Summaries

This Oscar-winning documentary explores the life of one-time child evangelist and faith healer Marjoe Gortner. The son of professional evangelists, Gortner was preaching on the Southern tent-revival circuit by the age of 3.

Part documentary, part expose, this film follows one-time child evangelist Marjoe Gortner on the "church tent" Revivalist circuit, commenting on the showmanship of Evangelism and "the religion business", prior to the start of "televangelism".—Steven F. Scharff <[email protected]>

In this revealing documentary, Southern evangelist Marjoe Gortner allows the filmmakers to record him swindling people out of money. Raised to be a child preacher on the revival-tent circuit, Gortner made a small fortune for his parents. Later, he began preaching on his own in a lively, rock star-influenced style, but, since he lacked actual religious faith, money became his sole motivator. As he stages his final revival tour, Marjoe provides a rare glimpse inside the business of evangelism.—Jwelch5742

Details

Keywords
  • character name as title
  • evangelist
  • rediscovered film
  • revival meeting
  • christian fanatic
Genres
  • Biography
  • Documentary
Release date Apr 10, 1973
Motion Picture Rating (MPA) PG
Countries of origin United States
Language English
Filming locations Los Angeles, California, USA
Production companies Cinema X Mauser Productions

Box office

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 28m
Color Color
Sound mix Mono
Aspect ratio

Synopsis

All Filters