archytele The Vault

Sweet Smell of Success 1957

“Beware these “Gentlemen” of the press!”

★ 7.6/10 Drama Released
Find a cinema
Community & Your Rating
★ 7.6/10
Advertisement
Quick answer

What is Sweet Smell of Success?

Sweet Smell of Success is a 1957 drama film that tells the story of powerful and sleazy newspaper columnist J.J. Hunsecker, portrayed by Burt Lancaster and based on Walter Winchell.

Type
Film
Year
1957
Status
Released
Runtime
97 minutes
Release date
Jul 4, 1957
Studios
Hecht-Hill-Lancaster Productions, United Artists, Norma Productions
Genres
Drama
Updated
Streaming Intelligence

Binge-Worthiness & Content Radar

83 /100 Solid Watch
⚡ Pacing & Momentum8/10
🧠 Narrative Depth9.1/10
🔄 Rewatch Potential7.7/10
🎬 Production Scale8.2/10
🎯 Feature Film #Drama

Trailer

Overview

Sweet Smell of Success is a 1957 drama film that tells the story of powerful and sleazy newspaper columnist J.J. Hunsecker, portrayed by Burt Lancaster and based on Walter Winchell. Hunsecker holds considerable sway over public opinion with his Broadway column and uses his connections to ruin his younger sister Susan's relationship with aspiring jazz guitarist Steve Dallas, whom Hunsecker deems unworthy.

To achieve this, Hunsecker recruits publicist Sidney Falco to find a way to split the couple using ruthless methods. The film runs for 1 hour and 37 minutes and delves into the dark side of press influence, personal manipulation, and familial control in New York City.

Advertisement

Should you watch it?

“A powerful newspaper columnist recruits a ruthless publicist to ruin his sister's romance.”

Reasons to watch
  • Witness a powerful newspaper columnist use his influence to control public opinion and personal lives.
  • See a ruthless publicist hired to execute a plan to split up an aspiring jazz guitarist and his girlfriend.
  • Explore the complex dynamic between a powerful writer and his younger sister.
Keep in mind
  • It features ruthless methods used by central characters to manipulate relationships.

Watch it if you want to see a powerful newspaper columnist go to extreme lengths to control his sister's relationship.

The tone is dramatic and focused on the ruthless maneuvers of media and public relations figures over a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about Sweet Smell of Success — answers are spoiler-safe.

Your verdict

Is Sweet Smell of Success worth watching?

Cast

Verified insights

Frequently asked questions

Where can I stream Sweet Smell of Success?

Streaming availability can be checked on platforms like The Movie Database or standard movie streaming guides.

Is Sweet Smell of Success worth watching?

Yes, it is a classic 1957 drama directed by Alexander Mackendrick featuring notable performances by Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis.

What is the runtime or binge duration of the film?

The film has a total runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes.

What are the essential scenes or episodes to watch?

As a feature film released in 1957, it is watched as a single continuous story rather than a series with episodes.

Explore Sweet Smell of Success

If you like Sweet Smell of Success

See all similar titles →

What viewers say

No comments yet. Be the first to share your take on Sweet Smell of Success.

Advertisement