Review of A Face in the Crowd (1957) by Kevin R — 29 Feb 2012

The bigger I get the smaller you make me feel.

Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes is a drifting hobo in Arkansas that spends all his time traveling the countryside singing, drinking, making ends meet by any means necessary, and spending plenty of time in prison. He is discovered by a local radio personality and his personality quickly leads to a rise of fame beyond anyone's expectations. Larry becomes famous, gains his own television show, and eventually becomes drunk with power. Will he ever be identified as a fraud or will he experience and even greater rise to power beyond anyone's imagination?

"Real American music comes from the bottom up.".

Elia Kazan, director of East of Eden, On the Waterfront, A Streetcar Named Desire, Baby Doll, Pinky, and Panic in the Streets, delivers A Face in the Crowd. The storyline for this picture was excellent, well paced, and well delivered by the marvelous cast. The feel of the movie was perfect (both the country and city aspects) and I loved the conclusion. The cast includes Andy Griffin, Patricia Neal, Walter Matthau, and Lee Remick.

"I've spared you more than you've spared yourself.".

After watching East of Eden I decided to conduct a search of Kazan pictures and I found and DVR's this gem. Andy Griffin was unbelievable in this role that he performed like he was born for the part. Overall, this was far from Kazan's best picture, but the story was compelling and Kazan does an amazing job of delivering the appropriate pace and feel for each scene and sequence. I recommend seeing this film if you're a fan of Kazan's work.

"He's got the courage of his ignorance.".

Grade: A.