Jose Ferrer does a terrific job as the reporter asked to create an hour-long program to eulogize a famous radio star who is beloved by the nation. To get material, he tracks down the man's co-workers, friends and family. However, in a series of vignettes, we find that NO ONE is willing to saying anything good about the man. It seems that beneath that wonderful persona he created for his listeners, he is a total jerk. The general consensus is "good riddance" when they discuss his death. So what is Ferrer to do? His bosses are expecting a glowing tribute. Should he just white-wash the man, tell the truth or just cancel the tribute program altogether? Watch the movie to find out yourself--you won't be disappointed.
By the way, this film came out a year before the much more famous "A Face in the Crowd" (with Andy Griffith). While "A Face" is considered a classic, I actually preferred "The Great Man". It was more subtle and realistic--and I am shocked it's not the more famous of the two--especially since it came out first and both essentially are retelling the story (with names changed) of Arthur Godfrey's fall from grace on national television.
By the way, this film came out a year before the much more famous "A Face in the Crowd" (with Andy Griffith). While "A Face" is considered a classic, I actually preferred "The Great Man". It was more subtle and realistic--and I am shocked it's not the more famous of the two--especially since it came out first and both essentially are retelling the story (with names changed) of Arthur Godfrey's fall from grace on national television.