Question 1

What real-life emotional turmoil did Bette Davis channel into her performance in Dark Victory?

Accepted Answer

Bette Davis suffered a nervous breakdown during filming due to her crumbling marriage, and producer Hal B. Wallis convinced her to use those real-life emotions to enhance her portrayal.

Question 2

Which scene did director Edmund Goulding devise to subtly signal Judith's deteriorating health?

Accepted Answer

Edmund Goulding created the scene where Judith can't light her cigarette, then later can't light Dr. Steele's, explaining it showed something was seriously wrong with her.

Question 3

Why did Warner Brothers initially resist making Dark Victory, and what was the outcome?

Accepted Answer

Studio chief Jack L. Warner argued no one wanted to see someone go blind, but the film became one of Warner Brothers' biggest successes of that year.

Question 4

What medical crisis threatens Judith Traherne's new relationship in Dark Victory?

Accepted Answer

Judith Traherne is diagnosed with a brain tumor, and after surgery and falling in love with her doctor, more troubling medical news may sabotage her relationship and second chance at life.

Question 5

Which award did Dark Victory win in 1939?

Accepted Answer

Dark Victory won a New York Film Critics Circle Award in 1939.

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Dark Victory

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