Elmer Gantry (1960) Watch Online Free

When hedonistic but charming con man Elmer Gantry meets the beautiful Sister Sharon Falconer, a roadside revivalist, he feigns piousness to join her act as a passionate preacher. The two make a successful onstage pair, and their chemistry extends to romance. Both the show and their relationship are threatened, however, when one of Gantry’s ex-lovers decides that she has a score to settle with the charismatic performer.

Elmer Gantry (1960), directed by Richard Brooks and based on the novel by Sinclair Lewis, is a powerful satire that critiques religion, hypocrisy, and the American quest for fame and success. The film stars Burt Lancaster as Elmer Gantry, a charming but morally corrupt traveling salesman who becomes involved with a female revivalist preacher, Sister Sharon Falconer (Jean Simmons). Gantry, an uneducated but persuasive figure, is a smooth talker who is drawn to Sister Sharon’s traveling evangelistic ministry. He sees an opportunity to use his charisma to manipulate her for his own gain while trying to convince the public of his newfound religious devotion.

Throughout the film, Gantry’s deceptive nature is exposed as he rises in the world of revivalism, using his talents as a preacher to gain power and wealth. Despite his personal failings, Gantry’s manipulative persona captures the devotion of many, and his relationship with Sharon develops, although her own past is filled with secrets. The movie also delves into the world of greed and the hypocrisy of the church and its followers, leading to both tragic and ironic consequences.

Analysis
Elmer Gantry is a deeply cynical film that critiques the intersection of religion, morality, and personal ambition. Through Gantry’s journey, the film exposes the flaws in the idea of the “American Dream,” suggesting that fame and success often come at the expense of personal integrity. The film examines the role of religion in society, showing how people can be easily swayed by charismatic leaders, regardless of their true intentions.

Burt Lancaster’s portrayal of Elmer Gantry is a standout, capturing the character’s charm, deceit, and eventual vulnerability. His performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, and he skillfully balances the role of a man with a grand sense of self-interest and a charisma that makes him seem almost sympathetic at times. Jean Simmons, as Sister Sharon Falconer, plays a character caught between her genuine faith and her susceptibility to Gantry’s charm, creating a complex and tragic figure.

The film’s direction and cinematography also shine, especially in the way it depicts the religious revival meetings, which are filmed in a way that conveys both the energy and the artificiality of such events. The use of music and sound during these scenes highlights the emotional manipulation that is central to the characters’ motivations.

Themes

1. Hypocrisy and Corruption: One of the film’s central themes is the hypocrisy that underpins the religious revival movement. Gantry’s character is a prime example of how people in power can use religion for personal gain, hiding their moral corruption behind a facade of piety.
2. The American Dream: Elmer Gantry critiques the American Dream, showing that success and fame are often achieved through manipulation, deceit, and the exploitation of others.
3. Religious Exploitation: The film explores how religion, in the hands of a charismatic figure, can be turned into a business, with people willing to overlook their own moral compasses in exchange for spiritual comfort or material rewards.
4. Faith vs. Morality: Gantry’s belief system is not driven by genuine faith but by a desire to control others and enrich himself. This contrasts with Sister Sharon’s more sincere but equally flawed beliefs, leading to a tragic disillusionment with the world of religious revivalism.
5. Sexuality and Power: The relationship between Gantry and Sister Sharon is driven by both sexual attraction and power dynamics. Sharon’s vulnerability and Gantry’s manipulative nature expose the way personal relationships can be marred by ambition and exploitation.
6. The Role of Women in Religion: Sister Sharon’s character provides insight into the limited role of women in religious movements, where they often have to navigate their own desires, vulnerabilities, and moral boundaries in an environment dominated by men.

10 Reasons to Watch

1. Burt Lancaster’s Outstanding Performance: Lancaster’s portrayal of the charismatic and flawed Gantry is both magnetic and chilling. His performance is a major reason to watch the film, as it captures the complexity of the character.
2. Compelling Storyline: The narrative is a sharp and engaging critique of organized religion, moral corruption, and the pursuit of fame, keeping viewers intrigued until the very end.
3. Themes of Hypocrisy and Corruption: The film’s exploration of hypocrisy, particularly within religious movements, offers deep insight into the human condition and the manipulation of faith for personal gain.
4. Jean Simmons as Sister Sharon: Simmons offers a powerful performance as the conflicted and tragic preacher, bringing depth to her character’s vulnerability and devotion.
5. Rich Cinematography: The visual aspects of the film, especially the religious revival scenes, are both striking and effective in conveying the energy and emotional manipulation of the events.
6. Historical Context: Elmer Gantry offers a glimpse into the world of religious revivalism in early 20th-century America, making it a fascinating watch for those interested in history and sociology.
7. Psychological Depth: The psychological complexity of both Gantry and Sharon makes the film more than just a critique of religious exploitation; it’s also an exploration of human nature, desire, and weakness.
8. Classic Cinematic Achievement: The film is a part of classic American cinema, providing an excellent example of the narrative and technical skills that defined 1960s filmmaking.
9. Moral Reflection: The movie prompts viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and the ways in which they might be susceptible to manipulation, especially in the context of modern religious and political movements.
10. Engaging Dialogue: The sharp and witty dialogue in the film drives the plot forward and adds an extra layer of entertainment to the serious themes being addressed.

What Will You Feel After Watching?
After watching Elmer Gantry, you will likely feel a mixture of awe and discomfort. The film’s critique of religion and morality is thought-provoking, leaving you to reflect on the nature of faith, human ambition, and the ways in which people are often willing to ignore the truth for their own benefit. While the film is entertaining and occasionally humorous, it is ultimately a somber meditation on human frailty and the dangers of charisma and manipulation. The tragic nature of Sister Sharon’s journey and Gantry’s rise and fall will likely leave you feeling a sense of melancholy and a renewed awareness of the complexities of power and faith. You may also feel more reflective about the ways in which people can be swayed by authority figures, both in religious and secular contexts