Lancaster biographist Kate Buford in person!

“Match me, Sidney.” Lancaster held his powerful frame in perfect check when he transformed himself for this now-classic film into J.J. Hunsecker, the sexless, iron-willed gossip columnist who rules the world from his table at 21. As Lancaster speaks Ernest Lehman’s and Clifford Odets’ syncopated dialogue, you may have the impression that every word is etched in acid. With Tony Curtis, revving himself up past the speed of light, as gutless columnist Sidney Falco, Susan Harrison as Hunsecker’s lost little sister and Martin Milner as her hapless jazz musician boyfriend. Featuring one of Elmer Bernstein’s very best jazz scores and the electric camera eye of cinematographer James Wong Howe.

Images courtesy of UNITED ARTISTS / THE KOBAL COLLECTION