Elmer Gantry

Probably Burt Lancaster's best-known role. It's got his signature, hearty laugh and full-on physicality that sometimes veers close to parody (of himself) but Elmer Gantry is a raucous tale of sex, greed and redemption--all the things in life that really matter to Elmer Gantry. Richard Brooks directs his wife, Jeans Simmons, as the starry-eyed preacher lady who knows just what Elmer Gantry needs and wants. Shirley Jones, as the fallen preacher's daughter is so gorgeous and so real. The rest of the cast looks like they were rounded up from a top ten list of the screen's most overused character actors and they all play exactly as typed but that's not a complaint. The line-up includes Arthur Kennedy in his familiar role as the cynical reporter who tags along to keep everyone honest. Recommended.

Absolutely wonderful - stating the obvious, Burt Lancaster's performance was one for the ages - did not read the book by Sinclair Lewis, so I was not prepared for the emotional roller coaster ride.

An intellectual movie and bizarrely warped love story that is also critical of religious faith and hypocrisy. Keeps you guessing until the end. No blood and guts, just a suspenseful emotional ride. It made me want to read the book.