The Sting

Main Plot

"The Sting," directed by George Roy Hill, is a caper film set in the 1930s that follows two con men, Johnny Hooker and Henry Gondorff, as they seek to avenge the murder of their mutual friend by a ruthless crime boss, Doyle Lonnegan. Hooker, a small-time grifter, partners with the seasoned Gondorff to orchestrate an elaborate and risky con. They assemble a team of skilled con artists to execute a complex scheme involving a fake betting parlor, designed to swindle Lonnegan out of a fortune. As the plan unfolds, the duo must navigate a series of twists, turns, and close calls, all while staying one step ahead of both Lonnegan's enforcers and the law. The film is renowned for its intricate plot, period detail, and the chemistry between its lead actors, culminating in a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

Characters

• Paul Newman plays Henry Gondorff, a seasoned con artist who mentors a young grifter to execute an elaborate revenge scheme against a powerful crime boss.
• Robert Redford plays Johnny Hooker, a small-time con artist seeking revenge for his partner's murder by orchestrating an elaborate scam against a powerful mob boss.
• Robert Shaw plays Doyle Lonnegan, a ruthless crime boss who becomes the target of an elaborate con orchestrated by two grifters seeking revenge for their friend's murder.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of 'The Sting,' directed by George Roy Hill, the intricate con orchestrated by grifters Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) and Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) reaches its climax. The plot centers on their elaborate scheme to swindle mob boss Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw) as revenge for the murder of their mutual friend, Luther. The final act unfolds in a mock betting parlor where Lonnegan is led to believe he is placing a high-stakes bet on a rigged horse race. As the race concludes, Lonnegan realizes he has been duped, but before he can react, a staged FBI raid occurs. During the chaos, Hooker and Gondorff appear to be shot and killed by FBI agents. Lonnegan, fearing arrest, hastily leaves the scene. Once he is gone, Hooker and Gondorff, unharmed, rise and celebrate their successful con. The fake FBI agents and other accomplices reveal themselves, having all played their parts in the elaborate ruse. The movie ends with Hooker and Gondorff walking away, having avenged their friend and outwitted Lonnegan.