Elmer Gantry is a 1960 drama film based on the 1927 novel of the same name by Sinclair Lewis. The movie stars Burt Lancaster in the titular role of a charismatic but unethical preacher who is determined to make a name for himself in the world of evangelism.
As the movie begins, Elmer Gantry is working as a salesman, selling vacuum cleaners and other merchandise. One day, he happens to attend a revival meeting led by Sister Sharon Falconer, a beautiful and charismatic preacher. Impressed by her showmanship, Gantry sees an opportunity to become rich and famous by joining forces with her.
To win Sister Sharon's trust, Gantry feigns piety and convinces her that he has been "saved." With his smooth-talking and theatrical skills, he soon becomes one of Sister Sharon's star preachers, drawing large crowds to her revival meetings and receiving hefty donations from the faithful.
As their partnership flourishes, Gantry and Sister Sharon begin to develop a romantic relationship. However, their love affair is complicated by Gantry's past as a womanizer, and by the jealousies and resentments of some of the other members of their travelling revival show.
Meanwhile, Gantry and Sister Sharon face increasing scrutiny and criticism from the media and from civil authorities, who accuse them of fraud and corruption. Gantry remains undaunted, however, and continues to use his charm and wit to manipulate and deceive those around him.
The movie culminates in a dramatic sequence in which Gantry confronts his own moral failures and hypocrisy, as he faces a crisis of conscience that threatens to destroy his career and his relationship with Sister Sharon.
Elmer Gantry was directed by Richard Brooks and co-starred Jean Simmons as Sister Sharon Falconer, as well as Shirley Jones, Arthur Kennedy, and Dean Jagger. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning several Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Lancaster and Best Supporting Actress for Jones.
