ELMER GANTRY

Thursday, May 29th at 7:30 p.m.

The Loft at Cinema La Placita is downtown Tucson's outdoor movie series showing classic films in a beautiful plaza setting.
Screenings on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m., May through October.
Admission is free, donations are greatly appreciated.

Elmer Gantry (1960)
Starring Burt Lancaster and Jean Simmons
Elmer Gantry is a charming, fast-talking con, working the road as a traveling salesman in the 1920s. Burt Lancaster stars as the elusive Gantry in this charismatic adaptation of Sinclair Lewis's 1927 novel. When Gantry runs across a group of traveling evangelists, he charms their saintly leader, Sister Susan Falconer (Jean Simmons), and becomes her partner, preaching fire and brimstone in the packed revival tents of the hardened Midwest. Gantry's robust style and Falconer's Joan of Arc-like spirit skyrocket the two minstrels to fame and fortune as they travel with their flock waging war on sinners and speakeasies--until they preach in a big city and catch the eye of a tough prostitute (Shirley Jones) who knows that Elmer is not quite as holy as he appears. This biting portrait of the business of religion was highly innovative at the time of its release, casting a slightly tarnished light on the hustle and theatrics of traveling ministries, while analyzing the true nature of faith and redemption. Lancaster's performance as the salesman turned preacher is dynamic and highly charismatic, full of energy and robust flair.

The Loft at Cinema La Placita is located in the plaza of La Placita Village, on the southwest corner of Broadway and Church Avenue in downtown Tucson. The actual address is 110 S. Church Avenue.

Click on this link to see a Mapquest map of the area

The Loft at Cinema La Placita is sponsored by Nina Trasoff (Tucson City Council, Ward 6), Joan Kaye Cauthorn, Betts Printing, Twice As Nice, and Shawn and Susan Halversen.