SATAN MET A LADY (1936) Photo

Dashiell Hammett (source) Vintage original 7 ½ x 9 ½” (18 x 23 cm.) black-and-white single weight glossy silver gelatin print still photo, USA. Bette Davis, Warren William, Alison Skipworth, Arthur Treacher, dir: William Dieterle; Warner Brothers.

After being nominated in 1934 and winning an Academy Award in 1935, Warner Brothers continued to cast Bette Davis in mediocre roles and films. So fed up was she that she sailed for England in 1936 after a suspension for refusing a role. Her intent was to work there; Warner stopped her and she sued. Though she lost the suit, the studio did slowly secure better roles in finer productions over the course of 1937 and 1938.

Given top production value and costuming (Orry-Kelly), this film is loosely based on Dashiell Hammett’s THE MALTESE FALCON, but, this time, the detective story is handled more as a comedy. What the film did for Davis at a time when she was being cast in heavy melodrama was give her a chance at playing comedy, which she proved very adept.

In a light-hearted moment, Davis is seen with co-star Warren William. The photo is coded “MH-111”. The borders are lightly trimmed for publication. ABOUT FINE.