A script that crackles. Burt and Tony at the top of their game. Tension, menace and pitch-black humour. And Susan Harrison. What's not to like?

A terrificly smart film, superbly written, exquisitely acted, just about perfect in every way. I rented it because it is referred to in a book I'm reading as a major, defining cultural icon of 1957, capturing the dawn of a new, darker and larger ego, and meanness of that day; and the promotion of celebrity for it's own sake - a forerunner of all that is exasperating about current pop culture. So it's got all that going on in addition to being a good story well told.… Expand

This biting tale of power and corruption plays out as smoothly as its tantalizing Jazz soundtrack. Burt Lancaster is impressively evil as the newspaper columnist trying to keep a hold on his sister's life.

one of the greatest films ever made,in my opinion.Everything about it is great,the jazzy score by Elmer Bernstein,cinematogrophy by James Wong Howe,the terrific performances,and the unbelivable screenplay which has some of the best dialogue ever written.A must-see.

Initially a slow and awkwardly developed plot, but after 25 minutes or so (around the time of Lancaster's introduction) the tightly written and bold intentions of the movie begin to shine through. With killer performances by the whole cast, and a strong premise for such an early film, the pacing quickens, and the atmosphere builds.