"The Sting" is an American crime film set in September 1936, involving a complicated plot by two professional grifters (Paul Newman and Robert Redford). They act to con a mob boss (Robert Shaw). The film was directed by George Roy Hill.

The film's title refers to the moment when a con artist finishes the "play" and takes the mark's money. If a con is successful, the mark does not realize he has been cheated until the con men are long gone, if at all.

Released on Christmas Day of 1973, "The Sting" was a very large critical and commercial success. It was nominated for 10 Oscars and won 7, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing, and Best Screenplay. Redford was also nominated for Best Actor.

Robert Shaw (Robert Archibald Shaw), August 1927, Westhoughton, Lancashire, England—August 1978, Tourmakeady, Ireland was an English actor, novelist, and playwright who first acted in Shakespearean plays before launching a successful film career.

In 1955, Shaw began playing contemporary roles and less Shakespearean ones. He did in his own play "Off the Mainland" (1956) and the role of Sergeant Mitchem in "The Long and the Short and the Tall" (1959). He first acted in the US in 1961 in "The Caretaker". His first notable film appearance was as a villain in the James Bond film "From Russia with Love" (1963). His reputation in motion pictures was then more enhanced by his appearance in "The Guest" (1963). After "The Sting", he made 4 more films before his death.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org