Bette Davis was the first actor in Academy Awards history to receive five consecutive best acting nominations, a record no one has surpassed. Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, Bette eventually made it to the top of the Hollywood heap with tenacity and talent, at a time when studio bosses called all the shots, earning her the nickname "The Fifth Warner Brother."
Let's explore some of Bette's remarkable story as we discuss the second film in her record run, "Dark Victory," a tale of love and death. Bette plays a rich, swinging, single gal who likes to ride horses and party, all the while ignoring signs that something is very wrong with her health. When she's faced with her death, she is forced to decide how to live. "Bette Davis does it her way with a tour de force performance," reports Rotten Tomatoes.
Davis herself said this role was her favorite, and the film was a commercial and critical success in the banner year of 1939, when "Dark Victory" was one of ten Best Picture nominees. Directed by Edmund Goulding, the film co-stars George Brent, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Humphrey Bogart in a very un-Bogie role, and a young future POTUS, Ronald Reagan.
Check to see where "Dark Victory" can be streamed here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/dark-victory We found a free stream on this Russian social media site (it's legit), if you're comfortable streaming from there: https://ok.ru/video/2654704634395 If you are a subscriber, TCM will be showing "Dark Victory" on Thursday May 7 at Noon (EDT). The film is also on DVD, so check your local library for a copy.
Watch it and weep, then sign up for the discussion on May 20!
The Zoom link to join will be available once you RSVP.
