The Root of All Evil (1947): Cast & Plot
The Root of All Evil is a 1947 drama directed by Brock Williams, starring Phyllis Calvert as Jeckie Farnish, Brefni O'Rorke and Hazel Court. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 50m (110 min)
- Director
- Brock Williams
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Gainsborough Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Root of All Evil About?
The premise of The Root of All Evil without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Jeckie Farnish, a sensible and steady young woman, contrasts sharply with her pampered younger sister Rushie. Both become entangled with the charming businessman Charles Mortimer, whose involvement sparks a tragic turn that fuels Rushie's craving for vengeance. Throughout the turmoil, Jeckie knows she can rely on the steadfast support of Joe Bartle whenever she needs help.
The Root of All Evil Themes & Keywords
· 13 tags- melodrama
- gainsborough melodrama
- morality tale
- jilted
- revenge
- wronged woman
- woman scorned
- ambition
- family relationships
- girl
- father
- wealth
+1 more Show fewer
- based on novel
The Root of All Evil Cast & Characters
Phyllis Calvert leads the cast as Jeckie Farnish, with Brefni O'Rorke as Farnish and Hazel Court as Rushie Farnish. Directed by Brock Williams; 18 actors are credited in all.
- Director Brock Williams
- Phyllis Calvert as Jeckie Farnish
- Brefni O'Rorke as Farnish
- Hazel Court as Rushie Farnish
- Michael Rennie as Charles Mortimer
Also Starring in The Root of All Evil
· 14 more- John McCallum Joe Bartle
- Arthur Young George Grice
- Hubert Gregg Albert
- Moore Marriott Scholes
- Maureen Moore Mrs. Scholes
- Diana Decker Pam
- George Merritt Landlord
- Bryan Herbert Stubley
- George Carney Bowser
- Reginald Purdell Perkins
- Ellis Irving Auctioneer
- Stewart Rome Sir George
- Rory MacDermot Overthwaite
- Pat Hicks Lucy
The Root of All Evil Plot Summary
What happens in The Root of All Evil from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Jeckie Farnish, Phyllis Calvert grows up in a grindingly poor household and, as she becomes an adult, sets her sights on a path out of poverty. She falls for Albert Grice, the son of a wealthy grocery store owner, while her childhood love, Joe Bartle, John McCallum, admires her from afar. Jeckie sees Joe as loyal but not driven enough to match her relentless ambition, and she begins to believe that she and Albert share a future that will lift them both above their circumstances. The town’s social scale feels rigid, and she is determined to climb it by any means necessary.
Full summary
The whole story of The Root of All Evil, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know The Root of All Evil?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actress portrays Jeckie Farnish in the film?
Seen The Root of All Evil?
Movies Like The Root of All Evil
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Bad Sister, The Wicked Darling and Roots of Evil.
The Root of All Evil FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of The Root of All Evil, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Root of All Evil?
The Root of All Evil runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).
When was The Root of All Evil released?
The Root of All Evil was released on February 5, 1947.
Who directed The Root of All Evil?
The Root of All Evil was directed by Brock Williams.
Who is in the cast of The Root of All Evil?
The Root of All Evil stars Phyllis Calvert as Jeckie Farnish, Brefni O'Rorke as Farnish and Hazel Court as Rushie Farnish, among 18 credited actors.
Does The Root of All Evil have a post-credit scene?
No. The Root of All Evil has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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