The World's Greatest Sinner

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The World's Greatest Sinner

Released Jun 14, 1962

1h 22m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

60%

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5 Reviews

61%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

Insurance salesman Clarence Hilliard (Timothy Carey) falls under the influence of the devil (James Farley), quits his job and becomes an offbeat evangelist, preaching that every man is eternal and calling himself "the God Hilliard." His cult-like following explodes as he spreads his philosophy through hip-swiveling rock 'n' roll. Soon he grows wealthy, seduces women of all ages and runs for president. But, when those closest to Hilliard desert him, he must face himself -- and the actual God.

Nicolas Rapold

New York Times

Doubling as the director, Carey stokes the off-kilter mood with heady camera angles and looming shadows, lingering on Clarence as he goes berserk.

Oct 5, 2023

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Pat Padua

Washington City Paper

A hot mess, as fascinating and uncompromising as [Carey's] acting.

Jun 14, 2024

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Abby Kunkin

Los Angeles Free Press

If Mr. [Timothy] Carey plans to make more religious films of this type, Hell may really break loose in the art-film houses.

Feb 5, 2020

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

This curio cult film takes the cake for being so nutty and tasteless.

Rated: C-

Oct 25, 2008

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Rob Gonsalves

Rob's Movie Vault

All independent filmmakers and cult-flick fans must bow down to the low-rent majesty that is Timothy Agoglia Carey's The World's Greatest Sinner.

Rated: A

Aug 25, 2008

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Fabiola H

Works of rare artistry!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/27/24

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Audience Member

Roger Ebert's review of "Pink Flamingos" stated "stars not relevant." The same could be said for this wack-a-doodle piece of underground cinema. It's so-bad-it's-good and fantastically entertaining.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

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Audience Member

weird cult movie with music from frank zappa

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

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Audience Member

Little seen vanity piece by Carey (shown once on TCM!) is an amazing, ahead of its time, story of a rock and roll preacher turned cult leader. No one else but Carey could have played this - in his typical crazy, real and hangdog fashion. I thought I was dreaming when I watched it. A sort of masterpiece.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/12/23

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Audience Member

Timothy Carey is an interesting, often compelling, presence on screen. The movie, though, is a mess. Occasional good lighting and camerawork. Good score by a young Frank Zappa. The sound design falters and often fails completely leaving us in silence - when it isn't loud and echoey. The editing varies from competent to puzzling. The ending is abrupt and unclear.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

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Audience Member

Demented and bizarre satire about religion and cultism. It's, well, something to see on account of how damn strange it is.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

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Timothy Carey

Director

Timothy Carey

Clarence Hilliard

Gil Baretto

Alonzo

Betty Rowland

Edna Hilliard

Gail Griffen

Betty Hilliard

James Farley

The Devil

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Synopsis

Insurance salesman Clarence Hilliard (Timothy Carey) falls under the influence of the devil (James Farley), quits his job and becomes an offbeat evangelist, preaching that every man is eternal and calling himself "the God Hilliard." His cult-like following explodes as he spreads his philosophy through hip-swiveling rock 'n' roll. Soon he grows wealthy, seduces women of all ages and runs for president. But, when those closest to Hilliard desert him, he must face himself -- and the actual God.

Director: Timothy Carey
Producer: Timothy Carey
Screenwriter: Timothy Carey
Production Co: Frenzy Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 14, 1962, Limited
Rerelease Date (Theaters): May 2, 2004
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 23, 2019
Runtime: 1h 22m

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