A Face in the Crowd (1957) - YouTube
Details
Few films have proven themselves more prescient than A Face in the Crowd, an illustration of the dark side of American populism and its vulnerability to the right kind of story. It was also the big break for lead actor Andy Griffith, who may not have followed in the footsteps of previous Elia Kazan discoveries Marlon Brando or James Dean, but who did end up being one of the most popular and beloved TV stars America ever had. Which is ironic given the subject matter.
Radio journalist Marcia Jeffries discovers a down-and-out drifter who calls himself 'Lonesome' Rhodes and invites him to sing and play guitar on her show. His immediate popularity makes him a national sensation as a 'voice of the common man', but he has far greater dreams than radio or even television. Dreams that involve political power. And the more Martha sees of Larry Rhodes, the more she starts to have serious misgivings.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lrmxkF-UKM
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