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Sweet Smell of Success

Play trailer Poster for Sweet Smell of Success Released Jun 27, 1957 1h 36m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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98% Tomatometer 62 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 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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Sweet Smell of Success

Sweet Smell of Success

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Tony Sloman Radio Times ...t remains a milestone tribute to its canny British director Alexander Mackendrick. Rated: 5/5 Sep 6, 2024 Full Review 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 Full Review Josh Larsen LarsenOnFilm Curtis is like oil and oil... Rated: 3/4 Jan 18, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (528) audience reviews
Lee C Great story, great acting, and generally ahead of its time. Highly recommended. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/09/24 Full Review 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 Full Review Steve D I didn't find myself caring what happened to anyone involved. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 04/09/24 Full Review Christian K Great performances and dialogue but the plot is drab enough that it didn't really grab me. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/18/24 Full Review harwee h Burt Lancasert. Fantastic as always. Tony Curtis, not so much. I don't buy this actor in anything. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/10/24 Full Review John H Great movie. Lancaster and Curtis are such fun slimes Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/10/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Sweet Smell of Success

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

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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