Leslie Howard is fine in the lead role as Philip Carey--it's a nuanced performance, never over the top and charming. But it really is Bette Davis, in her first major role at twenty-six who is the standout, and raises this to a four-star rating. She was just riveting in every scene she appeared in, and shows she was not one of those Hollywood stars of the era who got by on looks or projecting a charismatic personality, but could really act--really disappear into a role. ( )