Sweet Smell of Success • The Next Reel

“Match me, Sidney." James Wong Howe had just won his Oscar for his black-and-white cinematography for “The Rose Tattoo” when the star of the film, Burt Lancaster, hired him to shoot his next picture, “Sweet Smell of Success.” Howe and director Alexander Mackendrick knew right away that to tell this story properly, they really needed to film on the streets of New York City at night. So they did, and in the process created a stunningly gorgeous and dark film noir that feels like it truly lives in the city, not on some Hollywood soundstage. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Black-and-White Cinematography of James Wong Howe series with Mackendrick’s wonderful 1956 film, “Sweet Smell of Success.” We talk about the chiaroscuro look that Howe captured in this film, and also look at the deep focus and camera movement and how it all helps tell the story. We chat about Ernest Lehman and Clifford Odets, the writers, looking at what they each contributed to the wickedly brilliant dialogue. We discuss the cast — notably Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Susan Harrison, Marty Milner, Barbara Nichols and Emile Meyer — and what they bring to the table. We touch on Walter Winchell, the figure on whom Lancaster’s character was based. And we talk about how the film was received at the time — poorly — as well as how opinion of it changed over time. It’s a film that feels biting and dangerous, and it’s one we enjoy quite a bit. Tune in! Film Sundries Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Sweet Smell of Success & Other Stories — Ernest Lehman Flickchart Trailers of the Week Andy’s Trailer: Bridge of Spies — “Okay, so it’s Tom Hanks. And Spielberg. It should be obvious why I picked this one. But it’s also about a piece of history I didn’t know about, so I find myself quite intrigued." Pete’s Trailer: The Martian — “DAMON IN SPAAAAACE! I’m right in the middle of the book that spawned this movie and the trailer so far is doing great justice to the tone and spirit of the material. Very much looking forward to it!" Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! The Next Reel on iTunes The Next Reel on Facebook The Next Reel on Twitter The Next Reel on Flickchart The Next Reel on Letterboxd Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter Follow Pete Wright on Twitter Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter Check out Tom Metz on IMDB Justin "JJ" Jaeger Chadd Stoops Follow Steven Smart on Letterboxd The Next Reel Family of Film Shows:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements | The Film Board | Movies We Like | The Next Reel | Sitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Web | Letterboxd | Flickchart | Instagram | Bluesky | YouTube | DiscordYour Hosts: Andy | PeteMerch Store | Audible