A "lost" classic by Director Michael Curtiz. Loose chronicle of 19th-century tobacco farmer (Cooper) building successful cigarette empire, seeking revenge on old enemies and finding romance.

Curated by Jason Forrest

Total Runtime: 1:50:35

(1950)

Bright Leaf is a 1950 film drama based on a 1949 novel by Foster Fitzsimmons. It stars Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal and Lauren Bacall, directed by Michael Curtiz.^[1]^[2]

The works derive their name from the type of tobacco grown in North Carolina after the American Civil War.

Plot

Loosely based on the rivalry of tobacco tycoons Washington Duke and George McElwee, Bright Leaf follows tenant farmer Brant Royle, who returns home after his family is driven from its farm by tobacco baron Major Singleton and becomes a rich and ruthless tyrant himself.

Royle and Singleton battle for their respective empires while Royle becomes obsessed with the Major's beautiful but devious daughter, Margaret. In the process he betrays Sonia, a business partner who loves him.

Thanks to the creation of a revolutionary cigarette manufacturing machine by inventor John Barton, the Royle tobacco business grows internationally by leaps and bounds. Singleton, who abhors cigarettes and has made his fortune with pipe tobacco and cigars, fails to heed the signs of progress. His debts mount until Royle buys up control of Singleton stock.

Rejecting an offer by Royle to save face, Singleton challenges his rival to a duel. Royle resists, but Singleton shoots the unarmed man. The public disgrace and loss of honor leads to his suicide.

Margaret agrees to marry Royle and they honeymoon abroad. But their disagreements grow in intensity. In time, Royle's business associate, Chris Malley, reveals that Margaret has been selling millions of dollars worth of stock in her husband's company to outside interests. She still resents the way Royle ruined her father.

In his arrogance, Royle turns against Sonia, then Barton, then finally Malley, his only allies. By the time he sees the error of his ways, it is too late.

Legacy

The film, one of many epic melodramas produced by Hollywood at the time, was widely forgotten after its first theatrical release in 1950. Bright Leaf gained new attention in 2003, when it played prominently in the documentary Bright Leaves by filmmaker Ross McElwee, a descendant of the man whose life was reflected in both the novel and film.

Cast

Gary Cooper as Brant Royle
Lauren Bacall as Sonia Kovac
Patricia Neal as Margaret Jane Singleton
Jack Carson as Chris Malley
Donald Crisp as Major Singleton
Gladys George as Rose
Elizabeth Patterson as Tabitha Singleton
Jeff Corey as John Barton
Cleo Moore as Cousin Louise

Movie - Bright Leaf (1950)

◀ PREVNEXT ▶ THIS VIDEO: MORE INFO ABOUT THIS SHOW »

Search Tags:

Movie50sdramahistorymichael curtiztobacco

Our Curators Recommend:

A Tribute To Cats!

ALL CATS ALL DAY!

The Network Awesome Show

The Network Awesome Show is a music variety show that captures the creativity of the musicians and artists that drive the scene.

Movie - 1990: The Bronx Warriors (1982)

Post-apocalyptic NYC has fallen under the rule of vicious gangs. One police officer attempts to infiltrate and return order

Ray Bradbury Theater - The Playground

"The Playground" Captain Kirk has an uneasy feeling about the children at a local playground.

Network Awesome Originals:

Electronic Music Week

Drive-In Movie Week

Drive in Movies! 5 theme days filled with aliens, A-bombs and adventure!

Fashion Week

Portable.tv presents an entire week of programming about fashion to coincide with London Fashion Week.

Awesome Tapes From Africa Weekend

2 days of amazing videos curated by Awesome Tapes From Africa!

Previously This Week:

Wed, May 22

Live Music Show - Simon and Garfunkel's "The Concert in Central Park" (1981)

Eroticise (1982)

Collection - 80s Look-Alike Contests

All Star Party for Clint Eastwood, 1986

ABC Afterschool Special - I Want To Go Home (1985)

Movie - My Bodyguard (Tony Bill, 1980)

Tue, May 21

Star Blazers Ep 2

Doc: Suited For Space (1966)

Art: Our Lady of the Sphere (Larry Jordan, 1969)

Collection: Catastrophic Launch Failure

Doc: The Outer Space Connection (1975)

Movie: Saturn 3 (1980)

Mon, May 20

Live Music Show - The Smiths at Rockpalast, 1984

Riget (The Kingdom) S01E02

Golden Girls S02E05: Isn't It Romantic

Talkshow - Mel Brooks in 1975

Doc - Mel Brooks: I Thought I Was Taller (1981)

Movie - The Twelve Chairs (Mel Brooks, 1970)

Sun, May 19

Sigmund and the Sea Monsters: Dinosaur Show

Joe 90: Operation McClaine

Collection: Jim Henson Experiments

Doc: Sex, Drugs and Soft Toys, Making Meet the Feebles

Movie: The Muppet Movie (1979)

Movie: Meet the Feebles (1989)

Sat, May 18

Collection - Foods on Film

The French Chef - The Lobster Show

Collection - My Drunk Kitchen

Collection - MUNCHIES

Collection - James Deen Loves Food

Movie - My Dinner With Andre (1981)

Fri, May 17

Collection - Vintage Jeans Commercials

Collection - Comic Sans!

Collection - Logos from Hell...

Cool Hunting Video Presents: Artists

Collection - Future Housing and Cities

Doc - Future By Design: The Venus Project