Astonishingly good look at a thinly-veiled Walter Winchell, the New York gossip columnist who reigned with terror as one of the most influential writers of his time. Burt Lancaster burns up the screen as J.J. Hunsecker, who enlists Tony Curtis's Sidney Falco to break up his sister's happy relationship with a musician. Cruel and unflinching, this movie is partially responsible for bringing Winchell's career down. Excellent cinematography, acting, dialogue, and scoring -- a must see.