Lie for it... cheat for it... drink to it... the sweet, sweet smell of success!

Starring: Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Susan Harrison, Martin Milner, Jeff Donnell, Sam Levene, Joe Frisco, Barbara Nichols, Jeff Donnell, Emile Meyer, Edith Atwater, David White

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"I'd hate to take a bite outta you. You're a cookie full of arsenic." - J.J. Hunsecker to Sidney Falco

Why watch this? Lancaster and Curtis expertly portray two of the worst sleazebags in New York City.

Plot Summary: This film follows two men: J.J. Hunsecker, a successful promoter who controls all media for the rich and famous; and Sidney Falco, a press agent willing to do anything on his move up the ladder. Both are vicious monsters in a sea of monsters, yet they begrudgingly use each other as needed. Hunsecker's innocent, 19-year-old sister, Susan, lives with him, and he smothers her with his domineering, overprotective nature. When she won't stop seeing a local jazz guitarist, Steve Dallas (who is a decent man), J.J. enlists the help of the treacherous Falco to destroy the relationship by any means.

Dad's Preview: Ah, New York City - hustle and bustle, nightclubs, media giants, reputations won-and-lost in a heartbeat. For me personally, no thanks. This film was an inside job exposing this cut-throat world. It's lead actors took great risks to portray such unsavory characters. The film was not initially a hit due to this fact. Over the years, retro-reviewers have consistently given it high praise. This is justified. The cast and performances are top-notch, but the sharp, cutting dialogue is what sets this noir classic apart. You'll honestly wonder how people can be so mean to each other? But, it's a game to them, just like the ways they manipulate all in their circle. This film sweetly succeeds in exposing the underbelly of the big city's ruthlessness, yet it's so compelling to watch on screen.

Hecht-Hill-Lancaster Prod., Norma Prod., Curtleigh Prod.; United Artists