Dangerous (1935)

66% of users liked it
(619 ratings)

Not even considered a good film back in 1935, Dangerous is held together by the mesmerizing performance of Bette Davis. The star is cast as alcoholic, self-destructive stage actress Joyce Heath, a character obviously based on Jeanne Eagels. Wealthy architect Don Bellows (Franchot Tone) becomes… More Not even considered a good film back in 1935, Dangerous is held together by the mesmerizing performance of Bette Davis. The star is cast as alcoholic, self-destructive stage actress Joyce Heath, a character obviously based on Jeanne Eagels. Wealthy architect Don Bellows (Franchot Tone) becomes convinced that Joyce can be rehabilitated with the "right" stage vehicle, and begins pulling strings to bring her back to the footlights. She rises to the occasion, falling in love with Don in the process. But Joyce becomes convinced that she's a jinx to any man who gets near her, as proven by her spineless, dissolute husband, Gordon Heath (John Eldredge), who refuses to give her a divorce. Deliberately hurting Don's feelings so he will escape her "curse," Joyce determines to rid the world of both herself and her husband. But things don't work out that way, and as a result Joyce is left in an inextricable Ethan Frome-like dilemma at film's end, while Don finds happiness with his socialite Gail Armitage (Margaret Lindsay). It is generally conceded that Bette Davis won her Academy Award for Dangerous because she was denied the Oscar for her performance in the previous season's Of Human Bondage. Dangerous was remade (and considerably reshaped) in 1941 as Singapore Woman. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 12 min.
Directed By: Alfred E. Green
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1935 Wide
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Dreadful soap opera film.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Early Bette Davis is fun to catch.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Bette Davis won her first Oscar for playing an alcoholic actress bent on self-destruction.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Not the best Bette, Oscar notwithstanding, but still enjoyable.
Mason W

Dangerous is a very good Bette Davis film. Bette won her 1st Oscar as Best Actress for her role in this film in 1935. Bette plays a down on her luck actress whom has already seen her career at it's heights. A carrer now vanished due to her recklessness and all the horrible… More
Dangerous is a very good Bette Davis film. Bette won her 1st Oscar as Best Actress for her role in this film in 1935. Bette plays a down on her luck actress whom has already seen her career at it's heights. A carrer now vanished due to her recklessness and all the horrible things that happened to her. She meets a wonderful architect that is just meeting his stardom played by the very talented Frenchot Tone. If you a fan of Bette Davis or like a good classis drama you will enjoy this film.
Byron B

I know that Bette Davis is a classic actress that a lot of people love. This is the earliest movie of her's that I've seen. I really have not been impressed by her much though.

Cast

            Bette Davis as Joyce Heath

            Franchot Tone as Don Bellows

            Margaret Lindsay as Gail Armitage

            Alison Skipworth as Mrs. Williams

            John Eldredge as Gordon Heath

            Dick Foran as Teddy

            Walter Walker as Roger Farnsworth

            Richard Carle as Pitt Hanly

            George Irving as Charles Melton

            Pierre Watkin as George Sheffield

            Douglas Wood as Elmont

            William B. Davidson as Reed Walsh

            William "Wild Bill" Elliott as Male Lead in Play

            Eddie Foster as Passerby

            Edward Keane as Doctor

            Milt Kibbee as William Roger's chauffeur

            Larry McGrath as Waiter

            Miki Morita as Cato

            Craig Reynolds as Reporter

            Libby Taylor as Beulah

            Mary Treen as Nurse

            Billy Wayne as Teddy's Chauffeur

            Frank O'Connor as Bartender

            George Andre Beranger as Waiter

            Bettie Davis
            
See full cast