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This is one of those 1939 movies that made that year the Golden Year of Movies. Along with "Gone With The Wind", "The Wizard of Oz", "Stagecoach", "Rebecca," and "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," this movie was a sure winner of many Oscars had the field not been so crowded. Nominated for Best Actress, Bette Davis gives a virtuoso performance in a movie that Warner Brothers did not want to make. Judith Traherne (Bette Davis) has it all in the beginning. She owns a ranch in New York, has a championship horse in a stable run by Michael O'Leary (Humphrey Bogart), has a secretary who is also her best friend Ann King (Geraldine Fitzgerald), and finally has a sort-of beau Alec (Ronald Reagan). The weird thing is that she is having daily headaches and sometimes sees double. So after a riding accident, she goes to Dr. Frederick Steele (George Brent), who discovers the malignant brain tumor. They operate and remove the tumor, but all doctors agree that the tumor will come back. Dr. Steele and Ann keep it a secret for a long time, but when Judith accidentally discovers the truth, all hell breaks out--Bette Davis style. Actually, Judith Traherne is a nice role for Bette Davis, who doesn't mind playing evil, ugly, old, or manipulating characters. The movie is about her growth from the feeling of being cheated by her illness to acceptance of it and actually looking at the bright side of dying. That is her Dark Victory. In her biography, Bette lists George Brent as one of her favorite leading men. He certainly contributes to making this movie a real tearjerker. In addition to a Best Actress nomination, this movie was also nominated for Best Picture and packed them in at the theatres. We are still watching this movie and are amazed at the performances. It's ironic that Jack Warner commented before the movie was begun, "Who wants to see a dame go blind?" Evidently, many of us still do.Read full review
This is a wonderful, candidly honest film about a young woman who is forced to reevalute her life within a short period of time. Have your hankies handy though.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Bette Davis at her best! Great story line and wonderful acting by Bette Davis. One to watch more than one time. Love the special features with movie commentary.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I LOVE this movie and I'm so glad they are putting the classics on DVD. I have all the things I need, so for Christmas I asked for some classic DVD's. I can watch it over and over with no commercials! It is a very good family night video. The money saved and the family togetherness is all I need in this lifetime. It was quick and easy and worth every penny. No running around to a video store, no joining in the groups of gaukers standing, stareing at the endless movie titles.. won't miss that! thank you!!!!
A favorite Bette Davis movie of mine. Too bad it went up against GWTW or Bette may have had a better chance of winning an Oscar.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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