Marjoe

The 1972 documentary by Howard Smith and Sarah Kernochan is about Marjoe Gortner, put on stage as a preacher at four and still doing the work as an adult. Gortner took part willingly, intending to expose the operation: the camera records both the preaching and the talk backstage. The documentary's force is in that doubleness: on stage the man brings people to tears, then explains his technique in a room and counts the money. Gortner also says who taught him the tricks. The film won the Academy Award for best documentary. After it was released Gortner left the work. Its view of the scenes of faith is openly mocking, which some viewers may find uncomfortable. Who it's for: viewers interested in American evangelical culture and the history of documentary. Who it's not for: anyone wanting a treatment of faith at a distance, or put off by a mocking tone.