Have you read any of Robert Shaw's novels? I've very recently inherited a clutch, all hardbacks and in First Edition, with d/js- and very much looking forward to getting into them.
No! Funnily enough my parents had a copy of The Flag, but I didn’t keep hold of it when we cleared their house. A mistake, like most of my decisions about all of that. I remember my mum rated him. Be interested to hear your thoughts!
Yes, it most definitely is of a piece with Butch and Sundance: same buddy dynamics, same toothsome smiles, same Newman-in-charge but Redford his own man; and same dark American Dream mythology.
But, nonetheless, still very enjoyable in spite of all that…ha-ha! They definitely had a very good thing going, those two.
I used to go to Santa Monica a fair bit from the early 89s onwards and every time I saw the pier, and especially before its refurbishment, it always reminded me of films shot there, especially this, and They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
Wonderful review. You hit all the high notes. A friend of mine said he wants to achieve George Roy Hill’s exact level of fame: a bunch of interesting things and two masterpieces to keep the money coming.
That's very kind. Having rewatched The Sting several times recently, the thing which really strikes me is just how well put together it is- the photography, the set design, the costume, the music, the direction, the acting, the script. It's immaculate. One of my all-time favourite films.
Funny that you used the Loretta Salino line in your subtitle. I saw the film when it came out and that name has stuck in my head ever since... it's the music, wraps itself in your ear, and if I remember correctly she comes in with "Solace" in the background. Some things are just perfect.
It's that bit which sticks with you- 'She was gonna kill you, kid'. I remember this from the very first time I saw it, and remember finding it disturbing at the time- and isn't Solace wonderful? The most beautiful Joplin piece... but completely anachronistic, of course for 1936- when it should have been dance band music or Swing! Does it matter? No, not one bit. It just works.
Yep. I'm kinda fascinated by TCPPF- it was very much part of all that 20s/30s Deco thing going on at the time, I think. Even if the menu- I've just checked- sported Art Nouveau graphics.
Shaw’s turn as Henry VIII in A Man For All Seasons is superb too. Probably the best screen Henry, although of course Laughton remains iconic
Have you read any of Robert Shaw's novels? I've very recently inherited a clutch, all hardbacks and in First Edition, with d/js- and very much looking forward to getting into them.
No! Funnily enough my parents had a copy of The Flag, but I didn’t keep hold of it when we cleared their house. A mistake, like most of my decisions about all of that. I remember my mum rated him. Be interested to hear your thoughts!
Beat us to it, Mathew
I also saw the Sting , and many other great movies, at the Beaconsfield Odeon - I turned 17 in 1974 - I wonder if our paths ever crossed…
I saw it when it came out!
I would’ve been 10 years old.
Our moms would just drop us off at the Mall on Saturday afternoon.
We all wanted the hats, which were briefly available at Woolworths and similar places.
That was a memorably great movie.
And, of course, Quint, Luke!
Yes, it most definitely is of a piece with Butch and Sundance: same buddy dynamics, same toothsome smiles, same Newman-in-charge but Redford his own man; and same dark American Dream mythology.
But, nonetheless, still very enjoyable in spite of all that…ha-ha! They definitely had a very good thing going, those two.
I used to go to Santa Monica a fair bit from the early 89s onwards and every time I saw the pier, and especially before its refurbishment, it always reminded me of films shot there, especially this, and They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
Wonderful review. You hit all the high notes. A friend of mine said he wants to achieve George Roy Hill’s exact level of fame: a bunch of interesting things and two masterpieces to keep the money coming.
That's very kind. Having rewatched The Sting several times recently, the thing which really strikes me is just how well put together it is- the photography, the set design, the costume, the music, the direction, the acting, the script. It's immaculate. One of my all-time favourite films.
Funny that you used the Loretta Salino line in your subtitle. I saw the film when it came out and that name has stuck in my head ever since... it's the music, wraps itself in your ear, and if I remember correctly she comes in with "Solace" in the background. Some things are just perfect.
It's that bit which sticks with you- 'She was gonna kill you, kid'. I remember this from the very first time I saw it, and remember finding it disturbing at the time- and isn't Solace wonderful? The most beautiful Joplin piece... but completely anachronistic, of course for 1936- when it should have been dance band music or Swing! Does it matter? No, not one bit. It just works.
OMG the CPPF! Home of the Harvey Wallbanger too
'Purveyors of Chicago Pizza to London...'
Yep. I'm kinda fascinated by TCPPF- it was very much part of all that 20s/30s Deco thing going on at the time, I think. Even if the menu- I've just checked- sported Art Nouveau graphics.
Whether the Real pizza eaters of Chicago would have been impressed with their 'deep dishes' is quite another thing!