The Smell of Success is a 2009 American comedy film directed by Michael Polish and starring Billy Bob Thornton, Téa Leoni, Kyle MacLachlan, and Ed Helms. The film was produced by Initiate Productions, and premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival under its original title Manure. It was given a limited theatrical release under its new title by Cinedigm in the United States on August 19, 2011. Plot The film opens in 1963 as the FTC is investigating the company, which is $2 million in debt. It all begins when a tragic fan accident ends the life of Mr. Roses, the scientific genius behind Roses Manure Company, forcing his cosmetics salesgirl daughter Rosemary (Téa Leoni) to take control of the company. Rosemary isn't sure if she has a nose for the family business, but when she discovers the company is about to go under, she is determined to find a way to keep the company successful. She's going to need the help of her father's best salesmen led by Patrick Fitzpatrick (Billy Bob Thornton), who begins tutoring her in the fine art of bullshitting. Cast Billy Bob Thornton as Patrick Fitzpatrick Téa Leoni as Rosemary Rose Kyle MacLachlan as Jimmy St. James Ed Helms as Chet Pigford Mark Polish as Thaddeus Young Pruitt Taylor Vince as Cleveland Clod Frances Conroy as Agnes May Production The Smell of Success was filmed on location in Santa Clarita, California. Its original title was Manure. References External links Initiateproductions.com 2009 films 2009 comedy films American comedy films American independent films Films directed by Michael Polish Films shot in Los Angeles County, California 2000s English-language films 2000s American films