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Dark Victory is one of the greatest Bette Davis films. It was one of her own favorites and did the best box office of any of her films up to then. It's an acting tour de force by Davis as Judith Traherne, a rich, young socialite who has to come to terms with illness and eventual death long before anyone would rightly expect to. Judith is part of the Long Island Horse Show set, frivolously involved with parties, theater and bridge. Her father is dead and her mother lives in Europe and apparently is not communicating. She's a good soul at heart, superficial but not vapid. She has a head on her shoulders and is aware that some people might condemn her lifestyle, but doesn't care. Her best friend and confidante is her secretary, Ann King (Geraldine Fitzgerald). She has an Irish horse trainer, Michael O'Leary (Humphrey Bogart), who isn't afraid to contradict her. Another friend is Alex Hamm (Ronald Reagan), a friendly alcoholic who appears to love her but who knows he would be no catch. It he who recommends Dr.Frederick Steele (George Brent) to her when she complains of headaches.
It's this cast, particularly the inner threesome of Judith, Ann and Dr. Steele which makes the film so good. Bette Davis goes through every emotion in the book convincingly as Judy, from, "I'm young and strong and nothing can touch me!" to ' I think I'll have a large order of Prognosis Negative."
George Brent is all sincerity and support as the doctor, perhaps almost too good to be true, but believable. Geraldine Fitzgerald is absolutely wonderful as Ann, reacting perfectly to Judith's every mood; one wishes she had not developed a reputation as headstrong and undependable with the studios because the talent was truly there. The three work wonders together, pulling you deep into the story.
Both Bogart's and Reagan's roles have come under heavy criticism at times. Humphrey Bogart wanted a chance to do an amiable role instead of his usual gangsters, but his Irish brogue has always seemed a bit too put on. That was the director and writer's choice, but it would have worked better without it. By 1939 there were plenty of Irish-Americans who spoke without the brogue. Reagan's part seems underdeveloped, or perhaps cut down for time. He only turns up a few times, always tipsy yet amiable, but in his last appearance when he talks about having wanted to marry Judy, it seems he was originally intended to be a more important character. As it is, it's just a few walk-ons's.
This would be classified as a tearjerker, but it's never overblown or full of bathos. The scene where Judy and Ann are planting flowers at the Vermont house is unforgettable. It's very talkative and seems like a play, but that was the 40's style. If you like classic films, this is a must.
| Additional DVD options | Edition | Discs | Price | New from | Used from |
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August 2, 2016 "Please retry" | — | 1 | $14.99 | $8.45 |
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September 19, 2000 "Please retry" | — | — | $10.50 | $3.18 |
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June 14, 2005 "Please retry" | Restored and Remastered Edition | 1 | $13.78 | $3.18 |
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Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Arrived on time thank you
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2023messaoudi
Bette Davis est naturellement parfaite
Reviewed in France on July 2, 2015