Review of A Face in the Crowd (1957) by David G — 14 Jul 2007
I don't know how this movie managed to evade my attention for almost half a century. It is astonishing in many ways. The performance by Andy Griffith is a revelation, and Patricia Neal finally gives a performance that I can deeply admire.
The script, by playright Budd Schulberg, is deft and insightful, even prescient. The story is a cross between Network, Citizen Kane, and the Andy Griffith Show -- really! It is probably Elia Kazan's best movie, and it probably belongs on my top 10 list of American movies: it's that good.
If you know the fateful story of Elia Kazan's involvement with the House Unamerican Activities Committee in the 1950's, then you know how he was blacklisted, and perhaps that has something to do with why this movie has received so little attention.
Help change that; you won't regret it.
This review of A Face in the Crowd (1957) was written by David G on 14 July 2007.
A Face in the Crowd has generally received very positive reviews.
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