Reception
Frank S. Nugent, in his review in The New York Times, observed: "A completely cynical appraisal would dismiss it all as emotional flim-flam, a heartless play upon tender hearts by a playwright and company well versed in the dramatic uses of going blind and improvising on Camille. But it is impossible to be that cynical about it. The mood is too poignant, the performances too honest, the craftsmanship too expert. Miss Davis, naturally, has dominated—and quite properly—her film, but Miss Fitzgerald has added a sentient and touching portrayal of the friend, and George Brent, as the surgeon, is—dare we say?—surprisingly self-contained and mature. This once we must run the risk of being called a softy: we won't dismiss Dark Victory with a self-defensive sneer."
Variety called the film "intense drama" and "a nicely produced offering Bette Davis in a powerful and impressive role."
Time Out London critic Tom Milne writes: " and Goulding almost transform the soap into style; a Rolls-Royce of the weepie world."
The film was included at #32 in AFI's 100 Years... 100 Passions.
Read more about this topic: Dark Victory
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