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Sweet Smell of Success

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7.6/10 • 512

1957-07-041h 37m

Drama

Beware these “Gentlemen” of the press!

New York City newspaper writer J.J. Hunsecker holds considerable sway over public opinion with his Broadway column, but one thing that he can't control is his younger sister, Susan, who is in a relationship with aspiring jazz guitarist Steve Dallas. Hunsecker strongly disapproves of the romance and recruits publicist Sidney Falco to find a way to split the couple, no matter how ruthless the method.

Directors
Alexander Mackendrick
Editors
Alan Crosland, Jr.

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Burt Lancaster

    Burt Lancaster

    J.J. Hunsecker

  2. Tony Curtis

    Tony Curtis

    Sidney Falco

  3. Susan Harrison

    Susan Harrison

    Susan Hunsecker

  4. Martin Milner

    Martin Milner

    Steve Dallas

  5. Jeff Donnell

    Jeff Donnell

    Sally

  6. Sam Levene

    Sam Levene

    Frank D' Angelo

  7. Joe Frisco

    Joe Frisco

    Herbie Temple

  8. Barbara Nichols

    Barbara Nichols

    Rita

  9. Emile Meyer

    Emile Meyer

    Lt. Harry Kello

Reviews1

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Nutshell Avatar

Nutshell

May 25, 2020

A better title might be The Sad Stench of Desperation. Was Burt Lancaster ever better than in this riveting late-fifties noir from director Alexander Mackendrick? That's a tough question. But it's a no-brainer that Tony Curtis' performance here is top-level craft at its best (as in The Boston Stangler). The supporting cast also turns in some beautiful work, notably Susan Harrison and Martin Milner. This uncomfortable story breaks many rules and comes out the better for it. The jazzy score is perfect, setting the film's nervous tone and fitting the period like a glove. A totally unique and daring film-noir for the period, and one of my all time favorites.

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
$3,400,000.00
Revenue
$2,500,000.00
Keywords
media tycoonnew york citynewspapersibling relationshipjazz singer or musicianfilm noirgossip columnist