Every Classic Movie Reference in Apple TV’s Sugar

In the TV series Sugar on Apple TV+, the role of Los Angeles detective John Sugar is played by Colin Farrell. Sugar is known for his love of classic films and is currently investigating the disappearance of a famous movie producer’s granddaughter, portrayed by James Cromwell.

The protagonist frequently makes references to his favorite films, including “The Big Heat.”His associate, Ruby (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), goes above and beyond by procuring the same firearm used by Glenn Ford in the 1950 noir classic for him. Sugar also makes mention of various Humphrey Bogart films.

The movies are listed in the order in which they appear in each episode.

Episode 1: “Leaving Home”

Directed by Robert Aldrich, “Kiss Me Deadly”(1955) is a film noir featuring Ralph Meeker as Detective Mike Hammer.
Fritz Lang’s “The Big Heat”(1953) is a film noir that features Glenn Ford and Gloria Grahame in leading roles.
The western film “Johnny Guitar” (1954) was directed by Nicholas Ray and features Joan Crawford and Sterling Hayden as its stars.
“Lewis Milestone directed the 1946 film noir, “The Strange Love of Martha Ivers,”which featured Barbara Stanwyck and Kirk Douglas in starring roles.”

Episode 2: Exploring Community and Geography

Released in 1947, “Dead Reckoning”is a noir film that features Humphrey Bogart and Lizabeth Scott as its lead actors. The movie was directed by John Cromwell.
The 1949 film noir, “Knock on Any Door,”features Humphrey Bogart and John Derek and is directed by Nicholas Ray.
Released in 1950, “Sunset Blvd.”is a classic film noir that features Gloria Swanson and William Holden, and was directed by the renowned Billy Wilder.
The movie “In a Lonely Place”(1950) is a classic film noir that features Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame in lead roles, with direction by Nicholas Ray.
Released in 1971, “Minnie and Moskowitz”is a comedic drama featuring Gena Rowlands and Seymour Cassel. The film was directed by John Cassavetes.

Introduction to Sugar

The TV series, Sugar, is an American drama consisting of 8 parts, created by Mark Protosevich and directed by Fernando Meirelles. Additionally, it stars Colin Farrell who also acts as an executive producer. The show debuted on Apple TV+ on April 5, 2024.

The story is characterized as a modern interpretation of a private detective tale, set in Los Angeles, that blends different genres.