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Sweet Smell of Success
Alexander Mackendrick’s “Sweet Smell of Success” (1957) is a scathing satire of the New York City gossip column industry. It tells J.J. Hunsecker’s (Burt Lancaster) story, a ruthless Broadway columnist who uses his connections to ruin his sister’s relationship with a man he deems unworthy.
Hunsecker enlists Sidney Falco’s (Tony Curtis) help, a press agent desperate to get ahead to carry out his dirty work. Alexander was a Scottish-American director known for his satirical comedies. “Sweet Smell of Success” is his most remarkable work, addressing themes like media power, ambition, and journalistic ethics. It stands as a lasting critique of the dark side of the media industry.