
A Face in the Crowd
1957 · Movie · NR · 125 min · ★ 7.6 · 80% critics
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

Andy Griffith
as Larry 'Lonesome' Rhodes

Patricia Neal
as Marcia Jeffries

Anthony Franciosa
as Joey DePalma

Walter Matthau
as Mel Miller

Lee Remick
as Betty Lou Fleckum

Percy Waram
as General Haynesworth

Paul McGrath
as Macey

Rod Brasfield
as Beanie

Marshall Neilan
as Senator Worthington Fuller

Alexander Kirkland
as Jim Collier
Directed by Elia Kazan