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Budd Schulberg and Elia Kazan crafted this superb drama about a charismatic man from Arkansas that rises from hobo to tv personality and king-maker. Andy Griffith should have garnered an Oscar for his performance, as should Patricia Neal as the woman that "discovers" him and helps guide his career.
This film is the equal of any American political film though it isn't preachy in the least. One major reason for its lack of acknowledgment may be that the Schulberg the writer and Kazan the director both sang like birds to the HUAC, naming their fellow Communists.
Leaving all politics aside, this film is just as important a commentary on America as Citizen Kane and just as eternal.
I have put off seeing this film because I unfairly thought of Griffith, so well did he represent the character, as the country cop in Mayberry RFD--- any more serious role I thought beyond him.
Wrong. Terribly wrong.
He is sensational, easily the equal of Burt Lancaster's turn in "Elmer Gantry."
If ever one wonders how Americans can make so many mistakes in choosing our politicians, this film has some answers.
Tony Franciosa and especially Walter Matthau put forth powerful supporting roles, as does a very, very young looking Lee Remick.
Follow Ups:
Funny about Andy Griffith, I remember watching some made-for-TV thing with him and one scene he's pretty drunk in the neighborhood bar, arguing about Bob Feller throwing a no-hitter one year, and I to this day have NEVER seen an actor do a better job portraying someone who's had a bit too many nips.
watched it last night and it is a fantastic film; and so incredibly relevant to the politics/business of the moment.
Beautifully filmed, with excellent acting, directing and writing. All in al very enjoyable but frustrating at the same time.
"You can safely assume you have created God in your own image when he hates all the same people you do."
Easily Griffith's best performance, on a level with anybody in movies at the time. He could have been a great "serious" actor had he chosen that path and/or the opportunties been there. Wasn't this his movie debut?Patricia Neal also shines in her role. A better movie for me than The Candidate. It's shown up on TCM or AMC in the past.
I wonder if you're right about its lack of acclaim, at least in certain quarters...feelings about the "On The Waterfront" team of Schulberg & Kazan ran very deep for many years. Kazan in particular was not easily forgiven (witness the number of people in the audience at the Oscars who remained seated during the ovation he received accepting his honorary statuette).
Still, for those in the know this is a highly regarded film, well worth seeing. Highly relevant today, as pointed out.
...bore an uncanny resemblance to the unlikely meteoric rise of a certain Texas politician whose homespun manipulations and sleazy deceptions should be familiar to everyone here. ;O)(Note: The references being political in nature, like the film, are mostly found over on the Outside Asylum board, but I mentioned this film over here as well.)
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/outside/messages/127117.html
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/outside/messages/209320.html
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/outside/messages/268581.html
http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/outside/messages/287904.html
There are additional references, but these early ones were the most obvious and to the point; These should make excellent discussion points if anyone wishes to delve into the uncanny prophetic similarities with current history.
Cheers,
AuPh
Another older political movie that heralds the coming media-based campaigns is "The Last Hurrah," a great John Ford movie with Spencer Tracy at his best.
I guess...
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