120 Ratings

Three on a Match

United States, 1932

Crime, Drama, Romance

Synopsis

Although Vivian Revere is seemingly the most successful of a trio of reunited schoolmates, she throws it away by descending into a life of debauchery and drugs.

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Three on a Match Directed by Mervyn LeRoy

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Cast & Crew

Critics reviews

The Chiseler

Her edgy elegance perfectly suits this bubbly yet astringent cocktail of a movie, a perfect example of pre-Code’s tendency to combine equal parts pessimism and high spirits, shake well and pour. Three on a Match, the crowning glory of Dvorak’s first year in film, begins deceptively as an ensemble piece, introducing three schoolgirls who will later meet up as adults.

Imogen Sara Smith

August 23, 2013

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What are people saying?

Daniel S.'s rating of the film Three on a Match
Daniel S.

Discreet Bette Davis, frowned Humphrey Bogart, drug-addicted Ann Dvorak and happy-go-Lucky Joan Blondell. A stellar cast for a movie with a very thin screenplay. Recommended though.
February 28, 2015 18:24
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Dave's rating of the film Three on a Match
Dave

Very tight film, with so much packed into barely over an hour. Dvorak is is good as everyone says. A highly recommended pre-code.
August 31, 2012 00:42
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Acerk21's rating of the film Three on a Match
Acerk21

Short, yet very effective!...It's pretty amazing how much story is packed into little over an hour. I read somewhere that this was Dvorak's finest performance...if it's not, then I'm definitely interested in seeing more of her work. She gave a very realistic turn as a woman fallen from grace and boy, what a shocking finale that was! This film is a forgotten gem and one of my favorites from pre-Code Hollywood.
August 10, 2011 03:36
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SpacePirate's rating of the film Three on a Match
SpacePirate

What a cast! While plot is thin, the performances & the atypical Hollywood ending are reasons to check this out. William plays his typical wealthy cad role with aplomb & Dvorak is amazing as a woman spiraling out of control, looking like a totally different person by films end. Thought they pulled a Bunuel at first and had two diff actresses for same role. As result, Bogey & Davis relegated to the bg here. 4.5 stars
December 13, 2018 18:52
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Log Lady's rating of the film Three on a Match
Log Lady

An interesting Pre-Code of the descent into squalor and drug addiction variety, so no amusing quips here. Dvorak's performance starts a little wooden, but her subsequent realistic portrayal of a woman who has made bad decisions but who still cares is indeed wonderful. The ending is exceptionally brutal for a 30s film.
June 24, 2017 20:26
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FISCHER's rating of the film Three on a Match
FISCHER

Un scénario fort ringard, mélodramatique à outrance dans lequel le destin des protagonistes s'enchevêtre étroitement. A voir par curiosité... www.cinefiches.com
May 08, 2017 22:40
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Charles Coleman's rating of the film Three on a Match
Charles Coleman

Great movie. Starts out one way then it goes another way by the end but you're fine with that because the direction is handled beautifully and all the actors are great especially Ann Dvorak who looks almost like a different person by the end of the movie. Very self righteous film and yet there's also a fascinating unrelenting seedy side to the picture that balances out the film nicely.
September 28, 2014 06:23
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MarcH's rating of the film Three on a Match
MarcH

Dvorak deserved a better career. She is harrowing as the junkie mom in this. I've never seen a bad performance from her.
October 24, 2011 03:03
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