Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

By modern standards, the 1939 Warner Brothers release Dark Victory could probably be described as a sentimental "chick flick". However, this film is a great deal more than that. Bette Davis, who even after over fifty years is still applauded as one of Hollywood's greatest actresses, is at her peak in this tearjerker. She stars as Judith Traherne--wealthy, arrogant and fast-living socialite who lives a shallow existence filled with endless parties and superficial relationships. Only after Judith is diagnosed with a terminal illness does she find happiness and purpose. Davis gives one of her best performances here and is at her manic best, wringing every drop of emotion from each of her scenes.

George Brent is cast as Dr. Frederick Steele, a famous brain surgeon who diagnoses and treats Judith. The relationship between the two is rocky from the start as Judith--flippant and in denial--shows no respect either for the doctor or his medical advice. Slowly, however, she accepts that her condition is hopeless and allows her true personality to emerge. Not only does she accept her condition but she also finds that she has fallen in love with Dr. Steele. At first contemptuous of her cavalier attitude about life, Steele later finds that he, too, has fallen in love. They marry and settle into a quiet rural life away from everything Judith has embraced for so long. The rest of the story chronicles their marriage and how they try to crowd a lifetime of love and happiness into the short time they have left together.

Brent is adequate as Dr. Steele but his performance lacks the energy that a role opposite Davis demands. Although his role is critical, his acting persona adds nothing to the story and is exceedingly bland. Geraldine Fitzgerald is Ann King, Judith's friend and secretary. This role was Fitzgerald's American film debut and she is very convincing as the loyal confidante who totally devotes herself to her friend.

Humphrey Bogart has a very small role as Michael O'Leary, horse trainer for the Traherne family. There is a certain amount of chemistry and sexual tension displayed between O'Leary and Judith but it is not explored in the film. Bogart's great talent was totally wasted in this part. On the other hand, Ronald Reagan, who certainly did not have the caliber of talent that Bogart possessed, was totally convincing in his role as Alec Hamin, one of Judith's drunken "idle-rich" friends who had a strong romantic attachment to her.

Oddly enough, the Broadway version of this George Emerson story was a total failure, even with the dynamic presence of Tallulah Bankhead in the role of Judith. Davis, however, under the direction of Edmund Goulding, conveys all the energy and courageous spirit of the main character. Davis was nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award for her performance but lost to Vivien Leigh (Gone with the Wind). Dark Victory was also nominated for Best Picture and Best Original Score (Max Steiner) but did not win in any category.

Even though Bette Davis did not win an Academy Award for this performance, the film is one of her best efforts and remains a classic. The last few minutes of Dark Victory are especially heartrending and truly unforgettable. This film is pure Bette Davis and well-worth seeing for any classic movie fan or admirer of Bette Davis.



Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good Date Movie