Via Gedern

I probably have reached the same conclusions about the character, Lonesome Rhodes, played so masterfully by Andy Griffith, as many other reviewers. However, I do not think it is a valid comparison to contrast Rhodes' megalomania against the 45th president of the US, as there are stark contrasts. Rhodes is glib, slick, quick on the uptake and has the ability to put on a pretty face for the public. Quite the contrary with #45. I think that sort of review lessens the value of it. Those who attempt to apply the movie's lesson to one current public figure are missing the point. The film exposes the gullibility of the public as they are led by their collective noses by the media. It accuses the public of blind stupidity. Either side of the political spectrum can claim that this is being done whenever their own side is losing, but it applies to all political figures of the modern era, particularly since social media has become such a behemoth. I am reminded of an episode of "The Orville" entitled "Majority Rule" that farcically demonstrates the power of social media over the weak-minded masses, even replacing the justice system. A Face in the Crowd does this decades before the internet was even conceived. Ultimately, Rhodes is found guilty in the court of public opinion by his own actions (with a little help from Patricia Neal) and is relegated to obscurity. Another divergence from the current chain of events. Movies like "A Face in the Crowd," "Animal Farm" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" should be required viewing in civics classes so that our future generations can recognize when they're being led astray. At any rate, this is one of my all-time favorite films, mostly for Andy Griffith's performance.