Based on a play, feels like a play. Slow-moving, overly melodramatic, overly scheme-filled, overwrought. Not entirely dull, but it is very difficult to stay focused it moves so slowly. The excessive malevolence and greed on display is also very off-putting.
On the plus side, it is a mildly interesting morality tale. It is just that the immorality/amorality is so overdone that the movie doesn't feel balanced. There are glimpses of goodness, but these are often extinguished quickly, and/or are always fighting a losing battle.
Bette Davis is evil personified as Regina Giddens. While her character is incredibly unsavoury, Davis' performance is spot-on. Good support from Herbert Marshall and Teresa Wright.
On the plus side, it is a mildly interesting morality tale. It is just that the immorality/amorality is so overdone that the movie doesn't feel balanced. There are glimpses of goodness, but these are often extinguished quickly, and/or are always fighting a losing battle.
Bette Davis is evil personified as Regina Giddens. While her character is incredibly unsavoury, Davis' performance is spot-on. Good support from Herbert Marshall and Teresa Wright.