Sinclair Lewis’ timeless classic, Elmer Gantry, has captivated readers and audiences for nearly a century.
This remarkable novel, published in 1927, explores themes of faith, hypocrisy, and the American dream while offering a scathing critique of organized religion.
In 1960, it was adapted into a critically acclaimed film directed by Richard Brooks, starring Burt Lancaster and Jean Simmons.
In this article, we’ll delve into the book summary, movie adaptation, and intriguing differences between these two versions of Elmer Gantry.
We’ll also cover various topics surrounding the novel, film, and their legacy, including a parent guide, film locations, iconic quotes, and more.
Sinclair Lewis: The author behind the timeless classic
Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) was a prolific American writer and social critic. He is best known for his novels which exposed the social issues and hypocrisies of his time, often through satirical portrayals of American life.
In 1930, Lewis became the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. He is also the author of other notable works such as Main Street, Babbitt, and It Can’t Happen Here.
Elmer Gantry: Book summary and key themes
The novel Elmer Gantry tells the story of its titular character, a charismatic but deeply flawed man who rises to prominence as a preacher despite his lack of religious convictions and moral compass.
Elmer Gantry is a former college athlete turned traveling salesman who discovers his talent for public speaking and uses it to manipulate others, eventually becoming a popular evangelist during the 1920s.
Throughout the story, Lewis explores key themes such as religion, hypocrisy, ambition, and the dark side of the American dream.
He exposes the underbelly of organized religion, showing how it can be corrupted by power and greed.
The novel also delves into the impact of mass communication and sensationalism on society, as well as the role of women in a male-dominated world.
Elmer Gantry: Movie adaptation and summary
Directed by Richard Brooks, the 1960 film adaptation of Elmer Gantry stars Burt Lancaster in the titular role, alongside Jean Simmons as Sister Sharon Falconer, a revivalist preacher who becomes Gantry’s partner and lover. The movie follows a similar trajectory as the novel, focusing on Gantry’s rise to fame and eventual fall from grace.
The film received critical acclaim, earning five Academy Award nominations and winning three, including Best Actor for Lancaster and Best Supporting Actress for Shirley Jones.
It also garnered praise for its strong performances, powerful screenplay, and atmospheric cinematography.
Comparing the book and movie: Intriguing differences
While the movie adaptation remains faithful to the overall themes and spirit of the novel, there are several intriguing differences between the two versions.
In the film, Gantry’s early years as a salesman and college athlete are only briefly mentioned, with the story focusing primarily on his partnership with Sister Falconer and their revivalist work.
Additionally, the movie simplifies some of the novel’s complex characters and subplots, streamlining the story for the screen.
For example, the character of Sister Sharon Falconer is a composite of several female evangelists from the book, while the film’s ending diverges from the novel’s conclusion in a way that offers a more dramatic and cinematic conclusion.
Iconic quotes from Elmer Gantry
Both the novel and the film are filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story and its themes.
Some iconic lines from Elmer Gantry include:
- “Love is the morning and the evening star.”
- “We shall yet make these United States a moral nation!”
- “I have here in my pocket – and thank heaven you can’t see them – lewd, dirty, obscene, and I’m ashamed to say this: French postcards.”
The atmospheric soundtrack by André Previn
The movie’s atmospheric soundtrack, composed by André Previn, is another element that adds depth and emotion to the story.
Previn’s stirring score captures the drama, intensity, and occasional moments of tenderness in the film, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
A parent guide to Elmer Gantry
Parents should be aware that Elmer Gantry deals with mature themes, including religion, hypocrisy, and sexual content.
While the film adaptation is more subtle in its portrayal of these themes than the novel, it may still be unsuitable for younger viewers.
Parents are encouraged to preview the film and use their discretion in determining its appropriateness for their children.
A who’s who of the Elmer Gantry world
The world of Elmer Gantry is filled with colorful and complex characters, each with their own unique role in the story. Some key figures include:
- Elmer Gantry (played by Burt Lancaster in the film): The charismatic and morally ambiguous protagonist who uses his oratory skills to rise to fame as a preacher.
- Sister Sharon Falconer (played by Jean Simmons in the film): A passionate revivalist preacher who becomes Gantry’s partner and lover.
- Jim Lefferts (played by Arthur Kennedy in the film): Gantry’s skeptical friend and former college classmate, who becomes a newspaper reporter.
- Lulu Bains (played by Shirley Jones in the film): A former lover of Gantry’s who seeks revenge against him.
Exploring the film locations and setting
Elmer Gantry was filmed primarily in California, with some scenes shot in Kansas and Missouri.
Notable locations include the historic First Methodist Church of Santa Monica, the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, and the Santa Monica Pier.
The movie’s setting reflects the novel’s Midwestern backdrop, capturing the atmosphere of small-town America during the 1920s.
Curiosities and trivia surrounding Elmer Gantry
There are several interesting tidbits and trivia associated with both the novel and the film adaptation of Elmer Gantry:
- Sinclair Lewis reportedly based the character of Elmer Gantry on several real-life evangelists, including Billy Sunday, Aimee Semple McPherson, and Elmer Irey.
- The novel was banned in several cities upon its release due to its controversial subject matter.
- Burt Lancaster reportedly prepared for his role as Elmer Gantry by studying the techniques of famous preachers and attending revival meetings.
Tips for cosplay and dressing like the characters
For fans interested in cosplaying or dressing like the characters from Elmer Gantry, the key is to capture the 1920s fashion and style.
For Elmer Gantry, consider a three-piece suit, slicked-back hair, and a charismatic smile.
For Sister Sharon Falconer, look for modest yet elegant dresses or period-appropriate revivalist attire.
Further works by Sinclair Lewis and Richard Brooks
If you enjoyed Elmer Gantry, you might be interested in exploring other works by Sinclair Lewis, such as Main Street, Babbitt, and It Can’t Happen Here.
Similarly, Richard Brooks directed several other critically acclaimed films, including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, In Cold Blood, and Looking for Mr. Goodbar.
Similar media to Elmer Gantry: Books and films
Fans of Elmer Gantry may also enjoy similar books and films that explore themes of faith, hypocrisy, and the American dream.
Some recommendations include:
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
- A Face in the Crowd, a 1957 film directed by Elia Kazan
Elmer Gantry book club questions and discussions
For book clubs or discussion groups interested in delving deeper into Elmer Gantry, here are some questions to spark conversation:
- How does Sinclair Lewis use satire to critique organized religion and American society in Elmer Gantry?
- How do the novel and the film adaptation differ in their portrayal of themes and characters? Which version do you prefer, and why?
- What modern parallels can be drawn from the story of Elmer Gantry and the themes it explores?
The legacy of Elmer Gantry: Remakes, sequels, and spin-offs
While there have been no official remakes, sequels, or spin-offs of Elmer Gantry, the story’s themes and characters have continued to resonate with audiences over the years.
The novel and the film have both been referenced or parodied in various forms of media, and the character of Elmer Gantry remains a symbol of religious hypocrisy and moral corruption.
A travel guide to visit Elmer Gantry-inspired locations
For fans interested in visiting locations connected to Elmer Gantry, consider a trip to the following places:
- The Sinclair Lewis Boyhood Home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota: The author’s childhood home, which now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and work.
- First Methodist Church of Santa Monica: A major film location for Elmer Gantry, this historic church offers guided tours and architectural details that evoke the period in which the story takes place.
- The Aimee Semple McPherson Parsonage and Heritage House in Los Angeles: The former home of the famous evangelist who partly inspired the character of Sister Sharon Falconer.
Conclusion
Elmer Gantry has left a lasting impact on both literature and film, offering a thought-provoking exploration of faith, ambition, and the darker side of the American dream.
Whether you’re a fan of the novel, the movie, or both, there are countless ways to delve deeper into the world of Elmer Gantry and appreciate the timeless story it tells.
