Drama
United States of America
The movie was directed by Elia Kazan and released in 1957. It starred Andy Griffith in his film debut as Lonesome Rhodes, Patricia Neal as Marcia Jeffries, and Walter Matthau as Mel Miller. The film is often cited as a landmark in American cinema for its commentary on the power of media and the dangers of celebrity worship.
As Lonesome Rhodes rises to fame, he becomes increasingly corrupt, using his platform to manipulate public opinion and advance his own interests. He begins to believe his own hype, alienating those who helped him along the way and turning on his friends and supporters.
In the end, Lonesome's downfall comes when he makes a careless comment on live television, unaware that his mic is still on. The public turns against him, and he is left exposed as a fraud and a phony.
The film was not a commercial success upon its initial release but has since gained a cult following and is now considered a classic of American cinema. It is particularly notable for Griffith's electrifying performance as Lonesome Rhodes, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest in film history.
