To me, this movie is perfection.

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Absolutely Fantastic

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

bette davis was the biggest star of her time. everyone cites "all about eve" as her greatest performance, but if you want to see an actress displaying all her talents, subtley, watch this film. it's soap opera all the way, but bette raises the stakes so high, you really don't notice. when she's not on screen, you wonder why. of course, this was GWTW's year, so bette was passed over for the big prize.

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

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.

I hated this movie as a kid and decided to see what I would think 40 years later. There is no doubt that it is well-made: well directed, well written and except for Davis and Brent (did he ever act, it was always the same performance)well acted. All the Davis mannerisms are there and it is amazing how unattractive she really was which doesn't work well forthis character. Judith Traherne is abrasive and crude. Davis could give her some sympathy if she would just shut up, slow down and listen for a second instead of divaing it up every chance she gets. I laughed when they went into the explanation of how this contrived disease would progress. But the noble thing about the actors is that they treat the material as if it was all intelligent and sensible.Fitzgerald was such a fine actress that it is a shame she wasn't used more in leads. Bogart gave a decent Irish accent and his scene where he finally puts the moves on Davis is believable and touching. Reagan's character stays drunk and it is funny how as president, he so much behaved like this guy.It is too long. But had the lead been played by a good actor, not Davis, I think it would have been easier to buy into the contrivances.Still, there is nothing on film as fun as the moment when Bette Davis reads the menu.