Elmer Gantry CD1Click here to download subtitles file for the movie "Elmer Gantry CD1"Get Paid for using YouTube!
(laughter) So, anyway... anyway, this guy comes home, you see, and he finds his wife with his best friend. And the husband says "Harry, how could you do this?" And the wife, she says "Why should you complain? Harry didn't do it to you!" - What did I tell you? Isn't he a card? - Class. Real class. With his gift of the gab he could go places. Hey, pal, you oughta quit that punk job of yours. - Why don't you join a sales outfit? - It's no use, boys. Every time I'm in town, I ask him to go on the road for our company. Right, pal? Sure, Ed, sure. Listen, fellas, listen. Two dames at a bar. One dame says to another "If I don't get to bed pretty soon, I'm goin' home and go to sleep!" Would you make it a merry Christmas for some poor orphan? Here you are, lady. That oughtn't to be allowed in a place like this. - Religion don't belong in a speakeasy. - I know it's Christmas, but... Mac, wait a minute. Excuse me, Sister. Excuse me. Excuse me. Don't tell me we're gonna let these angels of mercy go away from here empty-handed on Christmas Eve. This joint is the home of fine bourbon and fast women, and we need plenty of religion to keep 'em both in line. So, come on. Get it up, now. Come on. Oh, come on. A little action here. What's the matter? Oh. Hey! Hey, Lord? Can you hear me up there, Jesus? You didn't think we'd forget your birthday, did you? There you are, Jesus. And if I had any more, you'd be welcome to it. - Thank you, brother. - (laughter) The Bible says "Never let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." What's your beef, mister? You ashamed of bein' a Christian? I see. You think religion is for suckers and easy marks and mollycoddles, huh? You think Jesus was some kind of a sissy, eh? Let me tell you, Jesus wouldn't be afraid to walk in here or any speakeasy to preach the gospel. Jesus had guts! He wasn't afraid of the whole Roman army. Think that quarterback's hot stuff? Well, let me tell you, Jesus would have made the best little all-American quarterback in history. Jesus was a real fighter. The best little scrapper, pound for pound, you ever saw. And why, gentlemen? Love, gentlemen. Jesus had love in both fists. And what is love? Love is the mornin' and the evenin' star that shines on the cradle of the babe. Hey, sinners! Love is the inspiration of poets and philosophers. Love is the voice of music. I'm talkin' about divine love, not carnal love. - That was a beautiful sermon, Parson. - (laughter) - Beautiful. - Thank you, sister. - I gotta get home to the little woman. - Here you are, Sister. Merry Christmas. Thank the Lord, Sister. Thank the Lord. - Gotta go. Gotta catch a rattler. - Me too. Time to take up a little female companionship. Wait a minute. That's a swell preacher act you got, pal. I gotta catch a rattler myself. Ed, we still got the whole night ahead of us. Whatever you do, never lose that little black address book. Merry Christmas! Mr Gantry? And a merry Christmas to you too, sir. You'll have to chalk it up. The rest of these drinks, too. Charity. I oughta get myself a tambourine. That's the trouble with this stinking world. Nobody loves nobody. Mac... the lady's glass is empty. (Phone rings) (knocking at door) (groans) OK. - Long-distance phone call. - What time is it? The phone call you made to Mrs Gantry last night? Oh. Yeah, thanks. - Merry Christmas, Mr Gantry. - You too. And a happy New Year, Mr Gantry. Well, I'll take... I'll take care of you downstairs. Get my bags out now. Hello? Hello? (woman) Ready with your call, Mr Gantry Hello? Oh, hello, Mom. Merry Christmas. Me, Elm! Just a sec, Mom. I just got back from church myself. I prayed for you too. How'd you like my present? You sure? Gee, that's funny. Well, maybe it got held up in the holiday rush. I just called up to wish you merry Christmas, that's all, to tell you I love you. Don't start crying. Ma... I know I promised, but I couldn't get away. I've been busy. Yeah, business. Guaranteed and delivered. I'll be home next Easter. My absolute promise. Ma, don't cry. Ma, I gotta go. I really gotta go, Ma. I gotta catch a train. Sure. Sure. I'll talk to you. Take care. Bye. (train whistle) (train whistle) (choir singing "I'm On My Way") ? I'm on my way ? Off to Canaan land ? I'm on my way ? Off to Canaan land ? I'm on my way ? Glory, hallelujah ? I'm on my way ? Well, I'm on my way ? Off to Canaan land ? I'm on my way ? Off to Canaan land ? I'm on my way ? Off to Canaan land ? I'm on my way ? Glory, hallelujah ? I'm on my way ? Had a mighty hard time ? But I'm on my way ? Had a mighty hard time ? But I'm on my way ? It's a mighty hard climb ? But I'm on my way ? On my way ? Glory, hallelujah ? I'm on my way ? All along the way ? Satan lies a-waitin' ? Every night and day ? Satan lies a-waitin' ? Hear me shout and say ? Get behind me, Satan ? I'm on my way ? Glory, hallelujah ? I'm on my way ? Fight the devil and pray ? Take another step higher ? Fight the devil and pray ? Lord, I want to climb higher ? Chase the devil away ? Lord, I'm caught in his fire ? I'm on my way ? Glory, hallelujah ? I'm on my way ? Lord, I'm on my way ? Lord, I'm on my way ? Lord, Lord ? Lord, I'm on my way ? I'm on my way - You'd better get at this while it's still hot. - Thank you, brother. Would you look at this filthy magazine, Reverend? Shameful. Shameful. Burn, ye naked Jezebel, burn. Like a blindin' flash. "Suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven, - and he heard a voice say unto him..." - "Saul. Saul." - "Why persecutest thou me?" - Saul of Tarsus. Acts, chapter nine. "And straightaway he preached. Christ is the son of God." - "And all who heard him were amazed." - "Amazed." Excuse me, but you sound like a preacher. - Great black-eyed peas, Reverend. Great. - If you'll be needing a place to sleep... Thank you kindly, but as soon as I haul these ashes, I'll be on my way. - Well, God be with you, brother. - Put in a good word for me, brother. - Back again, Mr Gantry? - Yes, indeed. Come spring, come the drllmmer man. Good morning, good morning, good morning - and a hot morning it is. Sam, as the blind man said to the elephant, long time no see. Last March. I got a great new item for you - an electric toaster that pops. - No. - An egg beater that's a lulu. No sale. This little devil's gonna clean up America. You sold me nine of them vacuum cleaners last year. There they are, all nine of 'em. Well, no harm done. How about a free snort on the house? (laughs) That's how you stuck me the last time. Ever hear the one about the missionary, the cannibal and the chorus girl? This Sister Sharon - she any good at preachin'? I don't know. I don't go to prayer meetings. I mean... unless business is bad or I get sick. Times like that. Say, how about the missionary and the cannibals and the chorus girl, hm? There she was in the wildest jungles of Borneo, without a stitch on, except her dancin' shoes and her pith helmet. Can I speak to Mrs Wilson, please? Thank you. Hello? Hello, Sally? Me. Elmer. Who do you think? Swell, just swell. How's every little thing with you, honey? - Baby, I just got into town. - (knocking at door) Hold it a sec, Sal. Come in. - How did we do? - Ran out of the money in both races. Sally? How about tonight, baby? What time does your husband get home? But, honey, I won't be here tomorrow. Well, look, can you come over for an hour? A half an hour, huh? Oh. Sure, Sal. Sure I understand. Think nothin' of it, honey. I'll catch you next time around. Bye, now. - Did you get the bottle? - Nah. You know bootleggers. They do a cash business. - Toss you. Double or nothin'. - No. You're too lucky, Mr Gantry. - Thank you. Anything else I can do? - Thanks, kid. (woman) ? Just now, your doubting give o'er ? Just now, reject Him no more ? Just now, throw open the door ? Let Jesus come into your heart ? Lay we every burden down ? Grace our spirits will deliver ? And provide a robe and crown ? Yes, we'll gather at the river ? The beautiful, the beautiful river ? Gather with the saints at the river ? That flows by the throne of God ? Yes, we'll gather at the river ? The beautiful, the beautiful river ? Gather with the saints at the river ? That flows by the throne of God Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Welcome to the house of God. (fanfare) ? Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord ? He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored ? He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword ? His truth is marching on ? Glory, glory, hallelujah! ? Glory, glory, hallelujah! ? Glory, glory, hallelujah! ? His truth is marching on ? Glory, glory, hallelujah! ? Glory, glory, hallelujah! ? Glory, glory, hallelujah! ? His truth is marching on Oh, my dear, beautiful people. When I arrived here and I saw your gracious countryside, I said to myself "I won't. I just won't be cooped up with a lot of stodgy old ministers discussing hell and damnation!" So I sneaked out, and I've been doing what most of you have been doing - farming. Milking the cows, lying in the clover, and letting the joy of God's nature flow into my heart. And here's the proof there's a happy, joyful God, a bountiful God, a generous God. Milk! Here, Reverend. The Lord's nectar. And pass it along to those dear newspaper reporters so they can wash out the taste of whisky. Tonight... tonight I feel gloriously happy, and I want you to feel happy too. We're gonna sing together, laugh together, rejoice together like carefree children of a happy God. We're going to rejoice that inside of us lives the veritable spirit of the everlasting redeeming Christ, Jesus. - Hallelujah! - Praise the Lord! Bill, see how many of those dear people can match God's bountiful gift with their own offerings. You darlings can't make milk, and God just won't make money. ? Stand up, stand up for Jesus ? Ye soldiers of the cross ? Lift high His royal banner No preaching tonight. No sermonising. No sad faces or tears, just happiness. Tomorrow... tomorrow is the last night of our revival here, but when I leave, you're going to carry on my work. You're all of you evangelists, every blessed one of you. Shake hands with the person on your right. Go on! Ask them if they're saved. Won't you shake hands for Jesus? Bless you, brother. Sing, everybody! Sing his praises! - Sister Falconer! - Won't you find happiness in Jesus? It's happiness to hear your wondrous message. Can I have a moment? Excuse me, please. Excuse me. - Excuse me, please. - Thank you, brother. Oh, uh, yes... Sorry. No change. Thank you. (car horn) I picked some flowers for you. Sister, my son saw the Virgin Mother on the roof last night after your sermon. Can you spare me an hour? I simply can't. Aren't our counsellors taking care of you? Sister Rachel? Sister Rachel, see what you can do. Every one of these lovely people is important. - May I have your names, please? - I must congratulate you again. - Thank you. - I'm a preacher. - I know how inspired you must've been. - What church? What church? Well, uh, at present, I don't exactly have a church, but... What is it this time, brother? Booze or women? Why, Sister Falconer. Me? Whichever one it is, you have my blessing. Jim? - Uh, Sister, I, uh... - Nice try, brother. - Will prayer cure diabetes? - Would you give me your address? - Sister? - Just a moment. - What denomination? - I must talk to you. - If you'll just leave your name. - I have an important message for you. A message? From Sister Falconer? - I heard you sing last night. - Oh? I know flattery don't mean much to a talented person like you, but when you sang that inspiring song "Beulah Land", it made me realise that music is the voice of love. - Oh. - And what is love? Love is the morning and the evening star. America. A land of great opportunity. Take me. I've been with the Central States Appliance Company a year. I'm their crack salesman already. They wanna make me a partner. It's a great life. Folks in 14 states know me by my first name. Makes a fella feel humble. - Would you like to start with a cocktail? - A cocktail in the middle of the day? Don't you know that drinkin' is sinful and against the principles of Coolidge? I meant shrimp cocktail. Just bring us some of Mother's apple pie and coffee. Yes, sir. I'm sorry. Tell me, when did you first start servin' God? Two years ago. In Cato, Missouri. Sister Sharon's gospel singer got hurt in a riot. A riot? In a Christian town like... What was the name? Cato. Cato, Missouri. Yes, some roughnecks started yellin' and screamin' and hollerin'. During the services? Sister Sharon yelled to a farmer on our side "Hit him one for the Lord, brother!" Apple pie. They ought to write a song about apple pie. A gospel song. And you should sing it. (whistle blows) (conductor) All aboard! - Godspeed the good work, Sister! - Good luck, Sister Sharon! Godspeed, Sister Sharon! Good luck! Shara? Our advance man in Lincoln, Nebraska, got drunk, and he's disappeared. No more business tonight. - Thank heavens. When I didn't see you... - Thinkin' about you every second. The fire department in Lincoln say that we can't put up a tent our size. - The church committee are bickering... - Please, Bill. The gentleman with Sister Falconer. - Mr Morgan? - Yes. Tell him Mr Lefferts would like to see him out back on the observation platform. Thank you, sir. Mr Lefferts? My name is Gantry. Congratulations. - Sorry I woke you up. - Then why did you do it? Oh, I recognised you. I had to congratulate you on those articles you wrote about evolution. Not only scarifyin' and sensational, but very funny. Tell me somethin', Jim boy. I know you got one of them Pulitzer prizes, but you don't really believe in all that evolution junk, now do you? - Devoutly. - Then you must believe - that God himself is a gorilla. - How did you arrive at that conclusion? It says in the Bible "God created man in his own image." Sister Sharon - she's pretty important news, eh? What's your interest in her? - Can I be frank with you? - Try. - She fascinates me. - You'll have to get in line. You also have to get over a hurdle first, name of Bill Morgan. Say, I almost forgot. He's comin' out to see you, right about now. He's got some secret information. Thanks a lot, Jim boy. Thanks a lot. - You all right? - Yes, fine. I was just wondering... Later, honey. I'm sorry, this seat is taken. Even the Lord never turned his back on a sinner. I am not the Lord, but I am tired. Now, will you please go away? You weren't so tired and all of life two years ago in Cato, Missouri. - That's where we met. - Met? Yes. On a Friday night, it was. Remember? Remember the riot? Some roughnecks got to whoopin' and hollerin' and fightin', and you yelled - "Hit him one for the Lord!" - That's what I said. And that's exactly what I did. I busted him one for the Lord. Oh, it was a lovely fight! When I saw you in Cato, I thought I was seein' an angel, and you haven't changed. - A very tired angel. - It's no wonder, givin' everybody else hope and courage, nobody to lean on yourself. I suppose this is a generous offer to let me lean on you. I wouldn't have the nerve, Sister. - Yesterday, Mr... - Gantry. ..you said you were a preacher. Well, uh, practically, yes. Uh, you see, the semester I was to be ordained... They kicked you out of college. Well, it was a... a tragedy, kind of. A girl. Yeah. A girl. A girl named Lulu Bains. - Does she work for you, or you for her? - We work together. Would it be unethical to ask just what you'll write about Sister Sharon? - It would. - Oh? - I'm sorry. - She's brilliant. "Inspired" is a more appropriate word. - It means "touched by the hand of God". - Precisely. Now, get the picture. It's Christmas Eve. God's pure snow driftin' down, and joy in the air. I enter the Schoenheim church late at night to pray for guidance. And what do I find, right behind the altar? Lulu Bains, my betrothed, my bride-to-be, half-naked, locked in the arms of her lover, a cardsharp from Chicago. A couple of years later he was bumped off in a gang war, God rest his soul. Well, that's it, I guess. I lost all interest in religion. But when I saw you, it was like a call from beyond. Could I see you again? Have breakfast with me? What's your hotel room number in Lincoln, hm? Tell me. You're so completely... so outrageous. I... I think I like you. I guess I've been around sanctimonious folks too long. You're amusing, and you smell like a real man. Yes, I'll meet you by my tent. That's where I breakfast. Good night. - Oh, but, Sister... - Oh, this time I mean it. Pleasant dreams. Evening, Brother Morgan. Oh, I wouldn't bother her now. She's resting, poor child. The wind will come from there, so keep the centre poles where you've got them. That way the canvas won't snap and crackle all through the sermon. Here they come. Morning, Sister! Jim boy! A lovely morning it is. - Good morning. - I woke with a terrific idea. Later. Good morning, Captain. - You can't erect that tent here, ma'am. - Why not? - Fire laws. - Nonsense. No, ma'am. No nonsense at all. No, ma'am. "Ma'am" is a contraction for "madam". I am not a madam, a calibre of woman I'm sure you know well and do business with. How many have been put out of business by fire laws? - Your tent holds over 1,000 people... - Captain, this is Mr Lefferts, - a reporter for the Zenith Times-DisPatch - Zenith? Welcome. This is Fire Chief... Isn't it a fact, Mr Lefferts, that the whisky big shots want me closed down? They certainly don't think you do their business any good. Know why? I'm not afraid to fight whisky and repeal with police help or without it. - If you're accusing me of not... - I am. Do you enforce Prohibition? I certainly do. How many speakeasies could you take the captain to in his home town? - Without a membership card? 50. - (Sharon) Fire laws! Do you see any of my workmen smoking? Do you mind? This might start a fire. - If they don't smoke inside... - You're welcome to see tonight. A little bit of salvation will do you both some good. Sister Sharon! Never did I ever see anybody handle the cops the way you did. All right. What's this terrific idea you woke up with? Yes, well... How would it be if I addressed your meetin' as a saved businessman? I could talk on the hard, practical dollars-and-cents value of Christ in commerce. Tom, slacken off that rope. It's too tight. By the way, what is your business? Hold-ups? You're a card. I sell for Central Appliances. - Don't you like your job? - Why, sure. It's a great life. I'm their crack salesman. Only last month they wanted to make me a junior partner. Would you believe that people in 14 states call me by my first name? Elmer. No use kiddin' you, is there? It's no life at all. Filthy, dreary hotel rooms. Always chasin' trains. Always tellin' dirty stories to keep the buyers laughin'. Always the pint bottle to prove you're a sport. That kind of fella's no success at all. He's just a tramp in a silk shirt. Well... I could tell the sinners I'm a... I'm a salesman, just like that. I come into one of them... miserable hotel rooms. I'm discouraged. I got no sales to chalk up. Nothin' to read. I'm lonely. I'm just dyin' for a drink. Some of them salesmen drink somethin' terrible. And I reach my hand into a dresser drawer... and what do I find? A Gideon Bible. That's what I find. Yes. Yes, go on. I reached my hand into a dresser drawer, and I found a Gideon Bible. (man) Louder! I found a Gideon Bible. I was so lonely and miserable, I might as well have been in hell. I was in hell. I knew all the salesman's tricks. Why wasn't I rich? Why wasn't I successful? I opened the Bible, and I read the 18th Psalm. "The Lord is my rock and my fortress." "The Lord is my fortress." Do you hear that? The Lord. - Praise the Lord! - The Lord is my rock! The next mornin' I walked into a general store. "What are you sellin' today? Gold-plated vacuum cleaners?" "No, sir. You can get better vacuum cleaners at Sears and Roebuck, and you can get 'em cheaper, but you can't beat our electric toasters." He sat down and wrote me the biggest order of the year. (man) Hallelujah! Can you hear me, Lord? Thank you, Lord. I didn't make that sale, Lord. You did. Thank you. (man) Hallelujah! And when I told my pals... when I told my pals I was comin' to Jesus, they laughed. But Sister Falconer didn't laugh. She said "Go ahead, brother. Give 'em hell." I'm going to give you all the hell in the Bible, and if you don't like it, fix it up with the Lord because the Lord put it there. Listen to me, sinners. Listen to me, sinners. You can't pray to kingdom come and play bridge or poker. And, Mother, you can't say your psalms and look at God through the bottom of a beer mug. And you, brother, you can't go to church on Sunday and cheat at business on Monday. We're comin' back to you, God. We're comin' back to the old-time religion! And what is religion? What is religion? Religion is love. And love is the morning and the evening star. Love, the eternal glorious musicmaker. Love! Not the carnal love, but the divine love. And where does this great love come from? It comes direct from God! I admit I'm not smart like some of them... some of them smart-alecky professors, wise-guy writers and agitators. I know nothing of theosophy, philosophy, psychology, ideology or any other ology. But I know this. With Christ, you're saved, and without him, you're lost. And how do I know there's a merciful God? Because I've seen the devil plenty of times! Any punk ball player can make a slide like that. But how many folks have got the guts to play ball on God's team? And listen to this. The captain of that team is Jesus Christ himself. So, come on, man, woman, child. Who'll be the first to shake hands for Jesus? Come on, now! Everyone! Are you gonna make me beg and beg when I'm offerin' you my Jesus? Did the Saviour die in vain? Did he suffer on the cross for nothin'? Argh! My God, I can't stand it! Oh, my God, no! Not any more! Sinner, I'll fight you every day in the week for God and twice on Sundays! Help me. Brother Gantry, save me. I sin every day! Tell me what to do, please. Tell me what to do! - "Lifeline." - (band Plays and PeoPle sing) ? Throw out the lifeline ? Somebody's drifting away ? Throw out the lifeline ? Throw out the lifeline Bless you for bringing us such a wonderful man. - Sister Sharon. - Bless you, Brother Gantry. You've changed my whole life. You're such a good man. - This light supposed to be kept burnin'? - Yep. Sometimes folks come just to touch where Sister Sharon stands. Say, I heard you talk tonight. - How'd you like it? - Mister, I've been converted five times. Billy Sunday, Reverend Biederwolf, Gypsy Smith, and twice by Sister Falconer. I get terrible drunk, and then I get good and saved. Both of them done me a powerful lot of good - gettin' drunk, and gettin' saved. Well, good night. Are you praying, or planning to take over? Shara! Did I do all right? I mean, did I do all right for you? Yes, you were fine. Really fine. I cried like everybody else. No, but... Tell me the truth, please. 450 converts out of 1200 people? That's a truth of some kind. - Morgan thought you were vulgar. - Do you? - Think I'm vulgar? - Yes. - But you like me. - Yes. - Very much. - Not very much. Shara. Forgive me, Sharon. - You've got me plumb hypnotised. - No, you're just hungry, that's all. But I can hypnotise, because God chose me to do his work. - Sure, me too. - No. I chose you. The big difference between you and me is that I believe. I really believe. - You'd like to join us, wouldn't you? - Oh, yes. - Report at nine. We'll discuss salaries... - I got swell ideas for promotions. - Radio, the third ear of the human race... - You smoke, don't you? - Well... - I can smell it. Will you stop it altogether? - Well, yes... - The drinking, too? - Oh, sure. If that's what you want, I... - It is. Good night. Evening, Brother Gantry. Jim boy! Say, all the time Shara and me - uh, Sister Falconer and me... Yep. Sitting right over there. - You're not gonna write about this? - Boy kisses girl? Hell, that's not news. You're slipping, brother. You know, when you first hooked me on that train, I thought you were a friendly, likeable, self-respecting first-class bum. And now... now look at you. Where'd you get your style? - Just let her rip, I guess. - I've heard powerful Bible-wallopers, but you not only put the fear of God into them, you scared the hell out of 'em. And the way you strung certain words together - "America, home, mother". "Heaven, hell... Love, hate, sin". You know, it's a funny thing, Jim. I get up here and I... I see them out there. Next thing you know, I'm howlin', they're moanin'. It's like a mighty spirit movin' inside of me. Words and ideas come pourin' out like... like riled-up strangers. I feel so powerful and full of love, I'm about to explode. I do explode. And then I just about love everybody Especially the girls. Yes, this is where I belong, all right. Right here, in religion. Even if it is a tent. Every circus needs a clown, Brother Gantry. And you might turn out to be the funniest clown of 'em all. And the most successful. Clown! Jim boy, you're terrific. Terrific. Some of them smart-aleck college professors are trying to prove that this here ape is your great-great-grandfather. Come back here. Let folks see you. Well, he might be Darwin's uncle, but he certainly ain't yours or mine. Right, Grandpop? Just a monkey, folks. Just a monkey. Would Jesus play poker? Would St Paul play the stock market? What do you think will get you into God's own glorious heaven? This ace of spades? Your bank book? Or this pledge to be a good Christian? Sin, sin, sin. You're all sinners! You're all doomed to perdition. You're all goin' to the painful, stinkin', scaldin', everlastin' tortures of a fiery hell, created by God for sinners, unless... unless... unless you repent! Repent with Sister Falconer! (howls) (barks) Let that man alone! Let him alone! Go ahead and bark, brother. Go right ahead and bark! There he is! The devil! Bark that devil outta this tent! (rhythmic claPPing) Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes! (Morgan) ..the most disgusting display of bad taste in my experience. A human barking dog. A monkey in the pulpit. It's preposterous. That's why it can't go on. And it's obvious to everyone - even dangerous. Especially before Jim Lefferts. And our newspaper friend... He's about as friendly as a rattlesnake. - Then you think it's wrong. - Not wrong. Ridiculous. One minute you're preaching a happy, perfumed heaven, the next, Gantry's damning everyone to a scalding, stinking hell. - I'd say we make a pretty good team. - Yes. Yes, like two cops working over a criminal. Gantry scares him with the electric chair, you save him if he confesses. The point is, our sinner does confess, and he is saved. - (Morgan) But it was ridiculous. - Does the method really matter? Who is this, uh, this Elmer Gantry? And what do you really know about him? His background, his reputation? What does he want? Money? My job? You? What? - Bill... - In 1917, Mr Gantry was expelled from a theological seminary in Kansas for seducing the deacon's daughter in the church where he had that day delivered a Christmas sermon. And there's more. Do you wanna hear it? Ta-da! Ladies and gentlemen, you see before you a magic carpet. A heavenly summons. A ticket to the big time. Listen to this. "Would you consider meeting with the church committee and myself about bringing your revival to our fair city of Zenith, capital of America's Midwest?" "Kindly telegraph reply immediately. Signed, George F Babbitt, Secretary, Zenith Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Church Board." Zenith. - We're not ready for Zenith. - Mr Babbitt thinks we are. I know we are. Next stop, Zenith. Then Chicago, New York, London. Straight to the top on the Sharon Falconer Express! - In a tent? They'll laugh at us. - Not at Shara. It's pitchman's talk. What do you know about the background of our work? The nature of revivalism is rural. It grew out of frontier life. - Big-city people are more cynical... - They're more sinful, too. And more lonely and more unhappy. And... And, Shara, they need you more. - I'm against this. - Bill boy, you're an old sourpuss. - This is a passport to the Promised Land. - Gantry, I am not your boy. You deluded her, but to me, everything about you's offensive. You're a crude, vulgar show-off, and your vocabulary belongs in an outhouse. Crude. Vulgar. Show-off, huh? You know something? You're right, Bill. Let's put it this way. You're a five-dollar textbook. Me, I'm a two-cent tabloid newspaper. You're too good for the people. I am the people. Sure, I'm common - just like most people. The common people put Christianity on the map in the first place. What are you saying, Shara? That you want to go to Zenith? Now? I wonder what God wants. All right, Shara. All right. Maybe you are ready for Zenith. - Thank you. I'll be with you in a minute. - Just think of it, Shara. Zenith. I think the answer to Mr Babbitt ought to come from you. Tell 'em we're ready to talk, but they gotta act fast. Only don't say it as crude as that. No, no. I'll use some of my sweet-smelling five-buck words, huh? I knew we could work together. Gantry, uh... I just hope you don't have any ideas about who's boss. Boss? Why, the boss is God. I'm just his messenger boy. I'm sure God will be relieved. Yes. - Leave the money matters to me. - If they get a guarantee, what do we get? - Why is cash necessary at all? - Order! Gentlemen, without a guarantee, a revival is impossible. Kee-rect! As chairman, I can say I want the revival, but we're ministers, not financiers. - I agree. After all, $30,000... - Will be raised. - How, Mr Babbitt? - By decent, respectable people - who want to see old-time religion... - I agree. - Please let me finish. - Of course, George. - Thank you, Charlie. - OK, then. Everybody knows that I contribute more to charity and poverty and things than anybody, hm? Hey, now, didn't my real-estate company give you that corner lot rent-free for your church baseball team, huh? Hm? And I'm not even a Methodist! (laughs) All right, then. I always say, business is business - that's the American way! - Now, if you boys... - Why do you want a revival in Zenith? Oh, I know what you're gettin' at, Phil. You don't fool me for a second. - We're aware of the financial problems. - Are we aware, sir? - My church hasn't been painted for years. - Whose fault is that? What about the gymnasium? In my area, getting milk for the children is the problem. Your problem is empty churches, gentlemen. That is a fact. The fact is that church attendance is falling off everywhere. Sister Falconer can fill your churches. That's why you're here in the first place. - Kee-rect! - Tea, Mr Babbitt? - I always say, if you're sick, call a doctor. - I agree. Now, uh, let's look at the record, gentlemen. Sister Sharon has been in Lincoln - this is going on the fifth week now. 275 new church members, - in one church alone. - My church. More than 2700 decisions for Christ, gentlemen. Actual converts who signed pledges. Not our statistics, but printed in your own Zenith newspaper. And written up by... by Jim Lefferts, a Pulitzer prizewinner. Does the record show how long your converts remain church members? Well, I always say, when in doubt, take action. - Let's vote. - Second. - All in favour? - Aye. - Uh, just a moment, please. - You're out of order. - There's a motion on the floor. - May I say something, please? You have our... undivided attention, Sister. Wouldn't it be a much happier world if money was not the third arm of religion? He can't paint his church. You can't have your gymnasium. No child should be without milk. And my expenses are high enough to run a factory - I practically do run a factory. Who do you think pays for my staff? The musicians, the men who put up the tent. Truck transportations, railroad fares, food bills. Advertising and printing bills. Electric bills, insurance bills, hotel bills. The church committees always expect a contribution from me, and they always get it. And when I leave town five weeks later, you get the benefit. You have the flock, and I have to start all over again. No, gentlemen, you don't want a revival. And I'm afraid you don't want me, either. I think these gentlemen would like a little privacy to kick things around. - Thank you, Mr Gantry. - Excuse me. I'm not ashamed to admit our churches are half-empty. - The ball parks are full. - So are the races. Let's vote. Vote to do what? Marry the Church to a three-ring circus? To barkers who say they're messengers of God? Who reduce frightened farmers to howling dogs? All very entertaining, I'm sure. We are in competition with the entertainment business. - I'm not. - Then you ought to be. Huh? How about your bingo games? And how about your baseball games and square dances? Now, ain't that entertainment? What's the difference? It's up to us to make a success out of Christianity, keep the churches full. What has religion to do with filling churches? Once there were only 13 Christians in the entire world. Was Christianity a failure? Did God go out of business? Kee-rect! Christianity is a going concern, a successful international enterprise. If you boys don't get young people back into church, if you don't keep the train on the tracks, your church boards are gonna find somebody else who will. Isn't that clear, Reverend Garrison? Speaking for myself, not my congregation or its church board, religion is not a business. And revivalism is not religion. And my vote is no. - Good night, gentlemen. - Phil! Harvard! Well, look around you, boys. Young folks crying out they're the lost generation. Godless anarchists on every street corner, and he walks out on a crisis. Do you realise that practically every president of the United States was a Mason and a Protestant? And every session of Congress opens with a word from the King James version of the Bible. And right now, in our enlightened age, a Catholic is running for president. - Mr Babbitt... - And... Mr Babbitt! Don't say another word. George, I agree with you. Please, John. If revivalism can do the job... Paul. Zenith had a revival 40 years ago. It saved everybody in sight for miles, but today we still have the same problems. Please, John. Please. (Babbitt) Order, order. Now, now, now. Gentlemen, if you'll only leave the money matters to me. Kee-rect! (knocking at door) - Welcome to Zenith, Sister. - Congratulations. A wise decision. Gentlemen, all your churches will be closed while the revival is in progress. - Great folks, aren't they? - Swell, George, just swell. When Sister Falconer says "Shake hands for Jesus", the chorus starts singing. - Brother Gantry... - Just a sec. Ushers wear these badges. The minute folks start comin' in, you go into action. Keep 'em movin'. Get pledge cards into their hands, and don't forget the pencils. Now, you counsellors, you'll wear these lapel pennants. Pretty, eh? German-speaking, hold up your hands. Swedish-speaking? Fine. Ask if they're regular church members. Also, what church. And it don't matter what church. Now, some folks are gonna wanna cry. Let 'em. "God is love." Jim-dandy, huh? Well, that's it, I guess. Tonight's the big night. Are we gonna make a touchdown for Jesus Christ? Any further questions? - Brother Gantry... - OK, then. At 7.30, we hit the line. God is love. Sister Sharon's sanctuary. May I help you? Yes, sir, that's right. Every evening at 8.30. Yes, you may take a trolley car. The line's 14th Street. Yes. Yes, I understand. Well, if you're lonesome and restless, Sister Sharon recommends that you read Psalm 23 or Psalm 27. Do you know of a better product to sell than God? Uh, Sister, one more question. - I'm sorry, what was that question again? - I said... Sister, in what branch of the Church were you baptised? Hold it, Sister! Sister, I'm afraid you have a problem with the fire department again. - The fire department?! - Bill! - I've got the chief on the phone. - Oh, Sister... - Excuse me. - ..could I just ask one more question? What you'll be wearing for the opening night? You looked as if you had about enough of "who, what, when, where". Thank you. May I have some water, please? - You tired? - Oh, these last two days. The aspirin age. Nervous about opening tomorrow night? - I don't know. - What about Gantry? He's got all the nerve in the world, but no nerves. You want to know the truth? I'm scared to death of you city people. Don't be. The women will worship you, and the men will love you. And you? I'll be there, too. Good night. Good night. Just as sure as God plagued the earth with pestilence and locusts, you and I... to doom! I tell you, the end of the world is comin'. It's coming this September 15th! - It says so in the Bible! - Revivals are against organised labour! (congregation sings "Marching to Zion") (college boys sing "The Star-SPangled Banner") Hallelujah! The Lord's name be praised! Stop it, you scallywags! Stop! Come on, boys. All right, the locomotive. Here we go. (whistle) Boom! (whistle) Boom! - Sis-boom, Sister! - Play Sister's introduction. Sis-boom, Sister! (band Plays) Captain Holt! (? "The Battle Hymn of the RePublic") Arrest them. Arrest all of them. I don't know who started the fuss inside. The ones outside ain't breakin' any laws. - First arrest them. Then we'll find out... - I wouldn't do that. You wanna start a riot? Folks have gotta have stretchin' room for their feelings. Now, why don't you sit down and get close to God? lt'll be all right. It's OK. ? Glory, glory, hallelujah ? Glory, glory, hallelujah ? His truth is marching on ? Glory, glory, hallelujah ? Glory, glory, hallelujah - They're ready for you, Shara. - You certainly promoted us into Zenith. You certainly filled our tent, didn't you? But with what? You and your people. Those aren't people. They're a mob. They're one big animal. I'm not letting Shara go out there to be humiliated. And what's your plan? To run? Where? Back to the sticks? If we don't win them over tonight, there'll be no place to run. - Shara, you've got to face them. - And do what? Blow them kisses? Tell them all to be nice little boys and girls? No, Gantry. No. No. Zenith is your idea. Those are your people. You face 'em. They want Shara. Listen to me, Shara. Big-city people have got a coat of hard varnish, but underneath, they're just as sick and scared as anybody else. People everywhere are the same in one thing - they're all afraid to die. They hope you can save them. And you can, Shara. You can. You can, Shara. You can. You can, Shara. You can. (college boys) Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray! Hip, hip, hooray! (boys cheer) (singing dies out) Some of you are troubled. Sceptical... of my motives. You want to know my credentials. Who am I? Who sent me? Some of you have come to sit in judgement of me. But who among you is wise enough to be a judge in the house of God? For even though you speak with the tongue of an angel and have not charity, you are as sounding brass. If I have sinned... then God will punish me. If I am lost in the wilderness, then God will show me the way back. Will you pray with me for guidance? Will you? God won't mind if you get a little dirt on your knees! (old man) I believe in you, Sister. - Oh, bless you, brother. - I believe in you, Sister. (choir sings "What a Friend We Have in Jesus") No. No. No music. Please. Please, no singing, no music. Let us just pray. Will you pray with me? Dearest God... Are you too proud to kneel, Mr Lefferts? You may not believe in God... but God believes in you. Dear God... I am set upon by enemies and I know not why. The Lord has said "He that believeth on me believeth not on me... but on him that sent me." "And if any man hear my words and believe not... I judge him not. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." Now is my soul troubled. But what shall I say? Shall I say "Father, save me"? But it is for this cause that I came unto this hour. - Dearly beloved... - (congregation) Dearly beloved... ..avenge not yourselves, for it is written... ..for it is written... - ..if thine enemy hunger... - ..if thine enemy hunger... - ..feed him. - ..feed him. - If he thirst... - If he thirst... - ..give him drink. - ..give him drink. - Be not overcome with evil... - Be not overcome with evil... ..but overcome evil with good. ..but overcome evil with good. Amen. ? Glory, glory, hallelujah ? His truth is marching on (man) Hallelujah! Hallelujah, Sister! - Brother Gantry... - Sister Rachel. She'll be out in a moment. Didn't I tell you? Didn't I spot her genius first? There's been nothing like her since Joan of Arc! I always say - and you can quote me on this one, boys - there's nothing succeeds like success. - Let's get 'em outta here. - A triumph over doubt and dissension. - Biggest thing in Christianity. - Can I have a picture? Not me, and Sister's had a tryin' ordeal, but thank you. I was saying, if it doesn't get you here... The poor child's practically out on her feet. Let's give her a break. Sure. Sure. Sure. Come on, boys, let's give the little lady a break, shall we? Time to say good night. We appreciated all of you. Thanks for your cooperation. Good night, Sister. - Good night, Mr Morgan. - Good night. - Good night, Bill. - Mr Babbitt. - Never have made it without you. - Thanks, Elmer. Good night. Good night. - Brother Gantry... - Sister Rachel. Here's a young lady who deserves your attention - our maestro of music. Captain Holt - a real Trojan. Thank you. Good night. - Thank you, sir. - Bill, I'll see if she needs anything. Gantry... thank you. Bill boy. - Yes. Yes. - Good night. Bill boy. Yes. - Good night. - Good night. Shara? Are you decent? Zenith Times-DisPatch? Just a moment. Slug this "Lead all, article one." Revivalism came to Zenith last night. After six years of backwoods success, Sister Sharon Falconer - F-A-L-C-O-N-E-R - faced a fractious, overflowing, metropolitan crowd. - Paragraph. - (Phone rings) Jim Lefferts. Uh, later, please. - "Metropolitan crowd." - Um... Many came to jeer... but stayed to cheer. Sister Sharon tamed the Philistines with a simple prayer. The big-city hicks swallowed the chocolate-coated pill with hosannas. - Give me a start on that, would you? - Yeah, yeah. But... if simple prayer was the main attraction of revivalism... Sister's tent would soon be as empty as the churches she claims she can fill. Paragraph. What... is a revival? Is it a church? Is it a religion? Or is it a circus sideshow complete with freaks, magic, and rabble-rousing? Why does a revival attract thousands? To see a miracle? To be saved from a lifetime of sin in five minutes? To be entertained, cured, cuddled, in quick, painless salvation? Paragraph. Zenith is the heart of the Bible Belt. This is an age that likes noise and whoopee. We're a fertile land for corn, beans, squash, rumble-seat sex, and revivalism. Hallelujah, brother. (Lefferts) What qualifies someone to be a revivalist? Nothing Nothing at all There is not one law in any state in the Union Protecting the Public from the hysterical onslaught of revivalists But the law does Permit them to invest in tax-free ProPerty, and collect money, without accounting for how it is used What do you get for your money? Can you get into heaven by contributing one buck or 50? Can you get life eternal by shaking hands for Jesus with Elmer Gantry? "Continued on page three." So... "I watched this unholy trinity - Falconer, Gantry, Morgan - save Nebraska." "Has sin in that state been washed away? Is there less envy, lust or adultery?" - Ah. - Gee, I hope not. - Break it up. A party of johns want action. - Keep readin', honey. - But, Lulu, they'll be right over. - Drop dead! - Cigarette me, Pete, honey. - Honey, read! "To Elmer Gantry, God is an all-American football player with a long white beard, who carries lightning in one hand, and a bag of tricks in the other." "And Gantry has the high-pressure style and personality to sell this God even to big-city slickers." "He can make innocent people feel guilty... and bad people feel good." "Gantry has a voice made for promises." - Can he save anybody? - Can he? Can he? Anywhere, any time. In a tent, standin' up, layin' down, or any other way. And he's got plenty of ways! Lulu? Was you saved by him, Lulu, honey? Sister, I was saved by him way back in Schoenheim, Kansas. "Love... love is the mornin' and the evenin' star." "And what is love? Not the carnal, but the divine love!" Oh, he gave me special instructions back of the pulpit Christmas Eve. He got to howlin' "Repent. Repent!" And I got to moanin' "Save me. Save me." He rammed the fear of God into me so fast I never heard my old man's footsteps. The next thing I knew, I was out in the cold, hard snow in my bare little soul. Oh, Brother Gantry, save me! |
E=mc2 ER 01x01-02 - 24 Hours ER 01x03 - Day One ER 01x04 - Going Home ER 03x01 - Dr Carter I Presume ER 03x02 - Let the Games Begin ER 03x03 - Dont Ask Dont Tell ER 03x04 - Last Call ER 03x05 - Ghosts ER 03x06 - Fear of Flying ER 03x07 - No Brain No Gain ER 03x08 - Union Station ER 03x09 - Ask Me No Questions Ill Tell You No Lies ER 03x10 - Homeless for the Holidays ER 03x11 - Night Shift ER 05x01 - Day for Knight ER 05x02 - Split Second ER 05x03 - They Treat Horses Dont They ER 05x04 - Vanishing Act ER 05x05 - Masquerade ER 05x06 - Stuck on You ER 05x07 - Hazed and Confused ER 05x08 - The Good Fight ER 05x09 - Good Luck Ruth Johnson ER 05x10 - The Miracle Worker ER 05x11 - Nobody Doesnt Like Amanda Lee Eagle has Landed The CD1 Eagle has Landed The CD2 Eagles - Hell Freezes Over Eagles Hell Freezes Over The Early summer Ozu 1952 Early to Bet (1951) Earth (Deepa Mehta 1998) Earth vs The Spider Earthquake Easy Rider 1969 CD1 Easy Rider 1969 CD2 Easy Six Eat Drink Man Woman Ecce Homo Homolka Eclipse 1962 CD1 Eclipse 1962 CD2 Ed Wood (1994) Eddie Murphy Raw Edge The Edge of Madness Edges of the Lord (2001) Edi Educating Rita Edward Cline (1940) The Bank Dick Edward Scissorhands Effi Briest 1974 CD1 Effi Briest 1974 CD2 Eiger Sanction The Eight Crazy Nights Eight Legged Freaks Eighth Day The Ek Chhotisi love story Ekipazh - Air Crew (1980) El Dorado El Mariachi Election Electra 1962 CD1 Electra 1962 CD2 Elephant Elephant Man The Elf 2003 Elizabeth Ella Enchanted Elling Elmer - Elmers Candid Camera (1940) Elmer Gantry CD1 Elmer Gantry CD2 Elvira Madigan 1967 Elvis - Aloha from Hawaii Elvis - Thats the Way It Is Elvis Has Left The Building 2004 Elysium Emanuelle in Hong Kong 2003 Embrace Of The Vampire Emerald Forest The CD1 Emerald Forest The CD2 Emma (1996) Emmanuele 1974 Emmanuelle Emperor Waltz The 1948 Emperors Club The Emperors New Clothes The 23976fps Emperors New Groove The Empire Empire 2002 Empire Deity 24FPS Empire Earth Empire Records Empire of Senses Empire of the Sun Employee of the Month Empty Mirror The 1996 CD1 Empty Mirror The 1996 CD2 Encino Man Encrypt End of Days End of the Affair The Enemy Below The Enemy Mine Enemy Of The State Enemy at the Gates Enfants terribles Les (1950 Jean-Pierre Melville) Enforcer The English Patient The 1996 Enigma Enigma (2001) Enigma - Remember the Future Enigma of Kaspar Hauser The (1974) CD1 Enigma of Kaspar Hauser The (1974) CD2 Enough (2002) Enter The Dragon Enter the Fist Enter the Phoenix Enterprise - 1x01 - Broken Bow Part 1 Enterprise - 1x01 - Broken Bow Part 2 Enterprise - 1x03 - Fight or Flight Enterprise - 1x04 - Strange New World Enterprise - 1x05 - Unexpected Enterprise - 1x06 - Terra Nova Enterprise - 1x07 - The Andorian incident Enterprise - 1x08 - Breaking the ice Enterprise - 1x10 - Fortunate son Enterprise - 1x11 - Cold Front Enterprise - 1x12 - Silent enemy Enterprise - 1x13 - Dear Doctor Enterprise - 1x14 - Sleeping dogs Enterprise - 1x16 - Shuttlepod one Enterprise - 1x17 - Fusion Enterprise - 1x18 - Rogue planet Enterprise - 1x19 - Acquisition Enterprise - 1x20 - Oasis Enterprise - 1x21 - Detained Enterprise - 1x22 - Vox Sola Enterprise - 1x23 - Fallen hero Enterprise - 1x24 - Desert crossing Enterprise - 1x25 - Two days and two nights Enterprise - 1x26 - Shockwave part1 Enterprise - 2x01 - Shockwave part2 Enterprise - 2x02 - Carbon Creek Enterprise - 2x03 - Minefield Enterprise - 2x04 - Dead Stop Enterprise - 2x05 - A Night in Sickbay Enterprise - 2x06 - Marauders Enterprise - 2x08 - The Communicator Enterprise - 2x15 - Cease Fire Enterprise - 2x16 - Future Tense Enterprise - 2x17 - Canamar Enterprise - 2x18 - The Crossing Enterprise - 2x19 - Judgment Enterprise - 2x20 - Horizon Enterprise - 2x21 - The Breach Enterprise - 2x22 - Cogenitor Enterprise - 2x23 - Regeneration Enterprise - 2x24 - First Flight Enterprise - 2x25 - Bounty Enterprise - 2x26 - The Expanse Enterprise - 3x01 - The Xindi Enterprise - 3x02 - Anomaly Enterprise - 3x03 - Extinction Enterprise - 3x04 - Rajiin Enterprise - 3x05 - Impulse Enterprise - 3x06 - Exile Enterprise - 3x07 - The Shipment Enterprise - 3x08 - Twilight Enterprise - 3x09 - North Star Enterprise - 3x10 - Similitude Enterprise - 3x11 - Carpenter Street Enterprise - 3x12 - Chosen Realm Enterprise - 3x13 - Proving Ground Enterprise - 3x14 - Stratagems Enterprise - 3x15 - Harbinger Enterprise - 3x16 - Doctors Orders Enterprise - 3x17 - Hatchery Enterprise - 3x18 - Azati Prime Enterprise - 3x22 - The Council Enterprise - 3x23 - Countdown Enterprise - 3x24 - Zero Hour Enterprise - 4x01 - Storm Front Enterprise - 4x03 - Home Enterprise - 4x05 - Cold Station 12 Enterprise - 4x06 - The Augments Enterprise - 4x07 - The Forge Enterprise - 4x08 - Awakening Enterprise - 4x10 - Daedalus Enterprise - 4x11 - Observer Effect Enterprise - 4x12 - Babel One Enterprise - 4x13 - United Enterprise - 4x14 - The Aenar Enterprise - 4x15 - Affliction Entertainer The Entity The Entrapment 1999 Envy (2004) Envy 2004 Epidemic Equilibrium Era of Vampire The Eraser Eric Clapton - Live In Hyde Park Eric Clapton - Live On Tour 2001 Erik The Viking Erin Brockovich 2000 Erotic Ghost Story Errol Morris Mr Death 1999 Ervinka 1967 Escape From Hong Kong Island Escape From Taliban 2003 CD1 Escape From Taliban 2003 CD2 Escape from Absolom Escape from Alcatraz Escape from LA Escape from the Planet of the Apes Eskiya 1996 Espinazo Del Diablo El Essex Boys Est Quest Estorvo 2000 Eternal Blood 2002 Ethernal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Ett anstandigt liv (A Decent Life 1979) Eu Tu Eles Eunjangdo Europa Europa 1990 Eurotrip Evelyn Even Cowgirls Get the Blues 1993 Even Dwarfs Started Small 1968 Evening With Kevin Smith An CD1 Evening With Kevin Smith An CD2 Event Horizon Ever After - A Cinderella Story (1998) Everwood 01x01 - Pilot - Extended Version Everwood 01x02 - The Great Doctor Brown Everwood 01x03 - Friendly Fire Everwood 01x04 - The Kissing Bridge Everwood 01x05 - Deer God Everwood 01x06 - The Doctor is in Everwood 01x07 - We Hold These Truths Everwood 01x08 - Till Death Do Us Part Everyday People 2004 Everyone Says I Love You Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask Evil Dead 3 - Army of Darkness (DirCut) CD1 Evil Dead 3 - Army of Darkness (DirCut) CD2 Evil Words 2003 Evita CD1 Evita CD2 Evolution 2001 Excalibur Exchange Exocist The Beginnig Exorcist 3 Exorcist The (The Version You have Never Seen) Exorcist The Directors Cut Exotica Explorers 1985 Explosive City 2004 Extreme Measures 1996 Extremely Goofy Movie An Eye 2 The Eye For An Eye 1996 25fps Eye Of The Beholder Eye The 2002 Eyes Wide Shut CD1 Eyes Wide Shut CD2 Eyes Without a Face Eyes of Laura Mars |