Elmer Gantry (VHS, Sealed)

Elmer Gantry: Vintage VHS Drama

This vintage VHS tape of Elmer Gantry remains sealed in its original shrink-wrap, making it a collectible item. Richard Brooks directed and adapted this 1960 American drama film, which tells the story of a confidence man and a female evangelist selling religion to small-town America. The film draws its basis from Sinclair Lewis’s 1927 novel of the same name, and stars Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons, Arthur Kennedy, Shirley Jones, and Patti Page. We received this VHS tape donated new in its original shrink-wrap.

Plot: Faith and Deception

Hedonistic yet charming con man Elmer Gantry, played by Burt Lancaster, meets Sister Sharon Falconer (Jean Simmons), a roadside revivalist. He feigns piousness to join her act as a passionate preacher. The two quickly form a successful onstage pair, and their chemistry soon extends to romance. Both the show and their relationship face threats, however, when one of Gantry’s ex-lovers (Shirley Jones) decides she has a score to settle with the charismatic performer.

Award-winning Film

Elmer Gantry received five Academy Award nominations in 1961, including Best Picture and Best Score. Burt Lancaster won Best Actor for his compelling role, while Shirley Jones won Best Supporting Actress. The film also won Best Adapted Screenplay, and Jean Simmons earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, highlighting the film’s significant critical success.

Loosely Based on a Novel

The film’s plot covers less than 100 pages of the original novel, deleting many characters and fundamentally changing Sister Sharon Falconer, as played by Jean Simmons. The character of Sharon Falconer loosely draws from Aimee Semple McPherson, who founded the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. Additionally, a plot point from the novel’s ending impacts Gantry and Lulu Bains, fundamentally changing both characters’ fates.

Powerful Performances

Burt Lancaster delivers a captivating performance, bringing the complex character of Elmer Gantry to life. Jean Simmons portrays Sister Sharon Falconer with nuance, and Shirley Jones’s portrayal of Gantry’s ex-lover is truly memorable. The strong acting from the entire cast elevates the film’s dramatic narrative.

Vintage Collectible Item

This VHS tape is a genuine vintage collectible. Its sealed, original shrink-wrap protects it, which increases its value for collectors of classic films or VHS tapes. Owning this tape means possessing a distinct piece of film history.

Support a Worthy Cause

By purchasing this item, you’re supporting Father Joe’s Villages’ mission to prevent and end homelessness in San Diego.

Starring: Burt Lancaster, Jean Simmons
Movie Year: 1960
VHS Year: 1987 (CBS/Fox Video)
Condition: Donated new, sealed
Retail Value: $29.98 (sticker on VHS box)