Do compost tumblers work?

I inhereted a compost tumbler with my plot and finished filling it about 4 weeks ago.  I used the correct ratios of greens and browns but its just a smelly stodge.
Anyone here found that they work?

I turn my compost heaps by hand, i would say it does speed up the composting process, not sure how a tumbler would work when its full though, but if it was free give it a go.

So much for them being 20x faster then
I'll probably get rid rid and build another pallete bin.
Thanks for your replies

PS...Anyone in kent want a compost tumbler? 

I tipped out my tumbler today and I have to say I'm pretty pleased with the results.    I only bought it towards the end of last year and yes, I did find it a bit difficult to turn so I haven't done it very often.  I think the key is to not put too much in it at once.
The stuff I put in had rotted down nicely (would have taken a year in my dalek) and I've just stuck a load of paper shreddings and a trug full of kitchen waste in.  The compost was damper that that from my dalek so I'v stuck it in the shed for now to dry out a bit more before I sieve it but I'm expecting about 60l of sieved compost.  Will be interesting to see how long this batch takes...