The rise of a raucous hayseed named Lonesome Rhodes from itinerant Ozark guitar picker to local media rabble-rouser to TV superstar and political king-maker. Marcia Jeffries is the innocent Sarah Lawrence girl who discovers the great man in a back-country jail and is the first to fall under his spell.

Andy Griffithas Larry 'Lonesome' Rhodes
Patricia Nealas Marcia Jeffries
Anthony Franciosaas Joey DePalma
Walter Matthauas Mel Miller
Lee Remickas Betty Lou Fleckum
Percy Waramas General Haynesworth
Paul McGrathas Macey
Rod Brasfieldas Beanie
Marshall Neilanas Senator Worthington Fuller
Alexander Kirklandas Jim Collier