Elmer Gantry

Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons. Powerful acting.

At times a bit slow but tended to help it along. Very powerful script, can not think of any other actor other than Burt taking on this roll. Jean Simmons at her best. Definitely worth watching.

This caused a bit of a flurry back in 1960 with its then rather frank depiction of sex - lead character Gantry is a loose man with loose morals and a way with the ladies, particularly prostitutes. And it's also noted for Lancaster's big, bombastic performance as the charismatic evangelist who flies by the seat of his pants, nicely matched up with Simmons' more holy variety. But it's a long, bloated affair and very starchy too that has moments of power but seems to spend too much of its time screaming in our face.

Not seen on TV for a while, this is one that I’d wanted to see in full for years – which really demonstrates the value of the DVD hire system (well done there, whoever you are for putting this one on the list).

Pleased to report that it did not disappoint at all. Burt Lancaster is terrific, some really good set pieces, great dialogue and the whole thing looks good.

Which really brings us to the director Richard Brooks and a recommendation that you check out this underrated Hollywood-based writer/director. His name does not currently rank with the nomenclature of Tennessee Williams, Sinclair Lewis, Trumann Capote and Evan Hunter which represents the decorated alternative Hollywood nor with our own Joseph Conrad – but perhaps it will when someone gets round to a retrospective and stands his work one alongside each other.

Too lofty? Well then take a look at Shirley Jones as Lulu Baines – when she tucks those dollar bills in ‘the safest bank in America’ you’d better believe there’ll be no withdrawals today…..

Endless. I know that the Bible is a very long book, but that is no excuse for this interminable movie.

It was clearly meant to be very controversial, and very earnest - a Hollywood reverential approach to a "great work" by an American author. But it got lost along the way, with poor plot development, insipid performance from Jean Simmons, a manic and rather over-stylised (but Oscar-winning) star turn from Lancaster, and a story that seems too timid to criticise or to endorse.

Try the far superior John Huston movie, "Wise Blood" for something similar but better.

very enjoyable,great film,Burt lancaster at his best.