Tis the season to watch films. Each year, at this time, broadcasters tempt us with their cinematic fare. Back in September, I wrote a post about 'Movie Magic' and I thought this would be a good opportunity to review some more of my favourites. Films that warm the cockles of your heart and are good, no nonsense, fun.
Last night I watched a film I love.
From 1973 (but set in the mid 30s) this film stars Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Robert Shaw.
"The Sting", in case you've never heard of it, is the story of a small time crook (Robert Redford) and a veteran con man (Paul Newman) who are looking for revenge on the crime lord (Robert Shaw) who has murdered one of their gang.
This is classed as a comedy caper, however, the story, and the clever twist at the end makes for one of the greatest double-crosses in movie history.
This trailer doesn't really do it justice - it's a cracking story, brilliantly made, with some of the best music in a film. The ragtime style was first introduced around 1910; twenty years before the time this film is set. Theoretically, this shouldn't have worked, but since a lot of the film is without dialogue, the music totally sums up the mood.
One of my all time favourite pieces of music is "The Entertainer", which is the theme to this film.
Another interesting point to note; whilst the story is set in Chicago, the mayor in 1973 wouldn't allow any films to be made there, that portrayed the city in a bad light. He finally allowed the producers three days to film.
Much of the film was made on the back-lot at Universal Studios and the diner in which Hooker meets Lonnegan is the same diner interior used in Back To The Future (1985) in which Marty McFly first meets his father and calls Doc Brown.
The film was recognised for it's greatness in winning 7 Academy Awards in 1974; including George Roy Hill for Best Director and the overall Best Picture accoldade.
If you haven't seen this, then treat yourself; I promise you won't be disappointed.
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