Directed by John Stahl, this potboiler was based on the best-selling book by Frank Yerby.
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Theatrical film poster
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Fox paid author Yerby $150,000 for the movie rights to The Foxes of Harrow, described as “the first Negro-authored novel ever bought by a Hollywood studio.”
Set in pre-Civil War New Orleans, circa 1820, the tale centerson a roguish Irish gambler Stephen Fox (played by Rex Harrison), who buys his way into society, a status he could not do in his homeland because he is illegitimate.
The ensemble also includes Maureen O’Hara, Victor McLaglen, and Gene Lockhart.
Oscar Nominations: 1
Art Direction-Set Decoration: Lyle Wheeler and Maurice Ransford; Thomas Little and Paul S. Fox
Oscar Awards: None
Oscar Context:
The winner of the Art Direction Oscar was David Lean’s Great Expectations.
Cast
Rex Harrison as Stephen Fox
Maureen O’Hara as Odalie ‘Lilli’ D’Arceneaux
Richard Haydn as Andre LeBlanc
Victor McLaglen as Captain Mike Farrell
Vanessa Brown as Aurore D’Arceneaux
Patricia Medina as Desiree
Gene Lockhart as Viscount Henri D’Arceneaux
Charles Irwin as Sean Fox
Hugo Haas as Otto Ludenbach
Dennis Hoey as Master of Harrow
Roy Roberts as Tom Warren
Credits:
Directed by John M. Stahl
Screenplay by Wanda Tuchock, Dwight Taylor, Edwin Justus Mayer, Thomas Job ( (contributors to dialogue, uncredited, based on The Foxes of Harrow
1946 novel by Frank Yerby
Produced by William A. Bacher, Darryl F. Zanuck
Cinematography Joseph LaShelle
Edited by James B. Clark
Music by David Buttolph
Distributed by 20th Century Fox
Release date: September 24, 1947
Running time: 117 minutes
Budget $2,750,000
Box office $3,150,000 (US)
