Thread by @SethCotlar

Watching “A Face in the Crowd,” a 1957 film about a ratings obsessed narcissist and womanizer who capitalizes upon a new form of media to gain the support of millions of ordinary Americans who he disdains.

A simple talking populist who appeals to masculine nostalgia in order to justify shrinking big government programs that make people weak? Why, ya don’t say?

"I'll say one thing for him. He's got the courage of his ignorance."

Politics in the new television age is not about respect, it’s about getting people to love you and your catch phrases.

"The majority of the public don't see eye to eye with him [on policy], we've got to find 35 million buyers for the product we call [fill in name of conservative politician here]"

SPOILER: The demagogue is caught on a hot mike and is exposed. His admirers are so shocked at what a terrible person he is that they drop him. Just like what happened after the Access Hollywood tape, right?

The final line of the film: “You were taken in, like we were all taken in. But we got wise to him, that’s our strength.”

I suppose we Americans shall see in due time whether that is still one of "our" strengths.

BTW, another theme that pops up throughout the film is the amoral lead's cynical and opportunistic use of religious piety to appeal to his audience. "The family that prays together stays together," says the serial adulterer.

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