The Little Foxes is a 1941 drama film directed by William Wyler and starring Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall, and Teresa Wright. Set in the American South during the turn of the 20th century, the movie tells the story of the Hubbard family, a wealthy and powerful clan controlling a small town in Alabama. The family's matriarch, Regina Giddens (Davis), is determined to expand their business interests by any means necessary, even if it means betraying her own family .
The film opens with Regina's brothers Ben and Oscar arriving in town to discuss a potential business deal with a wealthy investor from Chicago. The Hubbard siblings, who inherited their wealth from their deceased father, have grown accustomed to a lavish lifestyle and are eager to secure their financial future. However, they soon realize that they need their sister Regina's help to close the deal, as she holds the majority of the family's shares in a lucrative cotton mill.
Regina, who is married to the sickly and impotent Horace Giddens (Marshall), sees an opportunity to gain more power within the family and begins to scheme against her own husband. She convinces her brothers to coerce Horace into g over his shares in the mill to her, with the promise of a divorce and a large settlement. Horace, who despises his wife and her family's greed, is unwilling to comply and threatens to expose their corruption.
As the story unfolds, tensions rise between Regina and her family , as they each try to outmaneuver each other for control of the mill and the money it generates. Regina's daughter Alexandra (Wright) is the only member of the family who is not motivated by greed, and she becomes caught in the middle of the power struggle between her mother and her uncles.
The Little Foxes is a gripping tale of greed, betrayal, and family dysfunction, brought to life by the brilliant performances of its talented cast. Bette Davis is particularly exceptional as the ruthless Regina, who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Herbert Marshall is equally impressive as Horace, the weak and sickly man who stands up to her in the face of unbearable pressure.
The film also features stunning cinematography that captures the beauty and decay of the Southern landscape, as well as the opulent lifestyle of the Hubbard family. The costume design is equally impressive, with Davis's character donning a series of stunning gowns and accessories that showcase her wealth and power.
Overall, The Little Foxes is a classic piece of cinema that explores the darker side of human nature and the destructive power of greed. It is a must-see for fans of classic film and anyone interested in a gripping and thought-provoking drama.