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Tobacco Road is a 1941 drama film directed by John Ford and based on the novel of the same name by Erskine Caldwell. The movie is set in Georgia during the Great Depression and follows the lives of a poor family, the Lesters, who live on a farm situated on a deserted dirt road. The family consists of Jeeter (Charley Grapewin), the patriarch of the family, his wife Ellie May (Marjorie Rambeau), their sons Dude and Tom, and Jeeter's daughter-in-law Ada (Gene Tierney).

Jeeter is a shiftless and lazy man who is constantly on the lookout for ways to make money without having to work. His latest scheme is to marry off his daughter, Baby Doll, to the richest man in town, Lov Bensey (William Tracy), in order to secure their financial future. However, things don't go as planned when Lov turns out to be a mentally challenged man who is incapable of satisfying Baby Doll's carnal desires.

Meanwhile, Ada is suffering from an infection and needs immediate medical attention. However, Jeeter refuses to take her to the hospital as he cannot afford the bill. He suggests that she should visit the local "witch doctor" instead. It is here that the film takes a dark turn and depicts the extent of the poverty and deprivation that the family is enduring.

The film is a powerful commentary on the social and economic conditions in the deep south during the Great Depression. The Lesters are portrayed as victims of a broken system that has left them behind. Despite their best efforts, they are unable to climb out of poverty and find a way to survive. Instead, they continue to struggle day after day, hoping for a way out.

The movie also touches on themes of family, love, and sacrifice. Despite the many hardships they face, the Lesters remain a tight-knit family who care for each other. Ada, in particular, is shown to be a kind and loving person who is willing to sacrifice herself for the benefit of her family. Her relationship with Jeeter's son, Dude, is also portrayed as one of genuine love and affection, despite the difficult circumstances they find themselves in.

The film's cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the rural countryside and the dilapidated farmhouses. The use of light and shadow is particularly effective in creating a sense of foreboding and desperation. The film's score is also noteworthy, with haunting melodies that perfectly capture the mood of the film.

Overall, Tobacco Road is a powerful and moving film that depicts the struggle of a family fighting to survive during the Great Depression. The film's themes of poverty, family, and sacrifice still resonate today, making it a timeless classic.

Tobacco Road is a 1941 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.