sol- Having fallen in love with a patient he is treating for chronic headaches, a young doctor becomes conflicted about whether he should tell her the truth about her condition after discovering that it is fatal in this sobering melodrama. George Brent is only adequate as the physician in question, however, Bette Davis offers a terrific turn as the dying woman, who goes from protesting "but I haven't time to be ill" to gradually accepting. She has some particularly good moments as she uncovers the secret that Brent is hiding from her and there are some interesting dynamics at hand as she mistakes all of her best friend's private conversations with Brent as romantic in nature when in fact they are discussing her terminal condition. Geraldine Fitzgerald is also excellent as the friend in question and the supporting cast features many recognisable faces (Ronald Reagan; Henry Travers) though the most recognisable of all is a sadly miscast Humphrey Bogart, playing an Irish (!) stableman who contributes little to the narrative. This is a more accomplished film than one might expect though given the standard of Hollywood melodrama in the 1930s. The romance never quite clicks thanks to Brent's less-than-stellar performance, however, the film brings with it plenty to ponder in terms of dignity in death and learning to accept the inevitable. The denouement of the film is well-handled too; the film is a bit of a 'downer', but at least there are no unrealistic miracles in the mix as the film sublimely portrays the dignity one human being manages to have whilst preparing for the end.

elvircorhodzic THE DARK VICTORY is good romantic drama, which unfolds in a very sensitive spiritual dimension. Essentially, this is the victory of the soul over the body. Of course, this description is sketchy. Bette Davis is incredible.Judith Traherne (Bette Davis) is a young woman full of life, which is suffering from a malignant tumor. The path of incomprehension and rejection through sorrow and love to know and reconciliation is perfectly described. Bette Davis is masterfully put forward role. She had the support of the rest of the excellent team led by George Brent as Dr. Frederick Steele, Geraldine Fitzgerald as Ann King and Humphrey Bogart as Michael O'Leary.Dark Victory is literally a film about the victory, the only real and true victory, perhaps the most important elemental things of the essence - and this is the victory of man over the fear of death. Director and story are pretty sloppy for such deep topics. It is very positive that this movie at its peak celebrates life. The courage and inner strength of spirit that is nurtured by love, endless energy and youthful freshness

vincentlynch-moonoi In terms of best male actor of all time, for me it's a tie between Spencer Tracy and Cary Grant. For best female actor, no question in my mind -- Bette Davis. And her talents are well displayed in this, which was said to be her favorite film.I want to start out by saying that if you already have the DVD, I don't recommend updating to the Blu Ray version. I'm not sure there's significant improvement.This film is another of the famous pairings of Bette Davis and George Brent. I actually think this is one of the better ones because there's more of a story to Brent's character here than sometimes occurred. He's a doctor with some expertise in brain problems, who is about to go off on medical research. He is persuaded to postpone his trip to look after Bette Davis' spoiled rich girl character, who is having symptoms of dizziness, headaches, and double vision. Early in the film it's almost impossible to have much sympathy for her character. But, we also know that some of her impertinent behavior is a result of her fear. My sympathy for the character began when she received the diagnosis -- I've been there, done that, although in my case both times it was good news...which was not expected. But the fear was immense while waiting for the prognosis.There are several supporting actors worth mentioning. Geraldine Fitzgerald is very good as the best friend. Humphrey Bogart has an odd role as a stable man with an Irish accent. The role is often criticized, but this was back when he was still a supporting actor; he was paying his dues to the studio here. Ronald Reagan has a nothing role as a slightly tipsy friend; I can't believe it helped his career. Henry Travers is good (as always) as the country doctor who persuades George Brent to take Davis' case.A major portion of the film is the love conquers all stuff...although, of course, in this case it doesn't. But it is a good example of how people can sometimes fool themselves about the future.The death scene in remarkably well done from an emotional standpoint. In my view, one of the great moments in film.The one part of the film that just doesn't work for me is Humphrey Bogart's main scene. To me it just doesn't work. Not because of the character's Irish accent, but just because it seems inane. I think the problem with the scene is that the groundwork of it is not laid, and then Bogart tries to seduce Davis, not knowing that she is dying. I think it's the one significant flaw in the film. Well, other than Ronald Reagan's empty performance.One of the bonuses on the Blu Ray edition is a short documentary sort of lamenting that this film, or Bette's performance did not win the Academy Award. However, the year was 1939, the year often considered the year that the finest films in Hollywood's history were made, including "Gone With The Wind". "Dark Victory" is a wonderful film and Bette Davis' performance is memorable. But neither the film nor the performance could complete with "GWTW" or "The Wizard Of Oz", or several others.Even despite the fact that Davis is my favorite actress, this film was very memorable to me. When I decided to upgrade to Blu Ray (a waste), I delayed ordering this film because I was expecting a bad diagnosis, It was only after the green light that I had the nerve to order the film. The death scene is that memorable.

JPfanatic93 Typical but classic 'weepie' (or 'women's film') from the late Thirties, a star vehicle for Bette Davis who was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance but didn't win (no matter, since she was Oscar-nominated a whopping eleven times in total and took home two such trophies during her career). Davis portrays a young wealthy woman who enjoys life in a frivolous manner, drinking, smoking and sporting too much, until she is diagnosed with a terminal illness that will kill her within a year. Instead of crying over it (which is left to the audience), she chooses to concentrate on the important things in life, finds love with the doctor examining her and keeps her dignity until the very (bitter) end, thus going out in a 'dark victory' in her acceptance of the inevitable as she embraces her death instead of needlessly living in fear for the unavoidable for the remainder of her days. The final scenes in which she says goodbye to her new husband as he leaves for a business trip while she, unknown to him, is in the final stages of her physical collapse – in order for him to remember her as she wants him to – is a serious tearjerking moment like only the Thirties could provide; hence the genre nickname 'weepies'. Despite the emphatically tragic occurrences and strong performances making it feel compelling, the general level of melodrama is overly high for many (male) audience members, which is a reason films like these were mainly marketed to the female spectators. Co-starring Humprey Bogart in a pre-Casablanca role, not as a bad guy in this case.