- Award Snub: It received zero Academy Award nominations.
- Cult Classic: It was a flop upon release, but has since gained critical acclaim, as well as a small online fandom.
- Evil Is Cool: Even modern day viewers tend to enjoy J.J. Hunsecker, not only due to Burt Lancaster's brilliant performance but also due to his charisma and his immense power of the town and manipulation skills.
- Ho Yay: Sidney and J.J., in spades. They both imply that Sidney has previously had sex with J.J. in exchange for mentions in his column, and they act alternatively like bitter exes or a couple in a toxic relationship who can't bring themselves to break up because of how codependent they've become. The stunningly electric chemistry between Tony Curtis and Burt Lancaster helps.
- Memetic Mutation: So many lines. "Match me, Sidney.", "I love this dirty town.", "Watch me run a 50-yard dash with my legs cut off!", "I'd hate to take a bite out of you. You're a cookie full of arsenic".
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