Larry Rhodes is a hobo with a powerful personality and a mean streak as wide as the Mississippi River. He is 'discovered' by Marcia Jeffries, who christens him "Lonesome" Rhodes, and makes him the star of her morning radio show, "A Face in the Crowd." Listeners are enthralled by his down-home, folksy charm, and after developing a large following, Rhodes begins a journey to national fame and TV stardom. A powerful business tycoon realizes that he can use Rhodes's popularity to change the course of a national election in his favor--provided that he can keep the star from self-destructing under the weight of his own megalomania, narcissism, and contempt for his audience. Marcia's journey, by contrast, is a long and painful one. From a rather innocent young woman to betrayed loyal ally who recognizes the monster she has helped to create and knows she must destroy, she finally reaches her limit and rejects his emotional blackmail.