What to Stream: 1957 Film Foretold the Rise of Donald Trump

Superfan

This week we are recommending a movie about a blowhard who rises to the national political stage by exploiting the power of media.

Our choice of movie has in no way been influenced by current events. Wink wink, nudge nudge.

In A face in the Crowd, Andy Griffith plays Larry “Lonesome” Rhodes, a drunken drifter with the gift of gab. When a radio producer gives Lonesome a few minutes of air time, his talent for exploiting media sets him on the road to stardom playing a hyper-realized version of himself.

When Lonesome gets a taste of political power, he jumps at the chance for more. But absolute power corrupts absolutely, and the rise of Lonesome Rhodes reveals the sinister foundation of his character.

Based on a novel by Budd Schulberg and directed by Elia Kazan, A Face in the Crowd bowed to a luke-warm reception, but has since gained notoriety as a cautionary tale of the power of unchecked populism.

A Face in the Crowd is available to rent on most major streaming services.

And if you’re looking to feed your football craving this weekend, try streaming this award-winning documentary.

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