Watch The World's Greatest Sinner

The World's Greatest Sinner is a 1962 independent film written, produced, directed, and starring Timothy Carey. The movie tells the story of Clarence Hilliard, a bored and disillusioned middle-aged insurance salesman who quits his job and decides to become a rock-and-roll messiah, taking on the persona of "God," and starting his own religious movement.

The film opens with a montage of stock footage and scenes of poverty and social unrest, set to a jazzy and discordant soundtrack. We then meet Clarence Hilliard, a typical suburbanite living in Southern California with his wife and kids. He works at an insurance company, but he's dissatisfied with his humdrum life and feels an overwhelming urge to do something meaningful.

One day, Clarence sees a group of young rock-and-roll fans dancing to some music and he's struck by their passion and energy. Determined to be part of the scene, he dyes his hair jet-black and starts a band called God's Little Fingers. But Clarence doesn't just want to play music – he wants to change the world.

He begins to spread the word of his new religion, which he calls "Eternalism," and soon attracts a small but devoted following of hippies, beatniks, and other misfits. His message is simple: everyone can become God, and live forever in a state of happiness and euphoria.

But as Clarence's movement grows, he becomes increasingly megalomaniacal and delusional, demanding complete obedience and devotion from his followers. He also starts to indulge in various vices, such as alcohol and drugs, and even seduces some of his female disciples.

As his followers become more fanatical and his own behavior more erratic, Clarence's life spirals out of control, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion.

The World's Greatest Sinner is a bizarre and surreal movie, with a low-budget and experimental style that reflects its creator's unorthodox vision. The film is heavily influenced by the Beat generation of writers and artists, as well as by the counterculture of the early 1960s.

Timothy Carey delivers a mesmerizing and often frightening performance as Clarence, imbuing the character with a mix of charisma, insanity, and desperation. He's a man who's lost his moorings and is grasping for meaning in a world that seems empty and meaningless.

The supporting cast is also impressive, particularly Gil Barreto as Stanley, Clarence's loyal but conflicted drummer, and Betty Rowland as Sydnee, a young woman who's drawn into Clarence's orbit and becomes one of his most devoted followers.

The movie's themes are also still relevant today, as it explores the dangers of blind faith, the seductiveness of charisma, and the perils of unchecked ego. The World's Greatest Sinner is a unique and unsettling cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the final credits have rolled.

The World's Greatest Sinner is a 1964 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.