The Root of All Evil

Jeckie Farnish (Calvert) has grown up in a grindingly poor household. As she reaches adulthood she resolves to do whatever is necessary to claw her way out of poverty. She pursues Albert Grice, son of a wealthy grocery store owner, and believes they have an understanding. She sues Albert for breach of promise and emotional distress, and after she plays up her status as jilted victim in court she is awarded a considerable sum in damages. She is intrigued to meet a handsome stranger Charles Mortimer, who tells her that there are large deposits of oil on the edge of town and he is