The Dark Angel

The Dark Angel

Year: 1935

Runtime: 106 mins

Language: English

Director: Sidney Franklin

DramaRomance

Kitty Vane, Alan Trent, and Gerald Shannon have been inseparable since childhood. At the outbreak of World War I, Kitty chooses Alan, and Gerald blesses their union. Both men go to war; a misunderstanding fuels Gerald’s anger, leading him to send Alan on a perilous mission that will irrevocably alter their lives.

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Timeline & Setting – The Dark Angel (1935)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Dark Angel (1935). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

World War I era (1914-1918)

The film spans pre-war friendship, the wartime draft, and post-war consequences. Men are sent to the front, with ten days of leave that alter the lovers’ plans. The war's danger and the social consequences of deception shape the characters’ fates before and after the conflict.

Location

England, Germany

The story unfolds across the English home front and a German hospital, with scenes in towns, an inn, and a family home. It places Kitty, Alan, and Gerald in early 20th-century England where their lives are upended by war. A German hospital later provides a stark contrast as Alan's life is changed by injury and concealment.

📍 England ⚔️ World War I 💔 Social Pressure 🧭 Identity and Memory

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:25

Main Characters – The Dark Angel (1935)

Meet the key characters of The Dark Angel (1935), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kitty Vane (Merle Oberon)

Kitty is the object of affection for Alan and Gerald from childhood. She navigates a love triangle with dignity, accepting Alan's proposal while fearing social judgment. Her loyalty drives her to seek a future with Alan despite obstacles and misunderstandings.

💖 Romantic 🕊️ Loyal 🧭 Conflicted

Alan Trent (Fredric March)

A loyal, principled man who loves Kitty and sacrifices his happiness for her sake. His wartime experiences lead to a life-changing injury and a secret identity as 'Roger Crane'. He gradually rebuilds his life through writing and resilience.

💘 Love 🛡️ Courage 🕊️ Sacrifice

Gerald Shannon (Herbert Marshall)

A close friend of Alan and Kitty who harbors his own love for Kitty. He misreads events and initially blocks Alan's marriage, feeling protective yet prideful. His arc moves from anger to acknowledgment and care for Kitty's happiness.

🔥 Jealousy 🛡️ Honor 🗣️ Misunderstanding

Sir George Barton (John Halliday)

A physician who helps blind patients adjust to new lives and discovers Alan's true identity. He acts as a catalyst for reconciliation, guiding both the injured man and his former loves toward a hopeful ending.

🧠 Compassion 🩺 Medicine 🧭 Guidance

Lawrence Bidley (Claud Allister)

Kitty's cousin who uncovers Alan's secret by assuming an affair happened and inadvertently fuels the conflict. His actions spark the misunderstanding that reshapes the relationships involved.

🎭 Interference 🕵️ Intrigue 🗣️ Gossip

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:25

Major Themes – The Dark Angel (1935)

Explore the central themes of The Dark Angel (1935), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💞 Love and Duty

Love tests loyalty as Kitty's engagements collide with Gerald's protective instincts. The trio's bond is strained by wartime obligations and the risk of social stigma. The characters must choose honesty and compassion over appearances, especially when misunderstandings arise.

🪖 War and Its Consequences

The war's shadow drives the plot: enlistment, dangerous missions, and the sense of loss when Alan is presumed dead. War fragments lives, futures, and reputations, creating a wedge between personal desire and societal expectations.

👁️ Disability and Resilience

Alan's blindness reframes his identity and ambitions. He adapts by writing children's books and finding new purpose, aided by Sir George's guidance. The story emphasizes grit and the ability to rebuild life after a life-changing injury.

🤝 Reconciliation and Forgiveness

Revelations about Alan's survival and true identity mend the rift among Kitty, Gerald, and Alan. Trust is rebuilt as they confront past misunderstandings and embrace a renewed commitment. The ending centers on choosing love over pride.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:25

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The Dark Angel Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Dark Angel, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Dark Angel Summary

The Dark Angel Timeline

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The Dark Angel Timeline

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