Reviewed 17/10/01
This is a classic from the 1950's, that you may not have seen before. Starring Tony Curtis as Sidney Falco, a New York publicist for minor celebrities and club owners, and Burt Lancaster as JJ Hunsecker, one of the most powerful gossip columnists in the city.
JJ has a problem, his kid sister is seeing a jazz guitarist. JJ is very close to his sister, and does not approve. He has asked Sidney to break up the relationship, but so far Sidney has failed. As a result, Sidney cannot get any of his clients mentioned in JJ's column. Destroying Sidney's livelihood.
From this, a story of greed, corruption, and power unfolds. Sidney schemes and manipulates all those around him, while JJ pulls the strings.
This is the film where Tony Curtis proves he is more than just a pretty face, and can really act. Burt Lancaster makes JJ Hunseker one of the most cold and intimidating villains to grace the silver screen. And the dialogue is so crisp, that it could give you a paper cut.
It all adds up to a great movie. If you spot it on TV somewhere, make a point of sitting down to watch it.
9/10
"I wouldn't take a bite out of you. You're a cookie filled with Arsenic."
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