Dangerous (1935)

Dangerous Poster

Dan Bellows finds former stage star Joyce Heath a penniless drunk and takes her to his Connecticut home for rehabilitation. Unaware that she is married to Gordon, he asks his fiancée Gail to free him and offers to sponsor Joyce in a play. When Gordon refuses to give Joyce a divorce, she runs the car into a tree crippling him for life. Joyce urges Dan return to Gail, opens her play, and begs Gordon for forgiveness.

Introduction
"Dangerous", a romantic drama released in 1935, is an American movie directed by Alfred E. Green and starring Bette Davis, Franchot Tone, and Margaret Lindsay. The film tells the story of a fallen Broadway star whose profession is ruined by alcoholism and scandal, and a young architect who becomes enamored with her. Davis's efficiency won her the first Academy Award for Best Actress in her career.

Plot Summary
The movie opens with aspiring designer Don Bellows (Franchot Tone) finding a previous Broadway star, Joyce Heath (Bette Davis), who is now a down-and-out alcoholic with a credibility for being "dangerous" to understand due to the tragedies that befell anyone close to her. Don, nevertheless, is a long time fan and is identified to resurrect Joyce's profession and, in turn, redeem her life. Motivated by her strength and talent, he becomes enchanted by Joyce, thinking he can save her.

Risking his own track record and engagement to Gail Armitage (Margaret Lindsay), Don finances a play to phase Joyce's return. As they spend time together working on the play, a complex relationship develops. Don ends up being deeply fixated with Joyce, while she controls his affections for her benefit. In spite of the signs of difficulty, Don can not resist her charm and ends up being knotted in Joyce's turbulent life.

As the opening night of the play techniques, Joyce's habits grows increasingly erratic. Her dependency on Don pressures their relationship, and his commitments in his individual life start to suffer due to his fascination with her. Gail, acknowledging the dangerous hold Joyce has over Don, confronts her, only to find Joyce unrepentant about the situation she has actually developed.

Joyce's Duality
Throughout the film, the duality of Joyce's character is main to the story. On one hand, she is seen as vulnerable and in need of assistance, but on the other, she is illustrated as manipulative and self-destructive. This complexity is depicted masterfully by Davis, who swings between the personality of a helpless victim and a computing survivor.

The Climax
The climax of the film happens on the opening night of the play when Joyce, affected by the different psychological conflicts, delivers a stunning efficiency that leads to a remarkable accomplishment. Her success, however, comes at an expense. Joyce recognizes the damage she has actually done to Don's life and chooses to take responsibility for her actions. In an unexpected twist, Joyce reunites with her separated spouse, Gordon Heath (John Eldredge), in spite of his earlier attempt to devote her to an asylum, and leaves Don to return to his fiancée.

Styles
"Dangerous" checks out styles of redemption, fixation, and the damaging nature of fame. The character of Joyce Heath embodies the perils that feature success and the great line between brilliance and madness. It likewise analyzes the idea of individual duty, as Joyce eventually acknowledges the chaos she has triggered in others' lives.

Tradition
The movie is especially notable for Bette Davis's well-known performance, which solidified her as a leading starlet of her time. "Dangerous" is seen not just as an engaging piece of cinema due to Davis's effective acting but also as a reflection of the complex roles women of that era could play on screen-- showcasing both vulnerability and strength. In spite of its age, the movie continues to be a classic representation of personal struggle and the effect a powerful figure can have on the lives of others.

Top Cast

  • Bette Davis (small)
    Bette Davis
    Joyce Heath
  • Franchot Tone (small)
    Franchot Tone
    Don Bellows
  • Margaret Lindsay (small)
    Margaret Lindsay
    Gail Armitage
  • Alison Skipworth (small)
    Alison Skipworth
    Mrs. Williams
  • John Eldredge (small)
    John Eldredge
    Gordon Heath
  • Dick Foran (small)
    Dick Foran
    Teddy
  • Walter Walker (small)
    Walter Walker
    Roger Farnsworth
  • Richard Carle (small)
    Richard Carle
    Pitt Hanley
  • George Irving (small)
    George Irving
    Charles Melton
  • Pierre Watkin (small)
    Pierre Watkin
    George Sheffield
  • Douglas Wood (small)
    Douglas Wood
    Elmont