Dark Victory (1939, dir. Edmund Goulding)

Watching a film like "Dark Victory" from the eyes of a 1939 viewer is difficult for someone born much later.  A lot has changed and developed in film aesthetics, narration and style since its release.  From the perspective of a viewer in the 21st century it seems quite unspectacular.  Bette Davis's performance is amiable and draws you in.

The film tells the story of a female equestrian champion who's headaches and lapses in perception frequently disable her.  This leads to the diagnosis of a life-threatening disease.  The film deals with the final months of her life.  She develops a relationship with her doctor and how she deals with her time-limited predicament is explored.

The film was nominated for Best Picture, Actress and Original Score but didn't win.  Though considered a classic of Hollywood cinema, young viewers of today who want to explore old films will probably not be won-over or thoroughly entertained.