gioconda

Universally admired movie captures the energy of Manhattan and explores the power of celebrity and the dark side of the power of the press. Electrifying performances from Lancaster as a sinister newspaper columnist who abuses his vast power, and Tony Curtis as a sleazy, bottom-feeder PR flack. Barbara Nichols is mind-blowing as the voluptuous cigarette girl with the heart of gold forced to compromise herself to put her son through military school. Crackling dialogue by Ernest Lehman and Clifford Odets. Lush B&W photography by the masterful James Wong Howe that captures the essence, the neon lights, and the grime of NYC all at once, Believe the hype. "Match me Sidney..."