A Face in the Crowd (1957)

In A Face in the Crowd (1957), Andy Griffith makes his striking film debut as Lonesome Rhodes, a drifter whose charm propels him to TV stardom and political influence. Discovered by radio producer Marcia Jeffries (Patricia Neal), Rhodes’ folksy charisma captivates audiences, but his rise reveals a darker, manipulative nature. As his power grows, so does his ego, exploiting media and those around him. Directed by Elia Kazan, this sharp critique of fame and media influence remains timeless, with Griffith’s electrifying performance at its core. Rating: Not Rated Runtime: 2 hours, 6 minutes