The Root of All Evil

The Root of All Evil

Year: 1947

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: English

Director: Brock Williams

Drama

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 (1947) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at The Root of All Evil (1947) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a modest town defined by rigid social tiers, Jeckie Farnish dreams of a life far beyond the grinding poverty of her upbringing. She is sensible, steady, and driven by an unrelenting ambition to rise above the constraints that have shaped her family. Beside her lives her pampered younger sister Rushie, whose easy confidence contrasts sharply with Jeckie’s pragmatic resolve, setting the stage for a subtle rivalry that flickers beneath everyday interactions.

Both sisters find themselves drawn to the magnetic presence of Charles Mortimer, a charming businessman whose smooth confidence promises opportunity and excitement. His arrival stirs something in each of them, hinting at possibilities that could reshape their futures while also introducing a tension that threatens to pull the sisters apart. The town’s quiet streets suddenly feel charged with the promise—and the peril—of ambition intertwined with desire.

In the midst of this swirling uncertainty, Joe Bartle offers an unshakable anchor for Jeckie. He is patient and steadfast, a quiet presence who stands ready to help whenever she needs it. Their relationship is built on long‑standing familiarity, providing a steadier counterpoint to the alluring but unpredictable allure of new fortunes and entanglements.

The film unfolds with a tone that blends earnest determination and simmering unease, painting a portrait of a woman who must balance the lure of advancement against the bonds of family and loyalty. As Jeckie navigates the shifting dynamics between sister, suitor, and loyal friend, the audience is left to wonder how far ambition can stretch before it reshapes the very foundations of what matters most.

Last Updated: December 05, 2025 at 09:51

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Bittersweet sagas of female ambition like The Root of All Evil

Stories of women ruthlessly climbing to success, only to find it hollow.Explore movies like The Root of All Evil that chart the rise and moral reckoning of ambitious women. These films share a melancholic tone, steady pacing, and bittersweet endings, focusing on the personal price of success in stories of business rivalry and class struggle.

ambitiousmelancholicregretfuldramaticsteadfastreflectivelonely

Narrative Summary

The narrative arc typically follows a clear, linear progression of a woman's ambitious climb from a lower station, often involving rivalry, betrayal, and moral compromise. The climax is not a triumphant victory but a quiet, reflective moment where the protagonist confronts the isolation and regret her ambition has created, leading to a bittersweet resolution.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on a female protagonist's ambitious journey, their melancholic and reflective mood, and their ultimate delivery of a bittersweet conclusion that balances material loss with emotional insight.

Moral reckonings in steady dramas like The Root of All Evil

Character-driven stories where ambition and revenge lead to a quiet, personal reckoning.If you liked the steady, character-focused drama of The Root of All Evil, you'll find similar movies here. These films share a moderate complexity and emotional weight, using a deliberate pace to explore the consequences of ambition and revenge, leading to a poignant moral reckoning.

dramaticreflectiveregretfulsteadfastmoral conflictmethodicalemotional

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread are built around a central character flaw, such as unchecked ambition or a thirst for revenge, which drives the plot in a linear fashion. The pacing is steady, avoiding jarring shifts, to methodically chart the cause-and-effect of decisions. The primary tension comes from moral and emotional dilemmas, culminating in a climax where the protagonist faces the full emotional impact of their journey.

Why These Movies?

These movies are connected by their steady, deliberate pacing, medium intensity, and focus on a protagonist's moral and emotional awakening. They share a similar narrative structure that prioritizes character development over plot twists, resulting in a resonant, bittersweet conclusion.

Unlock the Full Story of The Root of All Evil

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Root of All Evil in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Root of All Evil is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Root of All Evil Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Root of All Evil, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Root of All Evil Summary

The Root of All Evil Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Root of All Evil with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Root of All Evil Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Root of All Evil

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Root of All Evil. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Root of All Evil

More About The Root of All Evil

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Root of All Evil: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Root of All Evil

Similar Movies to The Root of All Evil

Discover movies like The Root of All Evil that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.