Sweet Smell of Success

1h 37m · 1957 · Directed by Alexander Mackendrick · 4.2 / 5 on Letterboxd

Sweet Smell of Success (1957) runs 1h 37m, directed by Alexander Mackendrick. It is one of 3,647 films in the 100 Minute Movies catalog — every one rated 3.0 or higher by Letterboxd members and short enough to finish in an evening.

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.

Genres: Drama

Where to watch: Prime Video (US, checked 9 July 2026)