Sweet Smell of Success 1957
"Beware these “Gentlemen” of the press!"
Set against the electric backdrop of 1950s New York, *Sweet Smell of Success (1957)* is a razor-sharp drama about power, manipulation, and the moral decay beneath the glittering surface of the press. Directed by Alexander Mackendrick, this noir-tinged classic follows J.J.
Director: Alexander Mackendrick
Cast
Burt Lancaster
J.J. Hunsecker
Tony Curtis
Sidney Falco
Susan Harrison
Susan Hunsecker
Martin Milner
Steve Dallas
Jeff Donnell
Sally
Sam Levene
Frank D' Angelo
Joe Frisco
Herbie Temple
Barbara Nichols
Rita
Emile Meyer
Lt. Harry Kello
Edith Atwater
Mary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sweet Smell of Success (1957) about?
This 1957 noir classic follows J.J. Hunsecker, a powerful Broadway columnist who uses his influence to control his younger sister's love life. When she falls for a jazz guitarist he disapproves of, Hunsecker enlists a ruthless publicist to sabotage the relationship, setting off a spiral of deception and moral decay.
Who directed Sweet Smell of Success?
Alexander Mackendrick directed *Sweet Smell of Success*, infusing the film with a biting critique of media power and moral compromise.
Who stars in Sweet Smell of Success?
The film features Burt Lancaster as the domineering J.J. Hunsecker, Tony Curtis as the ambitious publicist Sidney Falco, and Susan Harrison as Hunsecker's conflicted sister, Susan.
Is Sweet Smell of Success (1957) worth watching?
Absolutely—this noir gem delivers sharp dialogue, intense performances, and a gripping exploration of manipulation. While it lacks an IMDb rating, its enduring influence on cinema and its relevance to discussions about media ethics make it a must-watch for fans of classic dramas.
How long is Sweet Smell of Success?
Sweet Smell of Success runs for 97 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Sweet Smell of Success (1957) — A noir masterpiece exposing the dark side of fame and media power
Set against the electric backdrop of 1950s New York, *Sweet Smell of Success (1957)* is a razor-sharp drama about power, manipulation, and the moral decay beneath the glittering surface of the press. Directed by Alexander Mackendrick, this noir-tinged classic follows J.J. Hunsecker, a venomous Broadway columnist whose influence over public opinion is as feared as it is absolute. When Hunsecker's younger sister, Susan, falls for Steve Dallas, a rising jazz guitarist, the columnist's pathological need to control her life sets off a chain of ruthless scheming. Desperate to sever the relationship, Hunsecker enlists the cunning Sidney Falco—a publicist willing to play dirty—to dismantle the romance by any means necessary, plunging the characters into a world where ambition tramples integrity.
Cinematographer James Wong Howe bathes the film in shadowy, claustrophobic frames, mirroring the moral rot simmering beneath Hunsecker's polished veneer. Burt Lancaster's chilling performance as the manipulative columnist, paired with Tony Curtis's slick yet vulnerable Sidney Falco, anchors this tale of backroom deals and media manipulation. With its biting dialogue, tense pacing, and unflinching look at the press's darker side, *Sweet Smell of Success* remains a timeless critique of the cost of power and the hollow victory of reputation.
