Sweet Smell of Success

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Sweet Smell of Success

Released Jun 27, 1957

1h 36m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

98%

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62 Reviews

91%

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5,000+ Ratings

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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Critics Consensus

Sweet Smell of Success boasts a top-notch cast, sharp direction, atmospheric cinematography, and an appropriately jazzy score, making it one of the best noir crime thrillers ever made.

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SMH Staff

Sydney Morning Herald

Despite some shrill overstatements that remind one that Clifford Odets had a hand in the screenplay, the film is a highly successful product of what might be called the "New York School" of filmmaking.

Nov 17, 2021

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Brandon Judell

IndieWire

That Clifford Odets co-wrote the screenplay explains the film's continued ability to fascinate, but not why it was made into a current musical.

Jun 15, 2021

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Mae Tinee

Chicago Tribune

It's a tough tale about utterly amoral people. I thought the ending rather weak bet for most of the footage the film packs plenty of punch.

Aug 10, 2020

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Tony Sloman

Radio Times

...t remains a milestone tribute to its canny British director Alexander Mackendrick.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 6, 2024

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Even a three-course meal consisting of lobster bisque, a medium-rare steak, and creme brulee doesn’t come close to matching the exquisite, juicy taste of the dialogue slung around in this riveting drama written by Clifford Odets and Ernest Lehman.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 10, 2024

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Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

Curtis is like oil and oil...

Rated: 3/4

Jan 18, 2024

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Peter H

this rarely happens for me but I couldn't get through it. I had no empathy or fasciantion with any of the characters.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/15/25

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William B

Such a masterpiece. Excellent movie. Recommended.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/25

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Larry T

This movie dives deep into the film noir genre, more than a decade in. The dialogue is so heavily overwritten as to invite comparisons with Shakespeare due to the constant need to contemplate what exactly the characters are trying to say. It’s one of several ways this picture has captured so many fans. The appeal of Tony and Burt add mightily to this film as well. It’s a must see.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/18/25

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Lee C

Great story, great acting, and generally ahead of its time. Highly recommended.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

11/09/24

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Tom F

Beautifully shot and acted story about desperate white men in suits elevating minor personal beefs into a high stakes game.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/06/24

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Steve D

I didn't find myself caring what happened to anyone involved.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/09/24

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Alexander Mackendrick

Director

Burt Lancaster

J.J. Hunsecker

Tony Curtis

Sidney Falco

Martin Milner

Steve Dallas

Barbara Nichols

Rita

Susan Harrison

Susan Hunsecker

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Synopsis

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.

Director: Alexander Mackendrick
Producer: James Hill
Screenwriter: Ernest Lehman, Clifford Odets
Distributor: United Artists, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc.
Production Co: Norma Productions, Hill-Hecht-Lancaster Productions
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 27, 1957, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 29, 2017
Runtime: 1h 36m
Sound Mix: Mono

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