fans ever saw STING II with Jackie Gleason. I did not. I avoided it. I did stupidly see SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT II, figuring the first film wasn't so great so how badly could a sequel ruin it? It still ruined it. But STING II has an unfavorite actor (Jackie Gleason) and I still have resisted seeing it.