Watch Cotton Queen

The movie Cotton Queen from 1937 is a thrilling and captivating drama, starring Will Fyffe, Stanley Holloway, and Mary Lawson. Set in the rural South, the story centers around a struggling cotton farming family, the Dugans, who are facing financial ruin. The head of the family, John Dugan, played by Will Fyffe, is a hard-working but stubborn man who refuses to give up his farm despite mounting debts and a shrinking harvest. His wife, played by Mary Lawson, is equally determined to see the family through tough times, but fears for their future.

Enter the neighboring plantation owner, Mr. Miles, played by Stanley Holloway, a slick and wealthy businessman who smells opportunity. Miles offers to buy out the Dugans' land, but John staunchly refuses, much to Miles' chagrin.

With financial ruin looming, John makes a bold decision to enter his daughter in a local beauty pageant with a grand prize of $1,000. The catch – the contest is sponsored by Miles' company, and there are whispers that the judge is in Miles' pocket.

As the contest heats up, tensions rise between the Dugans and Miles' family, culminating in a dramatic finale that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

The acting in Cotton Queen is top-notch, with Will Fyffe delivering a powerful performance as the determined patriarch. Mary Lawson portrays his worried but resilient wife with sensitivity and depth, and Stanley Holloway delivers a slick and memorable turn as the antagonist.

While the movie has some familiar themes of struggle and perseverance, it is unique for its portrayal of the cotton farming lifestyle and the politics of the time. The film also touches on important themes of class and power, as well as the objectification and commodification of women.

Overall, Cotton Queen is a well-crafted and engaging film that is still relevant today. Its themes of justice and fairness in the face of adversity are timeless, and the performances are a testament to the talent of the era's leading actors.

Cotton Queen is a 1937 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.