A charismatic charlatan begins a business — and eventually romantic — relationship with a roadside evangelist to sell religion to 1920s America. Based on Sinclair Lewis' novel of the same name.
Elmer Gantry
Sister Sharon Falconer
Jim Lefferts
William L. Morgan
Lulu Bains
Sister Rachel
George F. Babbitt
Rev. John Pengilly
Rev. Philip Garrison
Burt Lancaster is on great form here as the eponymous quick-talking and charismatic hoover salesman who alights upon the successful industry that is "Sister Sharon" (Jean Simmons). She preaches the word of God with a piousness that he finds compelling. Not because he shares her zeal, but because he can see the impact it has on the rather sheepish population who turn up at her prayer meetings in their thousands - and donate for the work of the Lord in just as generous a fashion. Initially, the Sister is sceptical but she underestimates his charms and his persevering nature. He, too, does some u...
Status Released
Original LanguageEnglish
Budget$3,000,000.00
Revenue $10,400,000.00