(1935)
2.5
Craig Butler
Bette Davis' Oscar for Dangerous may have been a consolation prize for not winning (or even being nominated for) her breakthrough performance in Of Human Bondage the previous year, but that doesn't change the fact that her Dangerous work is stunning. Indeed, in some ways, modern audiences may find it preferable to her Bondage performance, which comes across as powerful but a bit forced. Davis is in more control in Dangerous, more natural and at ease, even though she is no less powerful. Indeed, those legendary eyes flash burning, scorching fire at the slightest provocation -- and, of course, can turn glacially icy or meltingly seductive a moment later. Dangerous is only a so-so movie, but Joyce Heath is a great part; it's no Hedda or Lady MacBeth, but it provides Davis with ample opportunity to show just what she is made of, and she makes sure she doesn't squander one second of this opportunity. Against this force of nature, it's amazing that Franchot Tone not only holds his own but is able to make a favorable impression -- a fact made even more notable considering the indifference with which his part is written. Alison Skipworth also scores points, playing a character that's much more "above board" than her usual somewhat shady characters. Still, it's Davis' show all the way -- and she makes it well worth watching.
Dangerous on AllMovie
Dangerous (1935)
