A Face in the Crowd Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A radio reporter accidentally unleashes a hillbilly Hitler onto the world, and everyone regrets it except maybe the mattress company who got some good sales out of the chaos.

🍿 A Face in the Crowd: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Discovery and Rise to Fame

Marcia Jeffries, a radio reporter in Arkansas, discovers Larry ‘Lonesome’ Rhodes, a charismatic drifter, in jail. His natural charm and musical talent lead to an immediate hit on her radio show, ‘A Face in the Crowd.’ Lonesome’s popularity quickly explodes, leading to regional television appearances and eventually a national platform.

Exploitation of Power

As Lonesome gains influence, he becomes increasingly arrogant and manipulative. He uses his platform to endorse products and even political candidates, showcasing the power of media to sway public opinion. He surrounds himself with those who enable his behavior, while alienating those who genuinely care about him. Lonesome’s ego grows unchecked, leading to a complete disregard for his audience and the people who helped him.

The Downfall

Lonesome’s true colors are revealed when, during a live broadcast, he unknowingly mocks his audience, believing the microphone is off. Marcia, disgusted by his betrayal and aware of her role in creating the monster, exposes his comments to the public. This act leads to his immediate downfall as sponsors withdraw and his audience turns against him. He faces the consequences of his arrogance and the manipulative tactics he employed.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Larry ‘Lonesome’ Rhodes (Andy Griffith): A charismatic but manipulative drifter who rises to fame as a media personality, revealing his egotistical and power-hungry nature.
• Marcia Jeffries (Patricia Neal): A radio reporter who discovers Lonesome Rhodes and initially falls under his spell, later becoming disillusioned and exposing his true character.
• Mel Miller (Walter Matthau): A cynical writer who works with Lonesome Rhodes and serves as a voice of reason and conscience, observing Rhodes’s descent.
• Joey DePalma (Anthony Franciosa): An opportunistic office worker who becomes Lonesome Rhodes’s agent, enabling his rise and contributing to his corruption.
• Betty Lou Fleckum (Lee Remick): A young and impressionable baton twirler who is seduced by Lonesome Rhodes’s power and fame.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lonesome Rhodes: “This whole country’s just like my flock of sheep. Rednecks, crackers, hillbillies, housefraus, shut-ins, pea-pickers—everybody that’s got to jump when somebody else blows the whistle. They’re mine. I own ’em. They think like I do. Only they’re even more stupid than I am, so I gotta think for ’em.” – Lonesome reveals his true feelings towards his audience, unaware that his microphone is still on.
• Mel Miller: “I’ll say one thing for him, he’s got the courage of his ignorance.” – Mel makes this observation regarding Lonesome’s audacious and often ill-informed on-air antics.
• Lonesome Rhodes: “Honey, nothing’s illegal if they don’t catch you.” – Lonesome says this revealing his amoral and manipulative nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 A Face in the Crowd Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, what a movie! I was completely blown away by Andy Griffith’s performance as Lonesome Rhodes. It’s so different from anything else I’ve ever seen him in. The way he portrays the character’s descent into madness is truly terrifying. The scene where he’s mocking his audience without realizing the mic is on gave me chills, so much realism.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic cinema”
  • “Viewers interested in media criticism”
  • “Those who appreciate strong character studies”
  • “People interested in political dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Depiction of manipulation and exploitation”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A potent cautionary tale about the rise of media personalities and their influence on the masses. Griffith delivers a chilling performance as Lonesome Rhodes, showcasing his capacity for both charm and cruelty. Kazan’s direction is sharp, and the film’s themes resonate even today.
• The New York Times: “A Face in the Crowd is a scathing indictment of the power of television and the dangers of unchecked celebrity. While the film’s message is somewhat heavy-handed, it is undeniably effective. Neal and Matthau provide excellent support to Griffith’s captivating lead.
• The Guardian: “Elia Kazan’s prescient drama explores the dark side of fame and the corrupting influence of power. Andy Griffith’s transformation from folksy singer to manipulative demagogue is both impressive and unsettling. A must-see for anyone interested in the media landscape.

Audience Reactions

Andy Griffith’s performance is a revelation.: Viewers are consistently impressed by Andy Griffith’s portrayal of Lonesome Rhodes, noting the stark contrast to his later, more wholesome roles and praising his range.

The film’s themes are strikingly relevant today.: Many viewers comment on the film’s prescience, drawing parallels between Lonesome Rhodes and contemporary media figures and politicians.

Overall Consensus: A chilling and prescient look at the corrupting influence of fame and media power, carried by a stunning performance from Andy Griffith.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Elia Kazan originally wanted Marlon Brando for the role of Lonesome Rhodes, but Brando turned it down.”
• “The film was a box office disappointment upon its initial release, but it has since gained a reputation as a prescient and important commentary on the power of media.”
• “Andy Griffith’s performance as Lonesome Rhodes is considered a significant departure from his later, more wholesome roles, showcasing his range as an actor.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Face in the Crowd?

A Face in the Crowd is available for streaming on HBO Max and can be rented or purchased on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Face in the Crowd, you might like these similar films:

• Network (1976): Both films explore the dark side of the media and the dangers of sensationalism in television.
• Citizen Kane (1941): Like ‘A Face in the Crowd’, ‘Citizen Kane’ is a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
• The Great Man (1956): Exposes the dark underbelly of a beloved media personality, exploring the difference between public image and private reality.
• Thank You for Smoking (2005): A satirical comedy that examines the art of persuasion and manipulation in the media, with a focus on spin and public relations.

🛒 A Face in the Crowd Related Products

• A Face in the Crowd (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A restored high-definition digital transfer, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack. New interviews with cast and crew. An essay by a film critic.
• A Face in the Crowd: The Arkansas Traveler (Penguin Modern Classics): Get the book that started it all. Re-live the film in its original word for word glory.
• Andy Griffith – A Face in the Crowd Movie Poster: A reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying.
• A Face in the Crowd (Amazon Prime Video): Stream the movie in high quality on Amazon Prime Video. Watch it anytime, anywhere.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Face in the Crowd features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Free Man in the Morning” – performed by Andy Griffith

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Dark Side of Andy Griffith

Did you know Andy Griffith played a character completely different from Andy Taylor? This video explores his unsettling performance in ‘A Face In The Crowd,’ showing a side of him you’ve probably never seen. Prepare to be surprised!

Ron Howard’s Picks for November | Director Picks | TCM

Ever wondered what Ron Howard thinks about ‘A Face in the Crowd’? In this clip, he shares what his TV dad thought of the movie – and you might be surprised at the connection! It’s a quick watch with some fascinating insights.

Interesting Clip from Face in the Crowd

Looking for a key scene that really sums up ‘A Face in the Crowd’? This clip breaks down one of the most powerful moments with some insightful commentary. It’s short, sweet, and really makes you think about the movie’s message!

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