The Root of All Evil 1947 DVD - Phyllis Calvert / Michael Rennie

Jeckie Farnish (Phyllis Calvert) has grown up in a grindingly poor household and, upon reaching adulthood, resolves to do whatever is necessary to escape poverty. Though loved by her childhood playmate Joe Bartle (John McCallum), she dismisses his lack of ambition and instead pursues Albert Grice (Hubert Gregg), the wealthy grocer’s son. When Albert marries someone else, a heartbroken Jeckie sues him for breach of promise and wins a significant settlement. She uses her windfall to open a rival grocery store across from the Grice establishment, quickly outcompeting them through lower prices and customer perks. Jeckie’s ambitions grow, and when Charles Mortimer (Michael Rennie) arrives with news of oil deposits nearby, she becomes his financial partner. Together, they buy land from an elderly, unsuspecting owner, Scholes (Moore Marriott), and strike oil. Jeckie amasses a fortune, buying the grandest house in town and living a life of luxury. However, her relationship with Charles unravels after she learns he is married, and she cuts him off from their profits. Scholes, fueled by resentment at being swindled, ignites the refinery, destroying Jeckie’s oil operation in a spectacular fire. Confronted with the collapse of her world and the cost of her ruthless ambition, Jeckie finally reflects on her life, realizing she has made many enemies and few friends. In the end, she recognizes Joe’s unwavering loyalty and love, and comes to understand he was the right man for her all along. Cast: - Phyllis Calvert as Jeckie Farnish - Michael Rennie as Charles Mortimer - John McCallum as Joe Bartle - Brefni O'Rorke as Farnish - Moore Marriott as Scholes - Hazel Court as Rushie Farnish - Hubert Gregg as Albert Grice - Arthur Young as George Grice - Reginald Purdell as Perkins - Stewart Rome as Sir George - George Carney as Bowser - George Merritt as Landlord - Ellis Irving as Auctioneer Runtime: 110 minutes.