Dark Victory [1939]

The cast of this classic tear-jerker includes George Brent, Humphrey Bogart, Ronald Reagan and, in her first American film, Geraldine Fritzgerald. But Bette Davis' commanding performance as a wealthy society woman who discovers that she has a brain tumour and has only a few months to live is so powerful and moving that she effortlessly dominates the film, well deserving her Oscar nomination for her portrayal. Described by Kinematograph Weekly as: 'Entertainment that must appeal to all those who see, hear and think, purposefully written....drama that mirrors faithfully both the light and shadow of human existence' still retains its immense emotional power. The film is sensitively directed by Edmund Goulding from an excellent script by Casey Robinson, earned Oscar nominations as Best Film and for composer Max Steiner and, with a fine supporting performances - notably by George Brent as the doctor Davis marries, Humphrey Bogart and Geraldine Fritzgerald - is a prime example of Warner Bros. carftsmanship and skill in every department of film making. © Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc/Renewed United Artists Television