Dark Victory

Audience Reviews

View More

Sabrina C @SabrinaCheek Jan 17, 2026 A fascinating film starring Bette Davis, that poses a dilemma for us to ponder on; should we know when we die? We watch these characters toil with this idea throughout this film, When the leading character, Judith, an athletic socialite is diagnosed with a brain tumor, her surgeon Dr. Steele discovers after an operation that she will only have about 10 months to live. First her vision will go, then her life. This is complicated by his love for her. He chooses not to tell her, believing it is kindest to her, so she can live the rest of her life without fear. Her friend Ann agrees. It makes the viewer think, are they right? When Judith does find out, she spirals. She tries to make every moment last. When it is her time to go, when her vision fades, she flips the initial plot on in reverse. She decides not to tell Steele, now her husband, she is dying, so he will not miss a career opportunity. Then, Judith dies alone. It's a somber tale of mortality, that poses no answers. Davis is grand! See more Mark B @SRT102 Feb 6, 2025 Without Bette Davis' talents and the great production values, this would be just another boring, predictable melodrama. She's feisty, she gets sick, she dies. Roll credits. #459 in my "Watch every BP Nominee" Bucket List See more Leaburn O @RT35452347 Nov 15, 2024 Actually still a very affecting drama about a terminally ill young woman. Bette Davis is excellent. Fairly stark contrast between the upper classes and working classes but main focus remains hinged on the effects of terminal illness on the patient and those closest to them. Watched on BBC iPlayer. See more S R @ScottR Nov 10, 2024 A better than usual psychological melodrama. It takes on class social issues tangentially as well, juxtaposing rich and poor, and MD and the elitist. It had good writing, acting, and direction. Overall, a well made movie, despite the dated neurological medicine included. RUS. See more Russ G @RT78760655 Aug 28, 2024 Insufferable melodrama - a Chick Flick decades before the phrase was coined. Doubtless another film in which Bogie appears only because he was under contract to the studio and WB didn't have him cast in something more suitable. See more Ann G @RT29501091 May 3, 2024 Any Bette Davis fan will fall in love with her performance as something of an entitled and funny socialite used to getting her way, and a frightened young woman, a new wife, at the highpoint of her busy life, trying to accept a tragedy she cannot control. No matter how many times I have watched this, it never gets stale. See more Read all reviews

Dark Victory

My Rating

Read More Read Less WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW POST RATING