Glory! Glory!

This was regarded as British director's Lindsay Anderson first foray into television. Its a light satire on televangelism with Richard Thomas an anaemic evangelist taking over his father's ministry. His sermons go down poorly, funds begin to dry up and and he comes across a rebellious rock performer (Ellen Greene) who becomes Sister Ruth, makes her songs more religious and creates a storm rejuvenating the ministry but sex, drugs and rock n roll are never far behind.

This was an entertaining television two parter but you kind of think that L'Infant terrible of the British new wave cinema was holding back some of his punches.

It does have a Television movie sheen about it but Ellen Greene oozed sex appeal and Richard Thomas was in his element for this entertaining dig at some of the celebrity preachers of the time.

Televangelists are fair game, but the subject is seldom handled with as much wit or salty glee as it is here. Bobby Joe can't quite seem to get the hang of it, he doesn't have his Daddy's gift. But when he sees Ruth (Ellen Greene) singing in a bar - and moving the audience - he gets an idea: use her to sell Jesus! Ruth has her own ideas, including the ever-popular sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. What she doesn't expect is a genuine conversion...Or that her affairs will suddenly become public.

The cast is terrific, especially James Whitmore (who steals every scene he's in) with the exception of Ruth's lover, the newsman. It's a conventional role, but the actor doesn't bring much to it. In the minor role of Whitmore's henchman, Vincent, Mr. Buza is so good he deserves his own movie...

This is not for the soberly fundamentalist, but all the rest of you will have a good time.

I would like to understand the status of this film. It one of the hardest to find. There must be something secretive about who is keeping this from getting any reruns. Richard Thomas' performance is engrossing and Ellen Greene shows how gospel can be sung like an angel! Her performance here belittles her incredible singing in Little Shop of horrors. She sings multiple songs in most episodes really showcasing her range and emotion. Really an encore class cast with many memorable performances. I wish you all luck in tracking down this masterpiece! I did find one VHS version of it on eBay for $75 but I prefer digital in this age.

As noted by the first three reviewers (ironically, all of them from Oklahoma... clearly a state that recognizes great films), "Glory! Glory!" is truly special. The late, great director Lindsay Anderson solidified his well-deserved reputation as a master of satire with this entry.

Unfortunately, "Glory! Glory!" has never been released on either VHS or DVD. A pity, because the writing, acting and overall production are positively brilliant. Never too heavy-handed, it makes solid points about the business of televangelism and how it is no different from any other aspect of showbiz. Backroom deals of all types are cut, individuals act in self-serving ways that contradict the "holy mission" they claim to represent, people manipulate, control and abuse one another ... and that's just on the surface!

Did I mention that this is achieved with a wry, light-hearted touch? Presenting this potentially inflammatory material in such tongue-in-cheek fashion prevents it from descending into a lecture. The viewer will find himself laughing out loud much of the way. A real bonus is that the music is also top rate and never intrusive; when we hear a song, it is part of the overall story and thus propels it forward.

Richard Thomas and Ellen Greene are standouts. Both infuse their characters with a depth that allows us easy access to their individual strengths and weaknesses. That being said, in my estimation James Whitmore's performance as Lester Babbitt runs away with the show. Sublime and outrageous simultaneously, it is the stuff of legend. A consummate character actor, Whitmore has never been finer.

If you ever get the opportunity to see this, drop everything else and make it top priority. You will indeed be rewarded.

I can still remember watching this film back in 1989 - I was blown away by the vocal of Ellen Greene - The acting in this little know movie was great. The timing of this films release could not have been any better as it co-insided with the headlines of the day. Tel-evanglists were in the spot light and this made light of them, but also provided insight in to what can happen when you believe in yourself and others around you.

I have been trying to purchase a copy of this film since 1989 with out success. This movie is well worth your time to see and hear. The vocals of Ellen Greene are simple breathtaking.