Overview

New York City newspaper writer J.J. Hunsecker holds considerable sway over public opinion with his Broadway column, but one thing that he can't control is his younger sister, Susan, who is in a relationship with aspiring jazz guitarist Steve Dallas. Hunsecker strongly disapproves of the romance and recruits publicist Sidney Falco to find a way to split the couple, no matter how ruthless the method.

"Beware these “Gentlemen” of the press!"

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The average rating for this movie is 7.6


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Reviews

Review by: Nutshell

A better title might be The Sad Stench of Desperation. Was Burt Lancaster ever better than in this riveting late-fifties noir from director Alexander Mackendrick? That's a tough question. But it's a no-brainer that Tony Curtis' performance here is top-level craft at its best (as in The Boston Stangler). The supporting cast also turns in some beautiful work, notably Susan Harrison and Martin Milner. This uncomfortable story breaks many rules and comes out the better for it. The jazzy score is perfect, setting the film's nervous tone and fitting the period like a glove. A totally unique and daring film-noir for the period, and one of my all time favorites.

Reviewer rating: None

Actors


Burt Lancaster

J.J. Hunsecker


Tony Curtis

Sidney Falco


Susan Harrison

Susan Hunsecker


Martin Milner

Steve Dallas


Jeff Donnell

Sally


Sam Levene

Frank D' Angelo


Joe Frisco

Herbie Temple


Barbara Nichols

Rita


Emile Meyer

Lt. Harry Kello

Trailer