J.J. Hunsecker, a prominent New York newspaper columnist, is hell-bent on stopping his sister's romance with Steve Dallas, a jazz musician. To achieve this, he enlists the services of Sidney Falco, a ruthless and cunning press agent, who will stop at nothing to sabotage the relationship.

Sweet Smell of Success
A ruthless Broadway journalist uses his influence to manipulate a press agent, forcing him to sabotage his sister's relationship with a talented jazz musician.