Elmer Gantry ★★★½ 1960 The classic multi-Oscar-winning adaptation of the Sinclair Lewis novel written to expose and denounce the flamboyant, small-town evangelists spreading through America at the time. In the film, Lancaster is the amoral Southern preacher who exacts wealth and power from his congregation, and takes a nun as a mistress. Jones stars as his ex-girlfriend who resorts to a life of prostitution. 146m/C VHS. Burt Lancaster, Shirley Jones, Jean Simmons, Dean Jagger, Arthur Kennedy, Patti Page, Edward Andrews, John McIntire, Hugh Marlowe, Rex Ingram;
Director:
Richard Brooks;
Writer:
Richard Brooks;
Writer:
John Alton;
Cameo:
Andre Previn. Oscars '60: Actor (Lancaster), Adapt. Screenplay, Support. Actress (Jones); Golden Globes '61: Actor—Drama (Lancaster); Natl. Bd. of Review '60: Support. Actress (Jones); N.Y. Film Critics '60: Actor (Lancaster).
