A Star is Born in "A Face in the Crowd"

In his first role on the big screen, Andy Griffith resonates in the tall tale of a mans rise to glory playing Lonesome Rhodes in "A Face in the Crowd" which opened at the Globe last night. Brought to life by director Elia Kazan ("A Street Car Named Desire") and writer Budd Schulbeg ("On the Waterfront"), the duo blasts the notion of a demigod in a society thristy for it's next big star.

At first glance, the film appears to be another take on a country-boy done good, yet takes a detour into the core of what often times is the ugly side of fame. Indeed, Lonesome snake charms his way into the hearts of the town of Pickett, Arkanssas as well as Marsha Jeffries, played by Patricia Neal ("The Day the Earth Stood Still") who discovers Lonseome in a dilapidated country jail. Wielding his charisma like a a seasoned senator, Lonesome rises in popularity like only a southern boy can until he is at the top of his game. However, with such adoration comes the realization that with fame comes power, which his eccentricity only strengthens until it has become too much of a burden for Mr. Rhodes.

Though the performances of both Griffith and Neal are exceptional, the film, can at times, be a bit over-the-top. However, this further perpetuates the grandiose character of Lonesome Rhodes and the slippery machine he has fabricated. Despite this, "A Face in the Crowd" manages to please on many levels and is a worthy accomplishment of one promising actor, Mr. Griffith, a star in the making.