Watch Marked Woman

Marked Woman is a 1937 crime drama film directed by Lloyd Bacon and starring Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, and Lola Lane. The movie explores the dangerous and dark underworld of organized crime in the 1930s, particularly highlighting the seedy world of prostitution and the corruption in the justice system. The film follows a group of prostitutes, led by Mary Dwight Strauber (Bette Davis), who are recruited into working for gangster Johnny Vanning (Eduardo Ciannelli). They are promised luxurious lifestyles and protection, but soon realize that the trade-off is dangerous and potentially deadly. When one of the girls is murdered, the others are threatened to keep their mouths shut, but Strauber refuses to be silenced and seeks justice for her friend.

Enter Assistant District Attorney David Graham (Humphrey Bogart), who is determined to put Vanning and his criminal empire behind bars. He uses Strauber as a witness in his case against Vanning, but the gangster fights back with violence and intimidation. As the trial progresses, Strauber and Graham form a romantic bond, further complicating their already difficult situation.

What makes Marked Woman stand out is its frank and gritty portrayal of the realities of prostitution. The movie doesn't sugarcoat the exploitation and violence that these women face, nor does it shy away from depicting the corrupt officials who turn a blind eye to their suffering. The film touches upon themes of power, corruption, and morality, and how they play into the criminal justice system.

The performances in Marked Woman are top-notch. Bette Davis shines as the tough-as-nails heroine who fights for justice against all odds. Her portrayal of Strauber is both vulnerable and defiant, and she brings an emotional depth to the character that makes her a compelling protagonist. Humphrey Bogart is equally impressive as the dedicated and principled prosecutor who risks everything to take down Vanning. His chemistry with Davis is electric, and their scenes together are some of the film's highlights.

Lola Lane, who plays one of the other prostitutes, also delivers a noteworthy performance. She brings a rawness and authenticity to her portrayal of a woman trapped in a life of prostitution, and her character's tragic arc is one of the film's most affecting elements.

The film's direction by Lloyd Bacon is solid, if unremarkable. He keeps the pacing tight and the tension high, especially during the film's more action-packed sequences. The movie is also notable for featuring a notable score by composer Max Steiner, who creates a moody and atmospheric soundtrack that heightens the film's emotional impact.

Overall, Marked Woman is a powerful and engaging crime drama that still holds up today. Its unflinching look at the criminal justice system, as well as its nuanced portrayal of women in the sex trade, makes it a unique and important entry in the film noir genre. Fans of Bogart and Davis, as well as anyone interested in classic crime films, should definitely check it out.

Marked Woman is a 1937 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.