The Little Foxes Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of greedy Southerners try to swindle each other, and someone conveniently dies when their spouse doesn’t feel like fetching their medicine; spoiler alert: it’s not a rom-com.

🍿 The Little Foxes: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Hubbard Family

Set in the early 20th century South, ‘The Little Foxes’ introduces the Hubbard family, a ruthless and wealthy clan driven by greed. Regina Giddens, played by Bette Davis, is central to their schemes, seeking to expand her wealth and influence. Her brothers, Ben and Oscar, are equally ambitious and willing to exploit others to achieve their goals. The family dynamics are fraught with tension, as each member vies for power and control. Regina’s estranged husband, Horace, is a moral contrast to the rest of the family, which creates further conflict.

The Cotton Mill Scheme

The central conflict revolves around a business deal to build a cotton mill. Regina and her brothers need capital to invest, and she aims to secure her husband’s money for the venture. This sets in motion a series of manipulative tactics as Regina tries to get her way. Oscar’s unhappy wife, Birdie, and their son, Leo, are caught in the crossfire of the Hubbard’s machinations. Leo’s actions have serious repercussions, adding layers to the family’s web of deceit.

Horace’s Resistance

Horace returns home, but he refuses to support the cotton mill scheme, disapproving of the Hubbard’s exploitative practices. This defiance frustrates Regina, leading to increased tension and plotting. The refusal of Horace to cooperate becomes the pivotal point in the movie. The dynamics shift drastically as the theft of Horace’s bonds is revealed, highlighting the utter lack of scruples within the Hubbard family.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Regina Giddens (Bette Davis): The ruthless and manipulative matriarch of the Hubbard family, determined to gain wealth and power at any cost.
• Horace Giddens (Herbert Marshall): Regina’s estranged and ailing husband, who represents morality and principle against the Hubbards’ greed.
• Alexandra Giddens (Teresa Wright): The naive and sheltered daughter of Regina and Horace, who gradually awakens to her mother’s cruelty and chooses a different path.
• Ben Hubbard (Charles Dingle): One of Regina’s equally ruthless brothers, with a cunning intellect.
• Oscar Hubbard (Carl Benton Reid): Regina’s other brother, whose greed is matched by his cruelty, especially towards his wife.
• Birdie Hubbard (Patricia Collinge): Oscar’s unhappy and alcoholic wife, representing the fading gentility of the old South and a victim of the Hubbard’s ruthlessness.
• Leo Hubbard (Dan Duryea): Oscar and Birdie’s dishonest and somewhat dim-witted son, easily manipulated by his uncles and mother.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Regina Giddens: “I hope you die. I hope you die soon.” – Regina coldly says this to her dying husband, Horace, revealing her true feelings and impatience for his demise.
• Horace Giddens: “There are people who eat the earth and eat all the people on it like in my time they ate slaves. Then there are people who stand around and watch them eat it.” – Horace expresses his disgust with the ruthless greed of Regina and her brothers, contrasting it with those who passively allow it.
• Ben Hubbard: “I’m like you, Regina. I do what I have to do.” – Ben justifies his own unscrupulous behavior, aligning himself with Regina in their shared pursuit of wealth and power.
• Regina Giddens: “I don’t hate you. I just feel contempt for you.” – Regina delivers this line with icy disdain, encapsulating her utter lack of respect for her husband.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $850,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,000,000
• Worldwide Gross: $3,000,000

💥 The Little Foxes Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘The Little Foxes’ for the first time last night, and wow, what a movie! Bette Davis is absolutely incredible as Regina, you just love to hate her. The whole atmosphere of the film is so intense, and the scene where she just sits there while her husband is dying? Chilling! Definitely one of my new favorites, and I’m already planning a re-watch with my friends.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood dramas”
  • “Admirers of Bette Davis’s performances”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about family dynamics and greed”
  • “Those who appreciate well-written scripts and strong acting”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of greed and exploitation”
  • “Brief depiction of domestic violence”
  • “Implied act of murder”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A searing drama of greed and family dysfunction, elevated by Bette Davis’s iconic portrayal of Regina Giddens. Wyler’s direction is masterful, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the tension. A must-see for fans of classic cinema.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Davis delivers a career-defining performance as the ruthless Regina. The supporting cast shines, especially Patricia Collinge as the tragic Birdie. The film’s exploration of morality and ambition remains relevant and thought-provoking.
• The New York Times: “A powerful adaptation of Lillian Hellman’s play, exploring the dark side of the American Dream. While the film’s stage origins are evident, Wyler’s direction and the superb performances make it a compelling and unforgettable experience.

Audience Reactions

Bette Davis’s performance is iconic and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise Bette Davis’s captivating performance as the villainous Regina Giddens.

The film’s exploration of greed and family dynamics is timeless.: Many appreciate the film’s enduring relevance and its insightful portrayal of dysfunctional family relationships.

Overall Consensus: A classic drama with outstanding performances and a timeless story, ‘The Little Foxes’ is a must-watch for any film enthusiast.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bette Davis clashed with director William Wyler over the portrayal of Regina Giddens. Davis wanted to play her as purely evil, while Wyler wanted a more sympathetic, nuanced character.”
• “Lillian Hellman adapted the screenplay from her own successful stage play. Dorothy Parker and Arthur Kober also contributed to the screenplay.”
• “Gregg Toland’s cinematography is notable for its use of deep focus, allowing multiple planes of action to be in focus simultaneously.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Little Foxes?

You can watch ‘The Little Foxes’ on various streaming platforms. It’s often available for rent or purchase on services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on these and other streaming services. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray can also be purchased online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Little Foxes, you might like these similar films:

• All About Eve (1950): Both films feature strong, ambitious female characters who manipulate those around them to achieve their goals.
• Citizen Kane (1941): Shares similar themes about the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
• The Heiress (1949): A period drama about a woman manipulated by her family for financial gain, similar to Alexandra’s situation.
• House of Gucci (2021): A modern story of family greed, betrayal, and power struggles within a wealthy dynasty.

🛒 The Little Foxes Related Products

• The Little Foxes (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: High-definition digital restoration, featuring commentary by film historian Eddie Muller. Includes essays, interviews, and archival materials, perfect for collectors.
• The Collected Plays of Lillian Hellman: This ebook offers the original play script. Great for reading, re-reading, and compare to the movie.
• Bette Davis: The Complete Films: A digital collection showcasing all of Bette Davis’s films, including ‘The Little Foxes.’ Experience the versatility of a legendary actress.
• The Little Foxes Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. Printed on archival paper, perfect for framing and display.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Little Foxes features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Never Too Weary to Pray” – performed by Meredith Willson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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