The Sting (1973)

Original Universal Studios b&w photo still #2062-20.

This shot captures the cool essence of one of the most successful "buddy films" ever made. The Sting reunited the powerhouse duo of Paul Newman and Robert Redford, cementing their status as the definitive cinematic partnership of the 1970s. By revitalising the "caper" genre with a sharp, ragtime-infused 1930s aesthetic, the film influenced decades of heist movies, proving that brains, charm, and a well-executed con could be just as thrilling as a high-speed chase.
 
Here, we see Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman) at the poker table, handling a deck of cards. Standing behind him is the formidable and suspicious Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), the high-stakes mark of the film's elaborate "big con". This scene is a masterclass in psychological tension; Gondorff is deliberately "out-cheating" a known cheater. It is the moment where the hunter becomes the hunted in a game of high-stakes deception.
Quick Trivia: To make the card sharking look authentic, Paul Newman practiced his card handling for weeks, though the famous "card flourishes" in the film were performed by technical advisor and professional magician John Scarne.

• Year: 1973
  
• Size: 8 X 10 Inches
• Condition: Unframed
• Product Code: T6583