Marjoe
Directed by Sarah Kernochan, Howard Smith
In this Oscar-winning expose, 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.
In this Oscar-winning expose, southern evangelist Marjoe Gortner allows the filmmakers to record him swindling people out of money.
Member Reviews
Disgusting
I meant to one star this with my “disgusting “ comment
Great documentary film but the topic makes me stressed out. The preaching business is all and only about money, and I actually think they are all con-men and women. All of them. Not much has changed, sadly. The difference is, today, I would think it'd be hard to pull this off. Con-groups have mastered this skill of using vulnerable and ignorant people. They get better at it with time. Some even placed a con-man in the White House. I doubt a preacher or religious institution or group would grant this type of access today. Worth the watch.
Tragic.
Excellent documentary on the hypocrisies and fallacies of the evangelic church. One of the most telling clips is near the end. Marjoe's father, a preacher who stole the money from his "church" and fled leaving his wife and child impoverished, shares the tent with Marjoe. Pay close attention to what the other preachers in this doc say. It's all a scam.