What it’s about
Local radio interviewer Marcia Jeffries (Neal) decides to interview transients at the local jail for a human-interest story. There, she spots a drunken Arkansas hayseed named Larry Lonesome Rhodes (Griffith), whom she discovers has a rare gift for gab and song. Before long, due to Marcia’s initial boosting, Lonesome becomes a wildly popular network TV star. Little does she know she’s creating a monster.
Why we love it
This engrossing and sobering tale about the precarious and poisonous nature of fame in our mass-media age seems even more timely today. Budd Schulberg’s script literally sizzles, and Neal is superb. As for Andy,this role made himbut he sure isalong way from Mayberry! The sterling supporting cast includes a young Lee Remick as Betty Lou, Lonesome’s baton-twirling, clueless child bride; Tony Franciosa as a slimeball talent agent; and the legendary Walter Matthau as a wise but weary network executive. This is one Face you’ll never forget.
Andy Griffith, Patricia Neal, Lee Remick, Tony Franciosa, Walter Matthau Elia Kazan