Elmer Gantry Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A charismatic salesman accidentally becomes a famous preacher and then accidentally burns down a church.

🍿 Elmer Gantry: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Elmer Gantry

Elmer Gantry, a charismatic and hard-drinking traveling salesman, uses his charm and Bible knowledge to impress people. He’s depicted as a man of appetites, enjoying alcohol and women, and is adept at telling risqué stories. Gantry’s life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Sister Sharon Falconer, a captivating evangelist.

Joining Sister Sharon’s Revival

Drawn to Sister Sharon and sensing an opportunity, Gantry feigns religious fervor and integrates himself into her revival. He becomes instrumental in drawing larger crowds with his fiery sermons. Gantry’s methods contrast sharply with Sister Sharon’s genuine belief, yet their partnership proves remarkably successful.

Past Sins and Blackmail

Gantry’s past catches up with him in the form of Lulu Bains, a former conquest turned prostitute. Lulu seeks revenge for Gantry’s past actions, threatening to expose his hypocrisy and ruin his newfound reputation. This revelation causes a major scandal and tests Sharon’s faith in Gantry.

Building the Church and Tragedy

Despite the scandal, Sister Sharon forgives Elmer, and they move forward with building a permanent church. Tragedy strikes when a fire engulfs the new church. During the chaos, Sister Sharon remains inside, urging her followers to remain calm, and ultimately perishes in the flames.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elmer Gantry (Burt Lancaster): A charismatic and opportunistic traveling salesman who reinvents himself as a fiery evangelist.
• Sister Sharon Falconer (Jean Simmons): A sincere but naive evangelist who becomes romantically involved with Elmer Gantry.
• Jim Lefferts (Arthur Kennedy): A cynical journalist who follows Elmer Gantry and Sister Sharon’s revival show, questioning their motives and methods.
• Lulu Bains (Shirley Jones): A prostitute from Elmer’s past who seeks revenge, threatening his newfound success as a preacher.
• William L. Morgan (Dean Jagger): Sister Sharon’s pragmatic manager who is skeptical of Elmer’s true intentions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elmer Gantry: “I’m a hundred percent for him! Jesus Christ, that is.” – Elmer uses this line to ingratiate himself with the church folk.
• Elmer Gantry: “You’re all sinners! You’re all doomed!” – Gantry yells this while preaching at a revival, whipping the crowd into a frenzy of repentance.
• Lulu Bains: “Oh, he gave me special instructions back of the pulpit Christmas Eve. He got to howlin’ ‘Repent! Repent!’ and I got to moanin’ ‘Save me! Save me!’ and the first thing I know he rammed the fear of God into me so fast I never heard my old man’s footsteps!” – Lulu describes the events surrounding her first encounter with Elmer Gantry.
• Jim Lefferts: “Is it a church, is it a religion or is it a circus sideshow complete with freaks, magic and rabble rousing?” – Skeptical reporter Jim Lefferts describes what he sees happening at the revival.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,100,000
• Worldwide Gross: $64,000,000

💥 Elmer Gantry Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn in by Burt Lancaster’s performance; his energy was magnetic. The film made me think about how easily people can be swayed by charismatic personalities, even when their intentions are unclear. Seeing Sister Sharon’s journey from sincere believer to questioning her own faith was particularly powerful. It’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about religion and hypocrisy”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances from leading actors”
  • “Individuals interested in social commentary on American culture”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of alcohol consumption”
  • “Sexual content and references”
  • “Mature themes related to religion and morality”
  • “A scene of violence and mob mentality”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Burt Lancaster is magnificent as the flawed but compelling Elmer Gantry. The film, while controversial, offers a sharp and insightful look at faith, hypocrisy, and the American spirit. It challenges viewers to question their own beliefs.
• Variety: “Elmer Gantry is a powerful and provocative film, anchored by a career-defining performance from Burt Lancaster. The movie takes a bold look at religious revivalism, exploring its impact and influence with a critical eye.
• The Guardian: “While the film may feel slightly dated, the themes of Elmer Gantry remain relevant. Lancaster’s performance is captivating, but the narrative occasionally struggles to balance satire with genuine emotional depth, ultimately impacting the dramatic pacing.

Audience Reactions

Burt Lancaster’s performance was phenomenal and made the movie memorable.: The film is a thought-provoking exploration of religion, hypocrisy, and human nature.

Shirley Jones surprised with her role, showcasing her amazing versatility.: The movie offers a compelling narrative about the power of belief and its potential for corruption.

Overall Consensus: Elmer Gantry is a powerful and thought-provoking film, celebrated for Burt Lancaster’s outstanding performance and its critical examination of religious revivalism.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actor)- 1961
2. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1961
3. Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay)- 1961
4. Golden Globe (Best Motion Picture Actor – Drama)- 1961

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Burt Lancaster co-produced the film through his own production company, Lancaster Productions, giving him more creative control over the project.”
• “Richard Brooks significantly altered the ending of Sinclair Lewis’ novel, making it more ambiguous and less overtly critical of religion, which was a source of controversy.”
• “Shirley Jones’ Oscar-winning role as Lulu Bains was a significant departure from her earlier wholesome image in musicals like ‘Oklahoma!’ and ‘The Music Man’.”
• “The film’s depiction of tent revivals and charismatic preachers drew inspiration from real-life figures like Aimee Semple McPherson and Billy Sunday.”

🖥️ How to Watch Elmer Gantry?

Elmer Gantry is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for possible television airings. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Elmer Gantry, you might like these similar films:

• The Apostle (1997): Explores the complex moralities of a charismatic preacher facing personal crises.
• Leap of Faith (1992): A con artist posing as a faith healer faces a moral dilemma.
• A Face in the Crowd (1957): Explores the rise and fall of a charismatic figure who gains power through media manipulation, similar to Gantry’s rise through religious spectacle.
• There Will Be Blood (2007): Features a powerful, charismatic, and ultimately corrupt figure whose ambition and moral decay are central to the narrative, similar to Elmer Gantry.

🛒 Elmer Gantry Related Products

• Elmer Gantry [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition of Elmer Gantry, featuring restored visuals and enhanced audio for an immersive viewing experience. Perfect for film enthusiasts and collectors.
• Elmer Gantry (Kindle Edition): Sinclair Lewis’s classic novel, the inspiration for the film. Explore the full story and delve deeper into the characters and themes. Includes exclusive annotations and bonus content.
• Elmer Gantry Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Printed on archival paper, this poster is a perfect piece of cinematic history to display.
• 1920s Style Fedora Hat: A classic fedora hat reminiscent of those worn by Elmer Gantry. Made from high-quality felt, this hat is a stylish accessory for fans who want to emulate the iconic character.

🎧 Soundtrack

Elmer Gantry features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “I’m On My Way to Canaan Land” – performed by Patti Page

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Oscar Winner Shirley Jones Plays A Hooker In The Cheyenne Social Club (1970)

Did you know Shirley Jones played a role that was, uh, *slightly* different from her squeaky-clean image? Check out this clip discussing her role in ‘The Cheyenne Social Club’ and her other roles, its interesting to see such a contrasting performance!

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