Adapted for the screen and directed by Richard Brooks, the film stars Burt Lancaster as a traveling salesman (i.e. a hustler) who turns to preaching after meeting Sister Sharon Falconer (Jean Simmons). Lancaster won his Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and the other Oscar Winners for this film include Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Shirley Jones), and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (Richard Brooks)