Part documentary, part expose, this film follows one-time child evangelist Marjoe Gortner on the "church tent" Revivalist circuit, commenting on the showmanship of Evangelism and "the religion business", prior to the start of "televangelism". Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2005.
Acting
Marjoe's own unhinged charisma — he's playing himself playing God.
Direction
Filmmakers embedded like spies in the revival tent.
Director
Howard Smith
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Marjoe's parents made him memorize sermons at age three by repeating 'the devil is going to get you' until he cried, then comforting him with Bible verses.
Released just before the televangelism boom, it essentially predicted Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart — and barely anyone saw it.
US
