A Face in the Crowd

A Face in the Crowd

Year: 1957

Runtime: 126 min

Language: English

Director: Elia Kazan

DramaMusic

A radio producer discovers a captivating man with a natural talent for performance while he's serving time. Recognizing his potential, the producer helps launch him to stardom as "Lonesome" Rhodes. However, as his fame and influence grow, the performer's increasing ego and ambition threaten to destroy his artistry and the lives of those around him.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen A Face in the Crowd yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – A Face in the Crowd (1957)

Explore the full timeline and setting of A Face in the Crowd (1957). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1950s

The film takes place in the late 1950s, a transformative era in America marked by the rapid rise of television as the dominant media platform, overtaking radio. This period was characterized by shifting cultural values and the emergence of celebrity culture, as entertainers began to wield significant influence over public opinion and consumer behavior.

Location

Pickett, Arkansas, Memphis, Tennessee, New York City

The movie is set in the fictional town of Pickett, Arkansas, representing a small rural community that reflects simpler values. It then transitions to Memphis, Tennessee, a bustling city known for its vibrant music and television industry. Finally, New York City represents the pinnacle of entertainment, where Lonesome Rhodes achieves national fame.

🌆 City 🏞️ Rural

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

Main Characters – A Face in the Crowd (1957)

Meet the key characters of A Face in the Crowd (1957), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lonesome Rhodes

Lonesome Rhodes is a coarse yet charismatic figure who captivates audiences with his blend of charm and abrasive honesty. His journey from obscurity in a county jail to national fame illustrates both his magnetic appeal and the dark side of celebrity culture. As his power grows, so does his disdain for the very audience that elevated him, leading to his tragic downfall.

🪄 Charisma 📺 Celebrity 🎭 Manipulation

Marcia Jeffries (Patricia Neal)

Marcia Jeffries is a small-town radio host who discovers Lonesome Rhodes and propels him to fame. Initially enamored by his talent, she becomes increasingly aware of his toxic nature and the consequences of her actions in promoting him. Her character embodies the struggle between ambition and ethical responsibility, ultimately leading to her betrayal of Rhodes as she seeks to expose his true character.

🌟 Ambition ❤️ Love ⚔️ Conflict

Mel Miller (Walter Matthau)

Mel Miller is a scholarly character who serves as Lonesome Rhodes’s scriptwriter. He is portrayed as a voice of reason amidst the chaos surrounding Rhodes's rise to fame. Miller's intellectual background contrasts sharply with Rhodes's raw charisma, making him a crucial figure in the narrative as he attempts to navigate the complex dynamics of fame and morality.

📚 Intellect 🤔 Reason 🎤 Influence

Ambitious Office Employee (Anthony Franciosa)

The ambitious office employee is a pivotal figure in securing Rhodes's lucrative television contract. His eagerness to exploit Rhodes's talent for personal gain highlights the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry. His character serves as a representation of ambition devoid of integrity, further complicating the moral landscape of the film.

💼 Ambition 💰 Greed 🕵️ Manipulation

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

Major Themes – A Face in the Crowd (1957)

Explore the central themes of A Face in the Crowd (1957), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Media Manipulation

One of the central themes of the film is the manipulation of media and the audience's perception. Lonesome Rhodes exemplifies how charisma can be weaponized to sell products and shape public opinion, highlighting the ethical dilemmas involved in broadcasting. The film critiques the naiveté of viewers who can be easily influenced by charming personalities, regardless of their true intentions.

⚖️ Betrayal and Consequences

The narrative explores themes of betrayal, particularly in the relationship between Rhodes and Marcia Jeffries. As Rhodes's egotism grows, Jeffries faces the moral dilemma of her role in his rise and eventual fall. The film ultimately delivers a cautionary tale about the consequences of ambition and the costs of unchecked power, culminating in a dramatic downfall.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:22

Unlock the Full Story of A Face in the Crowd

Don't stop at just watching — explore A Face in the Crowd in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Face in the Crowd is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

A Face in the Crowd Summary

Read a complete plot summary of A Face in the Crowd, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

A Face in the Crowd Summary

A Face in the Crowd Timeline

Track the full timeline of A Face in the Crowd with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

A Face in the Crowd Timeline

More About A Face in the Crowd

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about A Face in the Crowd: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About A Face in the Crowd

Similar Movies to A Face in the Crowd

Discover movies like A Face in the Crowd that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.