The film is rather timeless, you could almost set this film in anytime as greed is (unfortunately) ageless.

For the Hubbards, greed is stronger than family ties or anything else for that matter. They steal from everyone (including each other) and take advantage of the working poor and the disadvantaged minorities. They think only of themselves.

Bette Davis is superb (of course) and her character Regina Giddons (nee Hubbard) is fascinating in its replulsiveness and sheer selfishness. For those who believe the cliched stereotypes that woman are naturally loving, nurturing, & selfless—here’s a good example otherwsie. Her contempt for those who are “soft”, her refusal to aid her husband (unless there was something in it for her) is possibly even more chilling than if she had made a direct attempt to end his life.

It was refreshing to see (esp. in an old film) a young woman “Zan” being encouraged by the men who love her to think for herself and to question authority. She’s being taught to think about the greater good, to break her family’s mold and to care about others.