Great New York setting, the star power of Curtis and Lancaster, and some great cutting dialogue still don't add up to a great film. Psychologically, it remains more than a bit artificial, but watching the scheming press agent Curtis try to find success by suckling up to famous columnist, and all around bad person, Lancaster, by breaking up his sister's romance with a jazz guitarist is still a good deal of fun. (Lancaster is no Scarface; however, although it would have been good to see him with a chainsaw.) Martin Milner (Adam 12) as the love interest is the world's least convincing jazz guitarist, but he fares better in the dramatic scenes such as his confrontation with Lancaster or scenes with Lancaster's daughter played by Susan Harrison. Lots of other familiar faces here as well, and NYC, Times Square, and surroundings never looked better on b&w film than they do here. ( )

Wonderfully black comedy/satire of ambition, back-stabbing, dissembling, cleverness in the NYC newspaper world. Lancaster and Curtis "click" as two-faced compatriots/enemies. Excellent cast. ( )