Appearance
The Sting
Directed by George Roy Hill, The Sting (1973) is the quintessential caper film, reuniting the legendary duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford following their success in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Set in the 1930s, the story follows Johnny Hooker (Redford), a small-time grifter who seeks the help of veteran con man Henry Gondorff (Newman) to pull off a "big con" against a ruthless crime boss, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), to avenge the murder of a mutual friend.
The film is famous for its intricate plot twists, its Scott Joplin ragtime soundtrack (most notably "The Entertainer"), and its stylish art deco title cards. It was a massive critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Locations
To recreate the Great Depression-era setting, the production utilized a combination of backlot sets at Universal Studios and various historic locations in Chicago and Los Angeles.
Santa Monica Pier, California
In one of the film's most iconic sequences, Henry Gondorff is introduced working at a carousel. This was filmed at the Santa Monica Pier Carousel. The historic 1922 hippodrome and its hand-carved wooden horses provided the perfect vintage backdrop for Gondorff’s low-profile hideout. Map Location
LaSalle Street Station, Chicago
The film is set primarily in Chicago, and the production utilized the historic LaSalle Street Station for the high-stakes arrival of Doyle Lonnegan. The station's grand, imposing architecture captured the power and scale of the criminal underworld Lonnegan inhabits. Map Location
The "L" Train, Chicago
The film features several sequences involving Chicago's famous elevated railway system, the "L". Specifically, the area around Wabash Avenue was used to capture the gritty, industrial atmosphere of the 1930s city. The sight and sound of the wooden-car trains added a layer of historical authenticity to Hooker’s movements through the city. Map Location
Pasadena City Hall, California
The exterior of the luxurious hotel where Lonnegan stays in Chicago was actually filmed at Pasadena City Hall. Its ornate, Mediterranean-style architecture and grand courtyard stood in for the high-end establishments frequented by the wealthy and powerful during the Depression. Map Location
Universal Studios Backlot, Hollywood
The fictional "back-alley" Chicago streets and the betting parlor where the "big con" takes place were largely filmed on the Universal Studios Backlot. The production utilized the "New York Street" and "Brownstone Street" sets, which were meticulously dressed with period-accurate signage, vehicles, and costumes to bring the 1930s to life.
Penn Central Railroad, Chicago
The tense poker game on the train, where Gondorff expertly frustrates Lonnegan, was filmed in real vintage passenger cars provided by the Penn Central Railroad. The cramped, moving environment enhanced the psychological tension as the con begins to take shape.
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Director
George Roy Hill
Cast
Paul Newman
Robert Redford
Robert Shaw
Charles Durning
Ray Walston
Eileen Brennan
IMDB
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