• Sweet Smell of Success (1957)

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

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Sweet Smell of Success
100
metacriticBased on 5 Critics
70
Based on 39 Users

Release Date: June 27th, 1957

Not Yet Rated |1 hr 36 min

Plot Summary

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

Cast: Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Martin Milner, Barbara Nichols, Susan Harrison, Sam Levene, Jeff Donnell

Director: Alexander Mackendrick

Genres: Drama

Production Co: Norma Productions, Hill-Hecht-Lancaster Productions

Distributors: MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., United Artists

Keywords: Quest , Fall , 1950s , New York City , Sister , Tense ,

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Ratings & Reviews

  • 100
    Kim MorganPortland Oregonian

    Can a film so expertly capture the odious and bitter that it becomes deliciously, disgustingly beautiful? Yes, if that film is 1957's Sweet Smell of Success. show more

  • 100
    David SterrittChristian Science Monitor

    Everyone raves about this 1957 film -- and everyone's right. show more

  • 100
    TV Guide Magazine

    Captures the sleazy allure of Manhattan like no other film. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com

Awards

Nominated Foreign Actor
British Academy of Film & Television Arts (1958)