Elmer Gantry

Elmer Gantry is a hard-drinking traveling salesman who uses biblical fervor to win money. He is drawn to Sister Sharon Falconer and joins her roadshow, hoping to exploit her aura to raise funds.

Gantry persuades Falconer's assistant Sister Rachel to reveal the singer's past. He uses the information to ingratiate himself with Falconer and her troupe, setting the stage for his manipulation.

He adopts a mock preacher persona and joins the troupe preaching Christ in commerce, declaring himself a saved salesman. The act blends fire and brimstone with sales tactics to widen their audience.

Gantry and Falconer develop a routine in which he threatens hell while she promises salvation. Their dynamic draws larger crowds and attention from skeptical observers.

As the revival grows, their activities reach Zenith Winnemac and catch the eye of the local church council. Some leaders worry about turning religion into spectacle.

Gantry convinces the church leaders that revivals can fund parish work and increase membership by winning converts through his colorful rallies. They reluctantly agree to move Falconer beyond small venues.

Big city reporter Jim Lefferts joins the entourage, torn between disgust for religious hucksterism and amusement at Gantry's charm. He begins chronicling the revival with a critical eye.

Falconer admits that her real name is Katie Jones and that her origins are humbler than her public image suggests. The revelation deepens the tension in the partnership.

Falconer becomes Gantry's lover, and their connection deepens as she loses her virginity to him. The newfound romance complicates the businesslike veneer of the revival.

Lulu Bains, once involved with Gantry and now in a brothel, confronts him. He experiences a moment of tenderness with her, but she seeks revenge for their Kansas past.

A hidden photographer records Gantry with Lulu, and Lulu tries to blackmail him for 25 000. Falconer brings the money to buy the negatives, but Lulu refuses to accept it and the photos are published.

A mob ransacks the tent revival following the newspaper hit, and Lulu witnesses Gantry's public humiliation. The revival looks to be collapsing.

Lulu tries to reset her life but is beaten by her pimp; Gantry intervenes, disposes of the pimp, and later Lulu confesses that she framed him in jealousy.

Gantry returns to Falconer's side as she appears to heal a follower, but a fire erupts in the tabernacle. Falconer dies amid the blaze, leaving Gantry to address the grieving followers.

With Falconer's charred Bible in one hand and his valise in the other, Gantry leads a prayer with the followers and then strides away, choosing to carry the gospel forward without her.