Dark Victory Review
Adapted by Casey_Robinson from a short-lived Broadway play starring Tallulah_Bankhead, Dark Victory (1939) is one of Bette_Davis's most affecting melodramas. Davis's superb performance taps a range of emotions, as her Judith Traherne transforms from a flippant playgirl into a spiritually redeemed terminal cancer patient, complete with a multiple hankie death scene rendered all the more poignant and moving by Davis's dramatic restraint. Fresh from her Oscar for Jezebel (1938), Davis is surrounded by a sleek production worthy of wealthy Judith, including beautiful gowns and furs by Warner designer Orry-Kelly and sparkling Ernest_Haller cinematography (not to mention Humphrey_Bogart and Ronald_Reagan as spurned admirers). Receiving rave reviews, particularly for Davis, Dark Victory became one of four 1939 Bette_Davis hits, and earned Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Actress. Davis, however, lost to Vivien_Leigh for Gone With the Wind. Lucia Bozzola, Rovi
Great Film Moments:
- In Theaters
- This Week
- Coming Soon
- New on DVD
Browse More Movies:
