A Face in the Crowd (1957)

"A Face in the Crowd" weaves the captivating tale of Marcia Jeffries, the ingenious creator and host of a local north-east Arkansas radio program of the same name. Her show thrives on unveiling the extraordinary in the ordinary, bringing the common man's voice to the airwaves. In a back-country jail, she uncovers a diamond in the rough, an itinerant Ozark guitar picker named Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes. Lonesome's uncanny knack for improvised songs and heartfelt, often anti-establishment rhetoric, resonates with the public, sparking an unexpected ascent to fame. From a regional television personality to a national symbol of social justice, and even a political king-maker, Lonesome's influence knows no bounds. As his fame swells, however, so does his vanity and ego, revealing a man who revels in public manipulation and despises anyone who dares to obstruct his path. Marcia, the innocent Sarah Lawrence girl who first fell under Lonesome's spell, finds herself entwined in his meteoric rise. As she navigates the tumultuous journey alongside him, she bears witness to his transformation and his disdain for the public he claims to serve. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Marcia may hold the power to shape Lonesome's destiny, particularly as his actions begin to impact her own life. In this riveting exploration of fame, power, and manipulation, "A Face in the Crowd" presents a stark reminder of the dangerous allure of charisma and the potent sway of a silver tongue.

A Face in the Crowd is a drama movie featuring Andy Griffith and directed by Elia Kazan.

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