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A Face in the Crowd

Play trailer Poster for A Face in the Crowd Released May 28, 1957 2h 5m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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89% Tomatometer 35 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Ambitious young radio producer Marcia Jeffries (Patricia Neal) finds a charming rogue named Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes (Andy Griffith) in an Arkansas drunk tank and puts him on the air. Soon, Rhodes' local popularity gets him an appearance on television in Memphis, which he parlays into national network stardom that he uses to endorse a presidential candidate for personal gain. But the increasingly petulant star's ego, arrogance and womanizing threaten his rise to the top.
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A Face in the Crowd

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Critics Consensus

A raucous Andy Griffith channels the corruptive influence of celebrity in Elia Kazan's A Face in the Crowd, a prescient critique of American media.

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Critics Reviews

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Karel Reisz Sight & Sound Instead of implying their criticism of TV values through asserting their own, Kazan and Schulberg make a token gesture of protest, in which they have no faith. Mar 31, 2020 Full Review J. Hoberman Village Voice A Face in the Crowd has never ceased to be relevant. Feb 27, 2008 Full Review Geoff Andrew Time Out What starts out as a seemingly liberal tract rapidly becomes a smug, cynical exercise in misanthropy. Jan 26, 2006 Full Review Don Shanahan Every Movie Has a Lesson Kazan gives us a two-hour whirlwind into one fictional microcosm that became big enough to influence our entire country. Rated: 4/5 Oct 13, 2024 Full Review Brian Susbielles InSession Film It serves as a self prophecy, showing a figure who takes his ballooned personality into areas out of his entertainment lane, notably the politics of it... Mar 3, 2023 Full Review Dilys Powell Sunday Times (UK) A Face in the Crowd is one of the few genuinely political assaults the cinema has made. And it belongs to a different era. It savages. It explodes: it is the guided missile. Aug 9, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ronald F "A Face in the Crowd" is a timeless classic that masterfully explores the dark side of fame and power, elevated by the outstanding performances of its cast. Patricia Neal delivers a truly superb performance as Marcia Jeffries, a complex and grounded character who serves as the film’s moral compass. Neal's nuanced portrayal of vulnerability and strength is nothing short of remarkable, anchoring the story with emotional depth. Andy Griffith, in a stark contrast to his later roles, is electric as the charismatic yet morally bankrupt Lonesome Rhodes. His raw energy and seamless transition from likable folk singer to manipulative demagogue are both captivating and chilling. Griffith's performance is nothing less than extraordinary, showcasing a range that reveals his immense talent. The supporting cast, including Walter Matthau, Tony Franciosa, and Lee Remick, further enhances the film with excellent performances that enrich its narrative. Each actor contributes to the film's sharp commentary on media and manipulation, creating a gripping and unforgettable cinematic experience. "A Face in the Crowd" remains as relevant today as it was upon its release, thanks in large part to these standout performances. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/06/24 Full Review Jeffrey L Brilliant, innovative sizzling masterpiece Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/29/24 Full Review Mason M An interesting study on the effect of power and dangers of media. Featuring interesting photography, an amazing debut performance by Andy Griffith, and a final line that echoes long past the end of the film. Lonesome Rhodes is a name that I'm not going to forget. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/24/24 Full Review Melissa C Though it’s jarring to see (and somehow feels a little sacrilegious) Andy Griffith brings the house down as the charming, insouciant, and darkly conniving lead. The narrative is compelling, and though the pacing lags a little toward the middle of the film, the ending is succinct and perfect. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 07/09/24 Full Review Aldo G A film of lasting importance. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/06/24 Full Review Shioka O Poignant social satire. Ahead of its time, and still, or even more relevant for now. The word of "influencer" appeared in this film! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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A Face in the Crowd

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Movie Info

Synopsis Ambitious young radio producer Marcia Jeffries (Patricia Neal) finds a charming rogue named Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes (Andy Griffith) in an Arkansas drunk tank and puts him on the air. Soon, Rhodes' local popularity gets him an appearance on television in Memphis, which he parlays into national network stardom that he uses to endorse a presidential candidate for personal gain. But the increasingly petulant star's ego, arrogance and womanizing threaten his rise to the top.
Director
Elia Kazan
Screenwriter
Budd Schulberg
Distributor
Warner Bros.
Production Co
Newtown Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 28, 1957, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 2, 2016
Runtime
2h 5m
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