KINORAFIELD GUIDE TO FILM
1957 · 97 min · NR

Sweet Smell of Success

Directed by Alexander Mackendrick · Drama

Sweet Smell of Success (1957) is a Drama film, directed by Alexander Mackendrick set in New York City during the 1950s.

A film noir, with a bleak and tense tone. Themes of power & corruption and greed & ambition run throughout.

Composer
Elmer Bernstein
Cinematography
James Wong Howe
Cast
Burt LancasterTony CurtisSusan HarrisonMartin MilnerJeff DonnellSam LeveneJoe FriscoBarbara Nichols

The world of this film

Setting

Where
New York City
Setting
Urban
When
1950s

Premise & themes

Premise
Film Noir
Themes
Power & CorruptionGreed & Ambition
Tone
BleakTense

Shape

Protagonist
Two HanderAntihero
Pacing
Measured
Based on
Pure Fiction

More like this

  • 1957

    12 Angry Men

    New York City — 1950s
    Urbandir. Sidney Lumet
  • 2013

    12 Years a Slave

    New York City · New Orleans · Louisiana — 1800s
    Ruraldir. Steve McQueen
  • 2002

    25th Hour

    New York City — 2000s
    Urbandir. Spike Lee
  • 1993

    A Bronx Tale

    New York City — 1960s
    Urbandir. Robert De Niro
  • 1957

    A Face in the Crowd

    Arkansas · Memphis · New York City — 1950s
    Urban · Ruraldir. Elia Kazan
  • 1995

    A Little Princess

    New York City — 1910s
    Urbandir. Alfonso Cuarón