Primetime Backyard Movie Series Opening Night - THE STING (1973)

I'm starting to get to the age where all of my childhood celebrities and heroes are starting to pass. And while I could have picked any of them to open our sixth season in the Backyard, it just feels right to honor one of the men who truly introduced me to the subtleties of comedy (normally our first movie genre each year) and a true love of the cinema and especially independent cinema.

I can't remember what was the first Robert Redford movie I ever saw. It was probably the hysterical Neil Simon play adaptation BAREFOOT IN THE PARK (1967), in my humble opinion still one of the funniest adaptations of a stage work ever made and the future source of many of my own audition pieces when I still had delusions of being an actor as a kid. I nearly played that movie this month, but one of our members suggested tonight's title in a completely unrelated context. And it makes sense.

Of course the other possible "first" movie was the immortal BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID (1969), although I honestly I think it was this one. My mother, like around 50% of the American population at the time, was in love with Robert Redford, and I tended to see anything he was in whether I wanted to at the time or not. I still remember trips to the theater or TV watches on network television for THIS PROPERTY IS CONDEMNED (1966) (my introduction to Tennessee Williams and Southern Gothic), THE CHASE (1966) (his first pairing with Jane Fonda and perhaps also the first time I became aware of Marlon Brando), THE CANDIDATE (1972) (my first real "political" movie), JEREMIAH JOHNSON (1972) (my first "environmentally aware" movie), and of course THE WAY WE WERE (1973) (my first romantic tearjerker).

Then came THE STING (1973).

And even at my very young age I understood that I was watching two of the coolest, most dashing, and most charming people to ever grace the silver screen. That other guy was this actor named Paul Newman by the way.

Redford and Newman's pairing started as a dream matchup in BUTCH CASSIDY, but by the time these guys got to THE STING, they had the smirks, the grins, the winks, and the comedic timing down. This movie won Best Picture against some very stiff competition that year for a reason, and it still holds a special place in my memory as one of the most enjoyable couple of hours I've ever spent in a theater. And even if you have seen and already know its twisty plot and ending, you can't help but still laugh with delight at all the hijinks.

Credit a lot of this to director George Roy Hill (who also directed BUTCH CASSIDY) and writer David S. Ward, for a sly and funny trip into the world of con men and drifters during the Great Depression. And who can forget the amazing score by Marvin Hamlisch, who took home two Oscars that year for this and THE WAY WE WERE (1973).

All in all its a great example of a bunch of talented actors and moviemakers at the top of their game. Come join us as we open the Backyard for another season with a trip down Memory Lane.

Presenting our sixth season of our Primetime Backyard Movie Series, where we'll all get together during good weather armed with our bug spray and lawn chairs to watch a variety of movies.

I have the movies. I have the projector. I have a sort of giant (for a backyard at least) 10 foot screen. I even have a long, narrow but semi-deep backyard with a giant oak tree that will silently watch over us as we relive our youth at the drive-in and make fun of those making out on the back row.

There will be free hot dogs, movie candies, movie nachos, and popcorn. Feel free to bring other stuff if you want, including your own lawn chair. I have some spares and some blankets, but not enough for a full house. BYOB. I'll have some soft drinks and water as well.

We'll socialize for about an hour before the movie, which will start promptly at dusk (about 8:10 pm), along with an Alamo Drafthouse -style preshow.

RAIN POLICY - I'll post here if we have to reschedule for weather or other unforeseen events. Just check here before you head this way.

CARPOOLS - My parking around here really is limited thanks to overbuilding on nearby lots, so carpooling or Uber is encouraged. Uber Robotaxis are common in this neighborhood if you've been wanting to try one.