Sweet Smell of Success Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A powerful columnist doesn’t want his sister dating a jazz musician, so he hires a sleazy guy to ruin the musician’s life, which seems like a totally reasonable and well-adjusted thing to do.

🍿 Sweet Smell of Success: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of J.J. Hunsecker and Sidney Falco

J.J. Hunsecker, a powerful and feared newspaper columnist, dominates New York’s social scene. Sidney Falco, a struggling press agent, depends on Hunsecker’s favor to succeed. Their initial interaction establishes their parasitic relationship; Falco caters to Hunsecker’s whims for career advancement, while Hunsecker exploits Falco’s desperation for his own ends.

The Task: Breaking Up Susan and Steve

Hunsecker tasks Falco with ending his sister Susan’s relationship with Steve Dallas, a jazz musician he deems unsuitable. Falco, desperate to regain Hunsecker’s favor, agrees to do whatever it takes. This sets in motion a series of increasingly unethical and manipulative actions by Falco, showcasing his willingness to compromise his morals for success.

Falco’s Descent into Darkness

Falco employs various schemes to discredit Steve, including planting false rumors and manipulating other columnists. His actions escalate, leading to betrayal and the exploitation of others, such as a cigarette girl used to bribe a rival columnist. These actions demonstrate the corrupting influence of power and the lengths people will go to for recognition and success.

The Frame-Up and its Consequences

Driven by Hunsecker’s relentless pressure, Falco plants marijuana on Steve, leading to his arrest and a brutal beating by a corrupt police officer. Susan, horrified by her brother’s actions and Falco’s betrayal, attempts suicide. This marks a turning point, revealing the devastating impact of their manipulation on innocent lives.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• J.J. Hunsecker (Burt Lancaster): A powerful and ruthless newspaper columnist who uses his influence to control those around him, especially his sister.
• Sidney Falco (Tony Curtis): An ambitious and unscrupulous press agent who will do anything to gain J.J. Hunsecker’s favor and advance his career.
• Susan Hunsecker (Susan Harrison): J.J. Hunsecker’s younger sister, whose relationship with a jazz musician sparks the central conflict of the film.
• Steve Dallas (Martin Milner): A talented jazz musician and Susan Hunsecker’s boyfriend, who becomes the target of J.J. Hunsecker’s manipulation.
• Frank D’Angelo (Sam Levene): Steve Dallas’ manager, who tries to protect him from the machinations of Hunsecker and Falco.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• J.J. Hunsecker: “I love this dirty town.” – J.J. expresses his affection for New York, highlighting his connection to its dark underbelly.
• J.J. Hunsecker: “Match me, Sidney.” – A command from J.J. to Sidney, demanding a light for his cigarette, reflecting their power dynamic.
• J.J. Hunsecker: “I’d hate to take a bite outta you. You’re a cookie full of arsenic.” – J.J. insults Sidney, conveying his contempt and the dangerous nature of their association.
• Sidney Falco: “My right hand hasn’t seen my left hand in thirty years.” – Sidney, to J.J., attempting to prove his trustworthiness and discretion.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,400,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $8,025

💥 Sweet Smell of Success Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, what a movie! I was hooked from the very first scene. The dialogue is so sharp and witty, and the performances are just incredible. Burt Lancaster is absolutely terrifying as J.J. Hunsecker. There were moments in the movie where I felt genuine hatred for Tony Curtis’ character. The black and white cinematography really adds to the film’s atmosphere. I definitely recommend this movie to anyone who likes classic film noir.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic film noir”
  • “Viewers interested in dramas about media and power”
  • “Those who appreciate sharp dialogue and strong performances”
  • “People interested in New York City history”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Manipulation”
  • “Brief violence”
  • “Implied themes of incestuous undertones”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A chilling expose of the dark side of fame and ambition, Sweet Smell of Success is a masterclass in film noir. Burt Lancaster’s portrayal of the ruthless J.J. Hunsecker is mesmerizing, while Tony Curtis delivers a career-defining performance as the morally bankrupt Sidney Falco. A must-see for fans of classic cinema.
• The New York Times: “Alexander Mackendrick’s Sweet Smell of Success paints a grim picture of New York’s underbelly, where power and corruption reign supreme. The sharp dialogue and gritty cinematography perfectly capture the atmosphere of moral decay. While the characters are far from likeable, their struggles are undeniably compelling.
• AllMovie: “A scathing indictment of the media’s influence, Sweet Smell of Success is a film that continues to resonate today. The performances are exceptional, and the story is as relevant as ever. Though the film may be difficult to watch at times, it is ultimately a rewarding experience.

Audience Reactions

The film’s sharp dialogue and incredible performances kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.: Viewers praise the film for its realistic depiction of power and its corrupting influence, highlighting the exceptional acting and memorable one-liners.

Burt Lancaster was amazing; I will never look at him the same way again after this.: Many were mesmerized by the transformation and range shown by Burt Lancaster.

Overall Consensus: A highly acclaimed film noir classic, Sweet Smell of Success is praised for its sharp dialogue, exceptional performances, and gritty depiction of power and corruption in 1950s New York.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Cinematographer James Wong Howe used Vaseline on Burt Lancaster’s glasses to create a menacing glare.”
• “The character of J.J. Hunsecker is based on real-life columnist Walter Winchell, who tried to prevent the film’s release.”
• “Alexander Mackendrick’s direction, along with the performances of Curtis and Lancaster, were not nominated for any Oscars.”

🖥️ How to Watch Sweet Smell of Success?

Currently, ‘Sweet Smell of Success’ is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as options may change.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Sweet Smell of Success, you might like these similar films:

• All About Eve (1950): Explores ambition and backstabbing in the world of theater, similar to the cutthroat environment depicted in ‘Sweet Smell of Success’.
• The Player (1992): A modern satire of Hollywood, showcasing the dark side of the entertainment industry and the compromises people make for success.
• Ace in the Hole (1951): Features an unscrupulous journalist who exploits a human tragedy for personal gain, mirroring the ethical bankruptcy of the characters in ‘Sweet Smell of Success’.
• Nightcrawler (2014): Shows the dark side of media by portraying a cameraman who goes to extreme lengths to capture shocking footage, reflecting the themes in ‘Sweet Smell of Success’.

🛒 Sweet Smell of Success Related Products

• Sweet Smell of Success (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A pristine restoration of the film with insightful commentary and behind-the-scenes features. Perfect for collectors and cinephiles who want to experience the film in the best possible quality.
• Sweet Smell of Success Movie Poster Print – Burt Lancaster Tony Curtis: A high-quality print of the iconic movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater or office. A great way to show your love for this classic film.
• Sweet Smell of Success Broadway Musical (Original Cast Recording): Listen to the original soundtrack to Sweet Smell of Success musical written by Marvin Hamlisch, experience the story through song.
• The Walter Winchell Biography: American Man by Neal Gabler: Delve into the life of the real-life inspiration for J.J. Hunsecker, Walter Winchell, with Neal Gabler’s biography. Understand the man behind the character and the era that shaped him.

🎧 Soundtrack

Sweet Smell of Success features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Chico Hamilton Quintet” – performed by The Chico Hamilton Quintet
• “Goodbye” – performed by Elmer Bernstein
• “Sleepy Time Gal” – performed by Various Artists

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top 25 Film Noir Movies

Love film noir? This video lists the top 25 film noir movies! I wonder if ‘Sweet Smell of Success’ made the cut. Check it out to find more gems in the genre.

The Best Movie Ever Made | Citizen Kane

Is ‘Sweet Smell of Success’ one of the best movies ever made? This video discusses it alongside Citizen Kane! I’m curious to see what aspects of the film it praises. Definitely worth a watch if you want to hear it mentioned.

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