Robert Redford was not the original choice for the role of Johnny Hooker; the filmmakers initially considered Ryan O'Neal. Redford’s casting came after O'Neal was unavailable, forcing a last-minute change.

Why it matters: Redford's charisma and chemistry with Paul Newman helped define the film’s leading duo, enhancing the dynamic that made the movie so engaging and beloved.

The train station scene, pivotal for showcasing the swap con, was filmed at a working train depot in California. The director chose a location that still had operational trains, adding authenticity to the visual storytelling.

Why it matters: This decision added realism to the depiction of a classic con, allowing audiences to be immersed in the historical setting and understand the intricacies of the con performed by the protagonists.

Marvin Hamlisch was inspired to use Scott Joplin's ragtime music after discovering it in a forgotten sheet music collection. His incorporation of these tunes brought a distinct period feel.

Why it matters: The lively, upbeat, and often nostalgic music became a hallmark of the film, enhancing its charm and drawing audiences into the 1930s setting through mood and atmosphere.

Director George Roy Hill utilized a mix of lens choices and sepia-toned filters to evoke a vintage look, a choice that wasn't common in the mid-1970s.

Why it matters: This stylistic choice not only gave the film a unique aesthetic but also helped place viewers in the time period in which the story unraveled, contributing to its timeless quality.

Newman originally struggled with the look of his character, needing to project an air of sophistication while blending into the con artist environment; wardrobe adjustments were made to highlight both sides.

Why it matters: The wardrobe decisions contributed to Newman's performance, allowing him to navigate between charm and deception, which is vital in portraying a convincing con man.

Robert Redford took it upon himself to learn slight of hand for his character's role. He practiced card tricks extensively to add authenticity to his conman persona.

Why it matters: This commitment added depth to his performance, leading to more believable interactions, particularly during high-tension scenes where the con games are in full swing.

The climactic scene where Hooker fakes death was shot with a mix of special effects and real reactions from cast members, as some were not privy to the elaborate trickery during filming.

Why it matters: The genuine surprise and reactions of the characters contributed to the dramatic weight of the scene, making it more impactful for audiences.

Although Paul Newman and Robert Redford had a 16-year age difference, the chemistry crafted between them made this age gap hardly noticeable, fulfilling their characters' dynamic effectively.

Why it matters: Audiences felt a believable camaraderie between the two, elevating the film’s emotional stakes and making their partnership central to the narrative's success.

Production designer Henry Bumstead went to great lengths to ensure that all props and sets were accurate representations of the 1930s, sourcing period-appropriate items to enhance realism.

Why it matters: Such attention to detail allowed for a more immersive experience, allowing viewers to fully engage with the world and themes presented in the film.

The editing team, led by Dede Allen, worked tirelessly to create a rhythm that matched the film's con artist theme, often compressing time to heighten suspense in the narrative flow.

Why it matters: This technique kept audiences on the edge of their seats, mirroring the tension of the con games and maintaining interest throughout the film.

The iconic animated opening sequence was created by the animation studio that worked on 'Yellow Submarine,' lending a unique flair that was unconventional for films of that era.

Why it matters: This established an immediate sense of a stylistic departure, piquing the audience's curiosity and framing their expectation for the playful yet cunning narrative that followed.

Screenwriter David S. Ward wrote much of the dialogue to be snappy and clever, with an emphasis on understanding con men tactics, resulting from his interest in writing a con artist drama.

Why it matters: This deliberate emphasis on clever scripting elevated the film's dialogue, setting a witty tone that appealed to audiences and encouraged repeated viewings for deeper understanding.

During one of the shooting days, a rainstorm forced the crew to adjust the shooting schedule significantly, leading to the spur-of-the-moment inclusion of a scene that countered the rainy backdrop.

Why it matters: The impromptu scene showcased the characters’ quick thinking akin to their conning lifestyle, adding to the authenticity of their experiences and contributing further depth.

The film’s casting committee initially struggled to expand on the ensemble nature, trying to recruit a perfect mix of established stars and fresh faces for a balanced dynamic.

Why it matters: The final ensemble, which included names such as Robert Shaw and Charles Durning, created a dynamic mix of talent, enhancing the film's quality and drawing diverse audiences.

The crew used a miniature train setup to depict certain angles in the bar scene where extraordinary amounts of rigging were required, demonstrating innovative problem-solving.

Why it matters: This not only showcased the film's ingenuity, but it also achieved shots that wouldn't have been possible otherwise, ultimately making the sequence more visually stunning.

The filmmakers consulted with former con men to ensure the tactics depicted in the film were plausible and grounded in reality, making characters more relatable.

Why it matters: This attention to authenticity lent credibility to the narrative, making it more engaging as audiences recognized familiar con moves that sparked curiosity.

Hill opted for a specific color palette that echoed the era's style—warm tones dominated the sets and costumes, giving a nostalgic feel to the film.

Why it matters: These color choices helped reinforce the themes of deception and charm integral to con artistry, visually representing the dance between manipulation and allure.

The film's marketing team crafted the tagline 'The Sting,' deliberately maintaining an air of mystery surrounding the plot to draw audiences into theaters.

Why it matters: The strategy paid off, creating buzz and intrigue, allowing 'The Sting' to become a cultural phenomenon beyond just its screening, leading to numerous discussions and analyses.

The dialogue was carefully crafted to reveal character depth—each character’s motivations were tied to the con game’s intricacies, aligning with their personal goals.

Why it matters: This gave the film a rich narrative layer, compelling audiences to engage with the characters’ journeys and understand the moral questions associated with their actions.

The film features cameo appearances by several prominent figures from the film industry, including a notable cameo from Lillian Roth, connecting the film to a broader cinematic history.

Why it matters: These cameos serve to anchor 'The Sting' in the history of cinema, making audiences appreciate the film as a tribute to the art form.

The film’s plot intricately weaves actual con techniques still used today, showcasing the screenwriters' extensive research, which added a level of realism.

Why it matters: These techniques not only entertained but educated viewers about the world of con artists, creating more immersive character experiences.

Upon its release, 'The Sting' was a massive success, receiving seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, showcasing the industry’s recognition of its creativity.

Why it matters: Such accolades solidified the film's place in cinema history, cementing its legacy and inspiring future filmmakers with its innovative approach to storytelling.

The film’s abrupt ending, which poses philosophical questions about trust and deception, was initially controversial in test screenings, leading to extensive discussions among the filmmakers.

Why it matters: This decision enhanced the film's retrospective interpretations and has since become a focal point, inviting viewers to reconsider their views on trust and morality in human interactions.

The cinematography employed by Robert Surtees was highlighted for its expressionistic qualities, skillfully illuminating the emotional undertones of various scenes.

Why it matters: Surtees' work supported the film’s tone and subtly guided audiences in interpreting the characters’ emotional states, weaving another layer into the storytelling.