The Great Man (1956)

Joe Harris, preparing a eulogy for popular radio commentator Herb Fuller, finds that nobody has a good word to say about him.

Director:

José Ferrer

Writers:

Al Morgan (novel), Al Morgan,

Stars:

José Ferrer, Dean Jagger, Keenan Wynn

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
José Ferrer	...	Joe Harris
Dean Jagger	...	Philip Carleton
Keenan Wynn	...	Sid Moore
Julie London	...	Carol Larson
Joanne Gilbert	...	Ginny, Harris's secretary
Ed Wynn	...	Paul Beaseley
Jim Backus	...	Nick Cellantano
Russ Morgan	...	Eddie Brand
Edward Platt	...	Dr. O'Connor (as Edward C. Platt)
Robert Foulk	...	Mike Jackson, radio engineer
Lyle Talbot	...	Harry Connors
Vinton Hayworth	...	Charley Carruthers
Henny Backus	...	Mrs. Rieber
Janie Alexander	...	Mary Browne
Vikki Dougan	...	Marcia, new receptionist

Storyline

On the death of popular national radio commentator Herb Fuller, underling Joe Harris undertakes to prepare an hour long, eulogistic program featuring interviews with Fuller's friends. But, though Fuller was beloved by 150 million of what all the pros term the "great unwashed," all Harris can find is victims, cynical users, and outright enemies of Fuller. Is this where the magic of editing comes in?

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Plot Keywords:

radio | car crash | directed by star | alcoholic | written and directed by cast member | 

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Taglines:

Everybody loved the Great Man except those who hated his guts!

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

December 1956 (USA)

Also Known As:

O mystiriodis anthropos

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Quotes

Ginny: Feet of clay, huh?
Joe Harris: Right up to the knees, at least.

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Soundtracks

"THE MEANING OF THE BLUES"
Written by Bobby Troup and Leah Worth
Performed by Julie London

User Reviews

A Welles Copy?

This is a very interesting film for a variety of reasons. In many ways, it's a CITIZEN KANE knock-off, but sometimes in reverse. We see the reporter who is putting together the story of the great man, but we never see the great man himself. As in "Kane," the ex-wife is an alcoholic singer. There is also a "Rosebud" of sorts-a deathbed obscenity. Well worth watching!