The Sweet Smell of Success

Directed by Alexander Mackendrick

The Sweet Smell of Success (1957). A sleazy PR man will do anything to get his clients mentioned in the column of a powerful journalist. To achieve this gain he tries to help the columnist break up the latter's younger sister's relationship with a jazz musician, something the overprotective columnist does not approve of.

Director

Alexander Mackendrick

Writers

Ernest Lehman (novel)

Clifford Odets (writer

Cast

Burt Lancaster... J.J. Hunsecker

Tony Curtis... Sidney Falco

Susan Harrison... Susan Hunsecker

Martin Milner... Steve Dallas (as Marty Milner)

Sam Levene... Frank D' Angelo

Barbara Nichols... Rita

Jeff Donnell... Sally

Joe Frisco... Herbie Temple

Emile Meyer... Lt. Harry Kello

Edith Atwater... Mary

The Chico Hamilton Quintet... Themselves

Trivia

• Orson Welles was initially suggested for the role of J.J. Hunsecker.