A Face in the Crowd (novella)

A Face in the Crowd is a novella by Budd Schulberg, first published in 1953. It served as the basis for the critically acclaimed 1957 film of the same name, directed by Elia Kazan. The novella explores themes of media manipulation, the corrupting influence of power, and the dangers of celebrity worship in American society.

The story centers on Marcia Jeffries, a young radio producer in a small Arkansas town who discovers Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes, a charismatic and seemingly folksy drifter with a natural talent for entertaining. Marcia gives Lonesome his own radio show, which quickly becomes a local sensation. As Lonesome's popularity explodes, he evolves into a powerful television personality, leveraging his influence to endorse products and even sway public opinion on political matters.

Throughout the narrative, Marcia grapples with the ethical implications of Lonesome's growing power and increasingly arrogant behavior. She witnesses firsthand how his carefully crafted public image masks a manipulative and cynical personality. As Lonesome becomes more powerful and influential, he increasingly abuses his position, mistreating those around him and using his platform for personal gain.

The novella culminates in Marcia's attempt to expose Lonesome's true nature, risking her own career and reputation in the process. A Face in the Crowd offers a cautionary tale about the potential for media to be used as a tool for manipulation and the importance of critical thinking in a society saturated with information and celebrity culture. While the film adaptation is more widely known, the novella provides the foundation for the story and offers a more intimate look at Marcia's internal conflict and Lonesome's descent into corruption. The novella is a sharp commentary on the burgeoning television age and its potential to both elevate and corrupt individuals and societies.