Screening

About Three on a Match

On the eve of Prohibition, old school pals Mary (Joan Blondell), Vivian (Ann Dvorak), and Ruth (Bette Davis) are reunited through a chance encounter and catch up on each other's swerving fates. Hard-partying Vivian, who is married to a successful lawyer and seemingly enjoys a dazzling and glamorous life, remains unsatisfied. To fulfill her wanderlust, she takes off with a dangerous mobster, leaving behind her husband and young son. The twists and turns increase from there, leading to a dramatic and memorable end (which includes an early screen appearance by eventual film star Humphrey Bogart). [63 min; crime, drama, romance; English]

"The strong work from the uniformly compelling roster of performers goes a long way towards cultivating an engrossing atmosphere," β€” David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews

β€œThe idiom-filled dialogue had forward momentum and gutter-inspired realism. With its uncompromising conclusion, Three on a Match became a primal scream against the injustices visited upon women." β€” Matthew Kennedy, Joan Blondell: A Life Between Takes

"Holy shit, what an ending!" β€” Daniel Barnes, Dare Daniel

Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.

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