LTP Noir: Sweet Smell of Success (1957)

"I'd hate to take a bite of you... you're a cookie full of arsenic."

Alexander McKendrick's compelling noir is full of lines like this, courtesy of screenwriter Clifford Odets - quite fitting for intrigue set in the back-stabby world of showbiz journalism. Burt Lancaster may appear more dinky here than normal but don't be fooled by his glasses: JJ Hunsecker is a powerful and fiendish columnist who employs an ambitious press agent, Sidney Faclo, played by Tony Curtis to break up his sister's romance. Conflict and betrayals emerge from the darkness here, masterfully rendered through sharp angles and lighting contrasts by Oscar-winning DP, James Wong Howe. Decorated with subtle touches and engaging performances, "Sweet Smell of Success" was a critic's favourite when released in 1957 and Josh lays the whole story out in this episode of LTP Noir.

Pre-Production @ 01:55; Summary @ 23:00; Production @36:00; Review @47:00