Year: 1973
Runtime: 129 min
Language: English
Director: George Roy Hill
Two seasoned con men, Fargo Gondorff and Jake Hooker, plan one last elaborate scheme. They join forces for a final heist, but their plans are complicated by Doyle Lonnegan, a formidable adversary and their longtime nemesis. The pair must use all their cunning and skill to navigate a dangerous world of deception and outwit their opponent in this thrilling sequel.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of The Sting (1973), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
As the shadows of the Great Depression begin to recede, the threat of World War II casts a looming shadow over 1940. Enter Fargo Gondorff, a skilled con artist with a sharp mind and a thirst for revenge, who emerges from prison driven by the desire to avenge the brutal murder of his long-time partner, Kid Colors. The circumstances surrounding Kid’s untimely death are cloaked in mystery, yet Gondorff’s instincts lead him to suspect that one or both of his greatest adversaries - the infamous banker and gangster Lonnegan, along with the affluent local racketeer Gus Macalinski - hold the key to this heinous crime.
Gondorff’s young protégé, Jake Hooker, an ambitious con artist in his own right, is assigned to initiate their latest scheme. Instead of outsmarting an unsuspecting victim, he finds himself ensnared in a clever con played by Veronica, a captivating femme fatale who thrives on deception.
Refusing to be deterred, Gondorff formulates an audacious plan intended to dupe both Lonnegan and Macalinski out of their ill-gotten wealth. Central to their ruse is Hooker, who will take on the guise of a boxer poised to throw a crucial match—a contest that promises substantial financial rewards for those daring enough to wager large sums. Macalinski, oblivious to the financial peril ahead, falls under Lonnegan’s cunning influence, leading to a rapid loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
As Gondorff and Hooker make their getaway, they leave behind a whirlpool of chaos and uncertainty, with Veronica lurking nearby, ready to inflict one last, crushing blow to their targets. Armed with tickets for a quick escape and a bag overflowing with cash, the dynamic duo gears up for their next endeavor—yet the question remains: will their craftiness be sufficient to keep them one step ahead of their relentless foes?
Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 13:51
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Stories where master tricksters orchestrate complex deceptions against formidable foes.If you enjoyed the clever cons and tactical maneuvering in The Sting, you'll find more movies like it here. Discover thrilling stories featuring master grifters, complex heists, and deceptions that keep you guessing until the final reveal.
The narrative typically follows a group of seasoned con artists as they devise and execute an audacious 'long con'. The story is structured around the setup, the play, and the payoff, often featuring a 'sting within a sting' to keep both the mark and the audience guessing. The central conflict is a battle of wits against a powerful and cunning antagonist.
Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on intellectual gamesmanship, complex plotting, and the specific thrill of a well-executed con. They share a tone of tense cleverness and a pacing that builds suspense as the layers of deception are revealed.
High-stakes criminal plots where meticulous plans meet unpredictable danger.For viewers who liked the thrilling pace and high-stakes gambles of The Sting, this section features similar heist and caper films. Explore stories of revenge, elaborate get-rich-quick schemes, and dangerous adversaries in the world of organized crime.
These stories often revolve around a team assembling for 'one last job', driven by a motive like revenge or a big score. The plot meticulously details the planning and execution of an audacious plan, fraught with unforeseen complications and the relentless pursuit by powerful foes. The ending is often mixed, with success tempered by new consequences.
These films share a specific blend of tense tone, fast pacing, and medium intensity, creating a consistently thrilling and clever viewing experience. They are united by the core premise of a high-risk criminal plot and the intellectual pleasure of watching it unfold.
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Sting in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Sting is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Sting with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Sting. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Sting that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Sting: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like The Sting that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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