Sweet Smell of Success
Performance & Direction: Sweet Smell of Success Review
Last updated: February 6, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Sweet Smell of Success (1957) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Sweet Smell of Success features a noteworthy lineup led by Burt Lancaster . Supported by the likes of Tony Curtis and Susan Harrison , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Sweet Smell of Success
Quick Plot Summary: Sweet Smell of Success is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 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. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Sweet Smell of Success
Ending Breakdown: Sweet Smell of Success resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Sweet Smell of Success demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Sweet Smell of Success?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Sweet Smell of Success
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.4M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Sweet Smell of Success Budget
The estimated production budget for Sweet Smell of Success is $3.4M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Sweet Smell of Success
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Sweet Smell of Success Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreSweet Smell of Success Parents Guide & Age Rating
1957 AdvisoryWondering about Sweet Smell of Success age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Sweet Smell of Success is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.6/10, and global performance metrics, Sweet Smell of Success is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1957 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sweet Smell of Success worth watching?
Sweet Smell of Success is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.6/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Sweet Smell of Success parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Sweet Smell of Success identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Sweet Smell of Success?
The total duration of Sweet Smell of Success is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Sweet Smell of Success
How Sweet Smell of Success Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Sweet Smell of Success
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.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
