Aaron Miller
One of the major reasons I decided to “cut the cord” a few years ago and end my dysfunctional relationship with the cable company was their decision to axe Turner Classic Movies from their regular lineup. No TCM? Count me out.
I’ve gotten more entertainment from films from years gone by than modern forms of entertainment such as TikTok. I’d rather watch whatever happens to be on TCM this weekend than a big budget, CGI extravaganza with a warmed-over plot about superheroes.
I’ve also learned a few things along the way from some of these classic movies. One of my favorites from the Golden Age of Hollywood is “A Face in the Crowd.” Not only is the movie thoroughly entertaining, but it is able to predict the future.
The 1957 movie was directed by the controversial Elia Kazan and starred Andy Griffith in his first movie role. The amazing cast also features Patricia Neal, Lee Remick, and Walter Matthau in a serious role. (Now is the time that you stop reading this column if you haven’t seen the film and don’t want me to ruin the ending. In other words, spoiler alert from here on out.)
In “A Face in the Crowd,” Griffith plays Larry “Lonesome” Rhodes. Rhodes is the complete opposite of Griffith’s more famous role, lovable country sheriff Andy Taylor. Rhodes, an alcoholic musician and comedian, rises to fame as a television host. He goes from regional success in the South to become a national star. As fortune and fame come his way, Rhodes becomes drunk with power. Or maybe the money and fame reveal his true self. That’s up to you to decide.
Rhodes’s audience is largely conservative and rural. He tells them what products to buy and how to vote. He pretends to share their values, even singing gospel songs. Behind the scenes, he is an abusive womanizer and a drunk. Rhodes has nothing but contempt for his audience.
Rhodes’s producer realizes that she has created a monster and decides to reveal his true nature to the audience. While Rhodes’s show is going off the air, she turns the studio microphones back on. As Rhodes smiles and waves to the camera, he says, “good night, you stupid idiots. Good night, you miserable slobs.” He brags, “shucks, I sell them chicken fertilizer as caviar.” Rhodes is unaware that his real opinion of his audience is going out live across the country. Rhodes’s audience and advertisers turn against him. His career is destroyed—at least for now.
“A Face in the Crowd” warns us about the dangers and power of television to corrupt our political system.
The parallels between the movie and the recent lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News are impressive. Much like Lonesome Rhodes, we have learned from texts and emails that Fox News hosts held their audience and guests in contempt. They told the nation lies—things they knew were not true. And their motive was the same—money and power.
Even the advertisers for Fox News and Lonesome Rhodes are similar. Fox is famous for selling pillows and pharmaceuticals targeted at men. Rhodes’s fictional show was sponsored by a mattress company and “Vitajex,” a worthless pill that claims to work wonders for men.
Watching the immensely talented Griffith play a villain is a real treat. I definitely recommend giving the film a watch. It’s amazing what you can learn about politics in 2023 from a black and white movie that premiered 66 years ago.
Aaron Miller is one of The Republic’s community columnists and all opinions expressed are those of the writer. He has a doctorate in history and is an associate professor of history at Ivy Tech Community College-Columbus. Send comments to editorial@therepublic.com.
