A charismatic charlatan begins a business — and eventually romantic — relationship with a roadside evangelist to sell religion to 1920s America. Based on Sinclair Lewis' novel of the same name.
Brooks honors the spirit of Lewis' cynical commentary on circus-type primitive exhortation with pictorial imagery that is always pungent. He also has written dialog that is frank and biting.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
8 Apr 2008
rotten:
Brooks was the ultimate vulgarizer of serious literature.
– Jonathan Rosenbaum,
Chicago Reader,
8 Apr 2008
fresh:
With a host of fine performances, and a strong sense of period and place conveyed by John Alton's lush camerawork, there's still plenty to enjoy.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
26 Jan 2006
fresh:
The briskly paced drama of a religious opportunist, his colleagues and his times utilizes the tools of the motion picture in expert fashion.