In Sweet Smell of Success, J.J. Hunsceker (Burt Lancaster) is a domineering New York newspaper columnist who is determined to prevent his sister from marrying Steve Dallas, a jazz musician. In order to accomplish his plan, Hunsecker bribes press agent Sidney Falco (Tony Curtis) into planning false rumors about Dallas. For his part, Falco goes along with the plan so that he can finally get favorable press for his clients.

With the help from a corrupt cop, the men spread a rumor that Dallas is a Communist, and they plant marijuana on him at a nightclub. While Falco is disgusted with his own actions, he continues the scheme, setting the course for a climatic confrontation.