Set in 1936 amid the Great Depression, THE STING involves a complicated plot by two professional con artists (Paul Newman and Robert Redford) to con a mob boss (Robert Shaw).

The film was directed by George Roy Hill, who had directed Newman and Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The screenplay by David Ward was inspired by real-life cons perpetrated by brothers Fred and Charley Gondorff and documented by David Maurer in his 1940 book The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man.

Released on Christmas Day of 1973, The Sting won an astonishing 7 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay; Redford was also nominated for Best Actor. The movie created a resurgence of interest in ragtime music, particularly the "The Entertainer" by Scott Joplin.

There is a small fee of £2 per person for the hall hire, tea/coffee and towards equipment - there is no charge for the film. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available afterwards, but PLEASE bring your own mug.

Open to all Ru3a members. To reserve your place please email film@rickyu3a.org.uk. After the first 40 replies, others will be placed on a waiting list.