Elmer Gantry (1960)
Elmer Gantry (1960)
DVD9 | VIDEO_TS | NTSC 4:3 | Cover + DVD Scan | 02:26:41 | 6,93 Gb
Audio: #1 English, #2 Español, #3 Français - each track AC3 2.0 @ 192 Kbps
Subtitles: Español, Français
Genre: Drama
DVD9 | VIDEO_TS | NTSC 4:3 | Cover + DVD Scan | 02:26:41 | 6,93 Gb
Audio: #1 English, #2 Español, #3 Français - each track AC3 2.0 @ 192 Kbps
Subtitles: Español, Français
Genre: Drama
Director: Richard Brooks
Stars: Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons, Arthur Kennedy
Elmer Gantry is a fast talking, hard drinking traveling salesman who always has a risqué story and a hip flask to entertain cronies and customers alike. He is immediately taken with Sister Sharon Falconer, a lay preacher whose hellfire and damnation revivalism has attracted quite a following. Gantry uses his own quick wit and knowledge of the bible to become an indispensable part of Sister Sharon's roadshow but soon finds that his past catches up with him in the form of Lulu Bains, now a prostitute. While Gantry seeks and eventually gets forgiveness from Sharon, tragedy strikes when she finally manages to get out of her revivalist tent and opens a permanent church.
Sinclair Lewis' satire on evangelism and charismatic religion, Elmer Gantry, packed a powerful punch when published nearly 75 years ago, since America dislikes having anyone point out its hypocrisies and religious shallowness. This theme was recognized in the United Artists film of the novel over 30 years later, to the point that the producers even felt compelled to begin the film with a disclaimer.
Elmer Gantry (1960)
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Burt Lancaster stars as huckster-salesman-turned-Bible-beater Elmer Gantry in Richard Brooks' movie. Gantry's past is checkered at best, including a dismissal from theological school for having his way with the deacon's daughter in the chapel after his Christmas Eve sermon. A boozer and brawler, Gantry is a thorough fraud and womanizer who is nonetheless able to convince his hearers of his sincerity. When he runs across an itinerant tent preacher, Sister Sharon Falconer (Jean Simmons), Gantry builds a grandiose dream of taking her rustic act to the big city of Zenith. All goes well there until he begins raiding brothels, where amongst the fallen women he finds Lulu Bains, the deacon's daughter (Shirley Jones, in an Oscar®-winning role). While he has thoughts of kindling romance with Sister Falconer, Gantry is also tempted by lust to fall into the trap of Lulu's desire to blackmail him.
Elmer Gantry (1960)
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Lancaster does a superb job as the title character, believably smarmy and convincing throughout, yet with feet of something less than clay. Jones is incredibly sensuous as the prostitute Lulu, a far cry from Mrs. Partridge. Jean Simmons is gorgeous but essentially uninteresting as Sister Falconer. Worthy of note is veteran character actor Edward Andrews as Zenith booster par excellence George Babbitt. Arthur Kennedy does a decent job as journalist and H.L. Mencken disciple Jim Lefferts, who first exposes Gantry and then is reluctantly used by Gantry in his schemes.
Elmer Gantry (1960)
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The adaptation suffers a little in making Sister Falconer a more thorough Christian template and changing her into a bona fide faith healer, a move that Lewis must have cringed at. However, the complexities of the characters and the dizzying changes of the mob from adoration to revulsion make this picture hold the viewer's attention raptly.
Elmer Gantry (1960)
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Even though somewhat watered down for popular audiences, the film still has power and relevance as we see televangelists and charismatic denominations looting their public, and such notables as Jimmy Swaggart and Jim Bakker using their pulpits to further their own sinful ends. Of course, those who would benefit most from seeing the film will dismiss it, but it's an important piece of work nonetheless.
Elmer Gantry (1960)
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An important and still relevant satire on Christianity in America, Elmer Gantry sports a terrific lead performance from Lancaster and MGM gives the film a nice transfer to boot (though the audio is awful during the main titles). Lacking in extras, but highly recommended.
Elmer Gantry (1960)
A superb film. Simply profound. The sermons are as stirring today as when the screenplay was written.
Words can't express how great Burt Lancaster is in this film.
But like most truly significant movie classics, the supporting cast adds substance and strength to the overall impact of "Elmer Gantry." Shirley Jones is as sexy as any female that has appeared on the screen. Jean Simmons is spellbinding as Sister Sharon.
Elmer Gantry (1960)
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The film's highlight for me was the meeting involving Sister Sharon, Gantry, and William Morgan with a group of ministers negotiating the terms of a planned extended tent ministry in the fictious city of Zenith. Distrubing and embarassing – always thought provoking.
A memorable film, worthy of repeated viewings and serious contemplation.
Elmer Gantry (1960)
Special Features: Trailer
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