Chiefly, its screenplay takes too long to begin turning the screws, with a second act that stretches out lethargically over the course of an hour and seems surprised when Shirley Jones enters to introduce an actual conflict.
Basically a triptych, Gantry the novel begins with its protagonist as a simple-minded university man pressured into religious life and eventually to his first ill-fated assignments as a Baptist pastor, concluding in his expulsion from his post; it continues with his time in the service of Sharon Falconer and their love affair; and it concludes with his joining the Methodist church and rapidly ascending to a position of great influence, where Lewis ends the novel.
This is where Lancaster first shakes off his romantic self-image, slurring his words and stumbling like a shameful lout around a dive. He falls in with Falconer after a brief overture and the film sticks to their story rather faithfully. I'm afraid I have not read the book, but it appears it is more cynical than the film, particularly in its ending where Gantry marries well and lives a prosperous life, confirming the author's conviction that God and moral justice may not exist.
Sinclair Lewis is even mentioned in the film script as "one of those atheists like Sinclair Lewis"! The film, however, does a fine job in calling in to question the motives and validity of those evangelists who toured America's Bible-belt in the s.
Elmer Gantry is a salesman, a man with a chequered past kicked out of a seminary due to unseemly conduct who oozes charm, shows conviction, makes a convincing pitch by taking personal interest in his customers and makes no small use of humour. He is eloquent, charming and friendly, and his purpose is to separate his clients from their money. Touring evangelists or revivalists try to convince the faithful of the worth of God and the Church, bring hope and solace through personal interest, display conviction, sincerity and charm while offering inspiration.
They also wish to collect money from their "flock". Essentially, both Gantry and the evangelists are selling a service. Gantry offers a product while trying to make his customers feel good, and the evangelists encourage people to contribute to their works by way of financial gifts in exchange for fortification of the soul. Both are in a form of show business, but while true believers and evangelists may be acting sincerely, show business benefits from professionals. Running time: MIN. More From Our Brands.
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