So much of this 1941 film reminds me of The Beverly Hillbillies and other movies dealing with rural impoverished America.
Most of the film is absolutely inane with Jeeter Lester (Charley Grapewin in a good performance) running around trying to sell wood, so as to make the payment for his place.
"Tobacco Road" depicts rural America at its most impoverished level, and therefore the film should have been much more serious in tone. Nevertheless, the last 10 minutes or so becomes poignant when it appears that Jeeter and wife Elizabeth Patterson will land up in the poor house. Due to the kindness of friend Dana Andrews, they get a six month stay to come up with a bumper crop. After all is said and done, Jeeter resorts to laziness and you come away with the impression that nothing positive shall get done. Is this really Americana?
Gene Tierney is in the movie as daughter Ellie Mae. Ellie Mae! Wasn't that the daughter's name in Beverly Hillbillies?
Most of the film is absolutely inane with Jeeter Lester (Charley Grapewin in a good performance) running around trying to sell wood, so as to make the payment for his place.
"Tobacco Road" depicts rural America at its most impoverished level, and therefore the film should have been much more serious in tone. Nevertheless, the last 10 minutes or so becomes poignant when it appears that Jeeter and wife Elizabeth Patterson will land up in the poor house. Due to the kindness of friend Dana Andrews, they get a six month stay to come up with a bumper crop. After all is said and done, Jeeter resorts to laziness and you come away with the impression that nothing positive shall get done. Is this really Americana?
Gene Tierney is in the movie as daughter Ellie Mae. Ellie Mae! Wasn't that the daughter's name in Beverly Hillbillies?