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The World's Greatest Sinner

Play trailer Poster for The World's Greatest Sinner Released Jun 14, 1962 1h 22m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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60% Tomatometer 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.

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The World's Greatest Sinner

Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review Pat Padua Washington City Paper A hot mess, as fascinating and uncompromising as [Carey's] acting. Jun 14, 2024 Full Review 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 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews This curio cult film takes the cake for being so nutty and tasteless. Rated: C- Oct 25, 2008 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Fabiola H Works of rare artistry!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/27/24 Full Review 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 Full Review Audience Member weird cult movie with music from frank zappa Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews
The World's Greatest Sinner

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Cast & Crew

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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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The World's Greatest Sinner

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Movie Info

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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