Sweet Smell of Success

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Sweet Smell of Success

1957

1h 36m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

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61 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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Terry L C

We only watched the first hour of the film, before we quit. Nobody loved anybody except Susan Hunsacker and Steve Dallas. Everbody was using everbody else for some gain in a newspaper column.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

08/09/25

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Mason M

Sweet Smell of Success was a thrilling and entertaining noir that I really enjoyed quite the bit. Both Lancaster and Curtis were incredible in their parts and brought a level of threat to their characters. The film's photography of New York was a real joy to look at. The writing made a very entertaining and twisty plot along with very clever dialogue which was wonderful for my ears to hear. I do love a good noir film, and Sweet Smell of Success didn't disappoint.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/31/25

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Stephen C

Success in 1 hour and 36 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/08/25

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Alejandro E

By themselves, the names Curtis and Lancaster are a magnet. As a film noir, it brings the immoral and dark side of journalism to the table. It would be a waste not to see it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/11/25

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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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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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