Elmer Gantry (1960) Ending Explained
tl;dr: Elmer Gantry (1960) ends with its charismatic but morally flawed protagonist, Elmer Gantry (Burt Lancaster), witnessing the tragic consequences of his hypocrisy. After building a revivalist empire with evangelist Sister Sharon Falconer (Jean Simmons), Gantry's past as a con artist and heavy drinker catches up to him. A vengeful journalist exposes his sins, leading to a riot that results in Sharon's death in a fire. The film closes with Gantry, now a broken man, walking away from the wreckage, symbolizing the collapse of his fraudulent spiritual authority and the harsh reckoning of his manipulative ways.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Elmer Gantry is a devastating convergence of irony and divine (or karmic) justice. Throughout the film, Gantry leverages his charm, wit, and theatrical preaching style to build a religious movement alongside the devout but ambitious Sister Sharon. However, his past-filled with debauchery, alcoholism, and deceit-haunts him when a reporter, Jim Lefferts (Arthur Kennedy), publishes damning evidence of his hypocrisy. The revelation sparks outrage among the townspeople, leading to a violent riot. In the chaos, Sharon's revival tent catches fire, and she perishes, refusing to flee because she believes God will protect her. This moment underscores the film's central theme: the dangers of blind faith, whether in religion or in charismatic but corrupt figures like Gantry.
The final scenes depict Gantry wandering away from the smoldering ruins of the tent, his face a mask of grief and guilt. This imagery is loaded with symbolism. The fire, often associated with both divine judgment and purification, consumes not just Sharon's life but also the false spiritual empire they built together. Gantry's aimless walk suggests he has lost everything-his lover, his livelihood, and the illusion of moral superiority. Unlike traditional redemption arcs, the film denies Gantry a clear path to atonement, leaving him in a state of existential limbo. His fate is ambiguous: Will he return to his old conman ways, or is he truly shattered by the consequences of his actions?
Unresolved Questions
- Does Gantry experience genuine remorse, or is he merely grieving his lost power?
- The film hints at both. His tears could signify real sorrow for Sharon's death, but his history of manipulation leaves room for doubt.
- What happens to Gantry after the fire?
- He might revert to alcoholism and petty scams, or perhaps the tragedy sparks a real spiritual awakening. The novel (by Sinclair Lewis) suggests a darker continuation.
- Was Sharon a true believer or just another opportunist?
- Her refusal to leave the burning tent implies sincere faith, but her earlier partnership with Gantry blurs the line between piety and ambition.
Personal Opinion
Elmer Gantry is a scathing critique of religious hucksterism, and its ending is brutally effective. Burt Lancaster's electrifying performance makes Gantry both detestable and pitiable, a man whose charisma is his greatest asset and fatal flaw. The lack of a neat moral resolution feels true to life-some people evade consequences, but Gantry's downfall is poetic. Sharon's death, meanwhile, is tragic but inevitable, a victim of her own misplaced trust in both Gantry and divine intervention. The film's ambiguity about Gantry's future is its greatest strength, forcing viewers to grapple with whether anyone, no matter how flawed, can truly change.
Themes and Legacy
The ending reinforces the film's exploration of corruption, faith, and performance. Religion, in Elmer Gantry, is as much about spectacle as salvation, and Gantry's downfall exposes the fragility of movements built on personality rather than principle. The film remains relevant today, particularly in how it examines the intersection of showmanship and spirituality. Its bleak conclusion refuses to offer easy answers, making it a timeless cautionary tale about the perils of hypocrisy and the human cost of unchecked ambition. Whether seen as a tragedy or a moral reckoning, Elmer Gantry's ending leaves a lasting impact, challenging audiences to reflect on the difference between belief and exploitation.