Lancaster puts in a thrilling, Oscar-winning performance in this cynical satire on religious evangelism which was considered extremely controversial at the time of its release.
Elmer Gantry (1960)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:25
Fresh:24
Rotten:1
Average Rating:7.8/10
Runtime: 2 hrs 27 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Elmer Gantry is a charming, fast-talking con, working the road as a traveling salesman in the 1920s. Burt Lancaster stars as the elusive Gantry in this charismatic adaptation of Sinclair Lewis's... Elmer Gantry is a charming, fast-talking con, working the road as a traveling salesman in the 1920s. Burt Lancaster stars as the elusive Gantry in this charismatic adaptation of Sinclair Lewis's 1927 novel. When Gantry runs across a group of traveling evangelists, he charms their saintly leader, Sister Susan Falconer (Jean Simmons), and becomes her partner, preaching fire and brimstone in the packed revival tents of the hardened Midwest. Gantry's robust style and Falconer's Joan of Arc-like spirit skyrocket the two minstrels to fame and fortune as they travel with their flock waging war on sinners and speakeasies--until they preach in a big city and catch the eye of a tough prostitute (Shirley Jones) who knows that Elmer is not quite as holy as he appears. This biting portrait of the business of religion was highly innovative at the time of its release, casting a slightly tarnished light on the hustle and theatrics of traveling ministries, while analyzing the true nature of faith and redemption. Lancaster's performance as the salesman turned preacher is dynamic and highly charismatic, full of energy and robust flair. [More]
Starring: Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons, Dean Jagger, Arthur Kennedy
Starring: Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons, Dean Jagger, Arthur Kennedy, Shirley Jones, Patti Page, Edward Andrews, John McIntire, Andre Previn
Director: Richard Brooks
Director: Richard Brooks
Producer: Bernard Smith
Screenwriter: Richard Brooks
Reviews for Elmer Gantry
This gets progressively nastier and winds up with an impressive hellfire finish.
With a host of fine performances, and a strong sense of period and place conveyed by John Alton's lush camerawork, there's still plenty to enjoy.
The most interesting part of this movie is its use of broad strokes to mask subtle sketches and careful characterizations.
Lancaster and Simmons are scorching as the con artist and the evangelist who join forces in the 1920s Midwest.
Burt Lancaster gives one of his most memorable and zestiest performances as the lustful, charismatic evangelist charlatan in Richard Brooks' loose adaptation of Sinclair Lewis 1927 powerful novel.
Highly recommended for fans of Lancaster or Jean Simmons, who plays the earnest young preacher who gets caught up in Gantry's web.
The briskly paced drama of a religious opportunist, his colleagues and his times utilizes the tools of the motion picture in expert fashion.
With a strong message, excellent satire, and even some heart, Elmer Gantry is an excellent film, and even a tad underrated.
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