Sweet Smell of Success

"Beware these “Gentlemen” of the press!"

Jul 4 1957 Approved 1h 36m
Drama, Film-Noir

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.

Official Trailer
Plot

J.J. Hunsecker, the most powerful newspaper columnist in New York, is determined to prevent his sister from marrying Steve Dallas, a jazz musician. He therefore covertly employs Sidney Falco, a sleazy and unscrupulous press agent, to break up the affair by any means possible.

Written by

Clifford Odets, Ernest Lehman, Alexander Mackendrick

Directed by

Alexander Mackendrick

Cast

Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Susan Harrison

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Curtleigh Productions, Norma Productions, United Artists, Hecht-Hill-Lancaster Productions

Languages

English

Awards

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award3 wins & 3 nominations total

Trailers
SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS Trailer (1957) - The Criterion Collection
Featurettes
Three Reasons: Sweet Smell of Success - The Criterion Collection
Critics' Picks - 'Sweet Smell of Success' | The New York Times
John Landis on THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS
Scores
# of Votes
37,505
Average Rating
8 out of 10
Metascore
100
Popularity
NA