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A Face in the Crowd 1957

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.

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.

Does A Face in the Crowd have end credit scenes?

No!

A Face in the Crowd does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of A Face in the Crowd

Explore the complete cast of A Face in the Crowd, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for A Face in the Crowd

See how A Face in the Crowd is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where A Face in the Crowd stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

72

Metascore

7.9

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

89%

TOMATOMETER

review

94%

User Score

IMDb

8.2 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

76

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate A Face in the Crowd Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of A Face in the Crowd with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


A Face in the Crowd Quiz: Test your knowledge on the classic film 'A Face in the Crowd' and its themes of ambition and the media's influence on society.

Who is the primary character that rises to fame in 'A Face in the Crowd'?

Awards & Nominations for A Face in the Crowd

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by A Face in the Crowd, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how A Face in the Crowd and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


10th Directors Guild of America Awards 1957

Elia Kazan
Nomination

Feature Film

Elia Kazan

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for A Face in the Crowd

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Read the complete plot summary of A Face in the Crowd, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


The film is set in late 1950s America, a period when television was swiftly taking over radio as the premiere source of entertainment. Enter Lonesome Rhodes, a coarse yet charismatic character who, despite his abrasive nature, quickly captures the hearts of rural audiences. This magnetic allure is discovered by Marcia Jeffries, a small-town radio host, when she stumbles upon Rhodes in a county jail located in the fictional town of Pickett, Arkansas. She promptly secures him a radio show, launching his chaotic journey into the world of broadcasting.

Before long, Rhodes’s talent draws the attention of talent scouts, leading to an appearance on television in Memphis, Tennessee. Here, he meets Mel Miller, a scholarly Vanderbilt alumnus responsible for crafting his on-air scripts. Rhodes’s reputation grows as he unabashedly insults his sponsors, particularly the “Luffler Mattress” company. Surprisingly, this reckless behavior boosts their sales, compelling the company to endure the ridicule they initially found offensive—mainly because of the influence of the owner’s wife, a devoted Lonesome Rhodes fan.

An ambitious office employee, portrayed by Anthony Franciosa, manages to secure Rhodes a lucrative contract in New York City, marking his ascent as the national TV spokesperson for Vitajex, a harmless dietary supplement. One of the film’s standout sequences showcases a frenetic montage of Rhodes’s exaggerated advertisements, illustrating the American public’s naiveté in the face of a cunning charlatan.

In true classical tragedy fashion, Rhodes ultimately succumbs to his insatiable quest for power and is betrayed by Jeffries, who, after nurturing his stardom, can no longer tolerate his open disdain for their audience. During the climax of a “Cracker Barrel” broadcast, Rhodes can be seen smiling and waving at the camera, all the while hurling insults off-air, calling viewers “idiots” and “morons.” Realizing her role in crafting the monster, Jeffries retaliates by broadcasting his scornful remarks live, igniting a storm of outrage from betrayed fans, which floods the network with furious calls.

In a poignant visual metaphor, as audience approval rapidly declines, an oblivious Rhodes descends in an elevator, unaware of his diminishing popularity. The film culminates in chaos at Rhodes’s penthouse, where Jeffries confesses her role in his downfall, and Walter Matthau ominously predicts his future—a return to the airwaves, though far less glamorous than before. There’s also a fleeting moment featuring an uncredited Rip Torn as “Barry Mills,” symbolizing the next potential Lonesome Rhodes waiting in the wings.

In interviews for the 2006 DVD release and the consequential documentary, Andy Griffith, Patricia Neal, and Anthony Franciosa express immense pride in their contributions to this remarkable film, while Schulberg delves into its deeper origins.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for A Face in the Crowd

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A Face in the Crowd (1957) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]

Josh Olson on A FACE IN THE CROWD

Cars Featured in A Face in the Crowd

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Explore all cars featured in A Face in the Crowd, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Cadillac

1956

Series 62

Checker

1956

Taxicab

Chevrolet

1956

One-Fifty

Chevrolet

1951

Styleline De Luxe Station Wagon

Chrysler

1956

Windsor Town & Country

Dodge

1956

Coronet

Dodge

1948

Pickup

Ford

1948

F-1

GMC

1955

Blue Chip

GMC

1953

PD 4104

A Face in the Crowd Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


politicianrise and falltelevisionovernight sensationnational film registrynetwork televisiondivorceearkansassmall townstadiumsingingpoliticsnew york citygallup pollfictional tv showfictional radio showbased on short storycelebritythe white house washington d.c.fired from a jobpolice officermediaunrequited lovepovertydisorderly conductcircus actcomedianpolitical adviseruncledepressionroving reportersponsorlaugh trackflame twirlerstar debutingenuesexual humorfraudrole modelpageantrypseudonymfan mailegomaniacanti intellectualtimes square manhattan new york citysocial commentarybuilding a housefictional radio commercialsocktalent agent

A Face in the Crowd Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for A Face in the Crowd across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Das Gesicht in der Menge Un homme dans la foule Un volto nella folla Un rostro en la multitud Tvář v davu Um Rosto na Multidão Μια μορφή μέσα στο πλήθος Ein Gesicht in der Menge Egy arc a tömegben Лицо в толпе 군중 속의 얼굴 登龙一梦 登龍一夢 Kalabalıkta Bir Yüz Un rostre en la multitud Kasvot väkijoukossa Twarz w tłumie Обличчя в натовпі Ett ansikte i mängden

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Other Names for A Face in the Crowd

Explore the alternate titles, translations, and working names for A Face in the Crowd. Learn how the film is known in different regions, languages, and releases, and discover the variations that reflect its cultural reach and marketing choices.


Das Gesicht in der Menge Un homme dans la foule Un volto nella folla Un rostro en la multitud Tvář v davu Um Rosto na Multidão Μια μορφή μέσα στο πλήθος Ein Gesicht in der Menge Egy arc a tömegben Лицо в толпе 군중 속의 얼굴 登龙一梦 登龍一夢 Kalabalıkta Bir Yüz Un rostre en la multitud Kasvot väkijoukossa Twarz w tłumie Обличчя в натовпі Ett ansikte i mängden

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