“Marjoe” (1972) starring Marjoe Gortner / Z-View

Marjoe (1972)

Director: Howard Smith, Sarah Kernochan

Stars:  Marjoe Gortner

Tagline: You Keep the Faith…Marjoe Keeps the Money.

The Plot…

Marjoe Gortner’s parents were traveling evangelists.  While still a small child, his parents discovered Marjoe’s ability to mimick adults.  They devised the story that Marjoe while taking a bath was struck by the Holy spirit.  Marjoe was ordained at the age of four.  His parents practiced with Marjoe the words to say, the hand gestures to make and the body language to project for each sermon.  Marjoe was a sensation everywhere they went.  After each sermon the money poured in.

Marjoe, in his twenties, decided to expose the methods used to dupe folks.  He took a documentary crew with him on his last revival tour.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Marjoe was nominated and won the Academy Award for Best Documentary, Features –Howard Smith, Sarah Kernochan

Marjoe’s father appeared in one scene unaware that the documentary was an exposé.

Marjoe Gortner went on to have a career as an actor.

Marjoe (1972) rates 4 of 5 stars.