Part of Weekend Classics
Elia Kazan and screenwriter Budd Shulberg trace the connections between TV stardom and politics via a drunken drifter Loansome Rhodes (Andy Griffith, pre-TV fame). Plucked from an Arkansas prison to sing on the radio, Rhodes’ outsized aw-shucks charisma lands him his own TV show in Memphis where his criticisms of local politicians and tendency to poke fun at a key sponsor has the public burning their mattresses in the streets. Working his way up to national syndication, Rhodes’ use of mass media and the spoils of its success find him floundering, berating his staff and cheating on his trophy wife — but gain him influence in a fledgling presidential campaign where his lust for power and disdain for his audience threatens to awaken the voting public who’ll know a phony when they see one.
“A FACE IN THE CROWD might have become an acrid, worrywart exercise in elitist condescension if it hadn't been for the seams-busting acting of Griffith, who unleashes a moody, gutsy force unsuitable for the future sheriff of Mayberry.” —James Wolcott, Vanity Fair “Mr. Schulberg has penned a powerful person of the raw, vulgar, roughneck, cornball breed, and Mr. Griffith plays him with thunderous vigor, under the guidance of Mr. Kazan.” —Bosley Crowther, New York Times (May 29, 1957) “It’s a devastating commentary on hero-worship and success cults in America.” —Variety (Dec 31, 1956)
