Sinclair Lewis writes devestating parodies on human foibles and much of that comes through in the filmed version of "Elmer Gantry". Lancaster seems born to this role and does great work, as does Shirley Jones with her upturned sardonic...
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Sinclair Lewis writes devestating parodies on human foibles and much of that comes through in the filmed version of "Elmer Gantry". Lancaster seems born to this role and does great work, as does Shirley Jones with her upturned sardonic smile. Jean Simmons impresses me less, her British accent seems to peak at times and can be slightly out of place.

The film works best to my mind in its first 90 minutes. All the aspects of human hypocrisy are well-played. The movie turns a bit maudlin toward its close, with the characters acting more like players in a simpler play of relationships. This may have helped the picture appeal to movie audiences, but it mixes the messages that are carefully laid down before. Still, this is a smart film and one of a style that is much more rare today.