---
title: "The Sting"
year: 1973
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-sting-1973"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 9277
imdb_id: "tt0070735"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 129
community_rating: 8.0
vote_count: 3020
content_rating: "PG"
---

# The Sting (1973) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-sting-1973

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film is a crime comedy-drama about a con man and his partner. The story revolves around a novice con man who teams up with an acknowledged master. The two men have a common goal, which is to avenge the death of someone they both know. To achieve this goal, they plan to execute a complex and elaborate con. Their target is a big-time mobster who has a large fortune. The ultimate goal of the con is to swindle this fortune from the mobster. The film is a depiction of a big con, where the two con men use their skills and expertise to deceive and cheat the mobster. The story showcases the partnership and the skills of the two con men as they work together to pull off the ultimate big con.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A rookie con joins a seasoned swindler to outwit a mob boss in a daring heist."

### Why Watch
- Stylish direction and visuals
- Intricate period con plot
- Blend of comedy, crime, and drama

### Caveats & Content Note
- Complex plot demands close attention
- Tone & Suitability: The film’s light‑hearted crime comedy is suitable for general audiences, rated PG.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: caper, stylish, period, twisty

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | YouTube TV, TCM | YouTube Free | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Netflix, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Foxtel Now, Netflix Standard with Ads | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: George Roy Hill
- **Networks / Studios**: Universal Pictures, The Zanuck/Brown Company, Bill/Phillips Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Paul Newman** as *Henry Gondorff*
- **Robert Redford** as *Johnny Hooker*
- **Robert Shaw** as *Doyle Lonnegan*
- **Charles Durning** as *Lt. Wm. Snyder*
- **Ray Walston** as *J.J. Singleton*
- **Eileen Brennan** as *Billie*
- **Harold Gould** as *Kid Twist*
- **John Heffernan** as *Eddie Niles*
- **Dana Elcar** as *F.B.I. Agent Polk*
- **Jack Kehoe** as *Erie Kid*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What genre does The Sting belong to?
The Sting is classified as a comedy, crime, and drama caper film.

### Q: When was The Sting released?
It premiered in the United States on December 25, 1973.

### Q: When and where is the story set?
The story takes place in September 1936, during the Great Depression era.

### Q: What is the film’s rating?
The movie carries a PG rating, indicating it is suitable for general audiences.

### Q: What is the central premise of the plot?
A novice con man partners with an experienced master to swindle a mobster as revenge for a friend's murder.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*