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A Face in the Crowd

1957 · Movie · NR · 125 min · ★ 7.6 · 80% critics

Drama

A loud country drifter rises from local radio hype to TV stardom, then becomes a powerful voice that sways politics. A young woman drawn into his orbit discovers the spell behind the persona, after first finding him in an unexpected place.

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Details
Years
1957
Release date
1957-05-29
Language
English
Rated
NR
Runtime
125 min
Critic score
80/100
TMDB rating
7.6/10 (271 votes)
About

If you enjoy sharp social satire about fame and influence—like On the Waterfront or All the King's Men—this will likely hit, but Not for you if you want a lighthearted crowd-pleaser instead of a dark warning about mass media and power.

Pros: sharp media satire; powerhouse lead; memorable performances | Cons: uneven story; heavy-handed moments; some weak sections

Themes

  • new york city
  • southern usa
  • politics
  • arkansas
  • rise and fall
  • memphis, tennessee
  • fame
  • black and white
  • based on short story
  • hick
  • personality

Cast & crew

Directed by Elia Kazan