Bright Leaf
| Bright Leaf | |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Michael Curtiz |
| Produced by | Henry Blanke |
| Screenplay by | Ranald MacDougall |
| Based on |
Bright Leaf 1949 novel by Foster Fitz-simons |
| Starring | |
| Music by | Victor Young |
| Cinematography | Karl Freund |
| Edited by | Owen Marks |
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Production
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| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
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Release date
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Running time
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110 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Bright Leaf is a 1950 American drama film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Gary Cooper, Lauren Bacall and Patricia Neal.
It is based on a 1949 novel of the same name by Foster Fitz-Simons. The title comes from the type of tobacco grown in North Carolina after the American Civil War. The plot is loosely based on the rivalry of tobacco tycoons Washington Duke and John Harvey McElwee, according to Bright Leaves, a 2003 documentary by Ross McElwee.
In 1894, poor but arrogant Brant Royle (Gary Cooper) returns to his hometown of Kingsmont, North Carolina, to settle his recently deceased uncle's estate. Years before, he had been driven out by powerful tobacco plantation owner Major Singleton (Donald Crisp) for daring to fall in love with Singleton's daughter Margaret (Patricia Neal).
When Royle stops a runaway carriage bearing Margaret, she gives him a cool reception, but his ardor remains undiminished. The only one glad to see him is Sonia Kovac (Lauren Bacall), who has always made it plain she loves him. Upon inheriting her mother's house, she prospered by turning it into a bordello.
Meanwhile, inventor John Barton (Jeff Corey) is unable to interest Major Singleton in financing the building of his revolutionary cigarette rolling machine. Singleton and all the other growers are cigar men. After Barton sees the hatred between Singleton and Royle, he approaches Royle. With only a few dollars to his name, Royle gets the money Barton needs from Sonia, making her a partner. The first man he hires is Chris Malley (Jack Carson), a medicine showman.
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Wikipedia