Return at Dawn
Married to Karl Ammer, the station master of Thaya, a Hungarian quiet village, Anita is a pretty young peasant who feels deeply bored. She dreams of another life while watching the daily express trains to Budapest. An incident will force her to leave her province: she has to go to Budapest to attend the funeral of an aunt and receive a share of the inheritance. After completing the formalities, Anita misses the train to go back home and then she finds herself alone in the capital.
Insights
Plot Summary
A successful Broadway actress finds herself at a crossroads when her demanding career interferes with her personal life. Torn between her ambition and the love of a man who desires a simpler life, she must make difficult choices that will impact her future happiness. The film explores themes of sacrifice, the pursuit of success, and the complexities of balancing personal fulfillment with professional aspirations.
Critical Reception
While a commercial success and a showcase for Bette Davis's talents, 'Return at Dawn' received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its performances and emotional depth, while others found its narrative somewhat conventional for its time.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Bette Davis's compelling performance.
- Noted for its exploration of a woman's career versus personal life.
- Criticized by some for its predictable storyline.
Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented, but the film is generally appreciated for its strong lead performance and classic Hollywood drama.
Fun Fact
Bette Davis was initially hesitant to take on the role, feeling the character was too similar to previous parts she had played, but was convinced by director Edmund Goulding.
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