Mary (Joan Blondell), Vivian (Ann Dvorak) and Ruth (Bette Davis) were longtime friends, dating back to their school days. Mary seems to be the one headed down the wrong road, but she works her way out. Vivian has a life most women want, but it's not enough for her. She feels she needs more excitement, so she leaves her wealthy lawyer husband and takes off with their small son. She hooks up with a bad guy, turns to alcohol, ignores her son. Mary and Ruth are disgusted with her and, worried for the son, takes him back to his father. Giving up on Vivian and her wild, wicked ways, her husband divorces her. He has grown close to Mary, and they end up getting married. Vivian's thug boyfriend needs money so he kidnaps the son and holds him for ransom. The end is melodramatic and no real surprise, but it is exciting.
One scene really caught me by surprise--when Ann is obviously high and staggering about, Humphrey Bogart glances knowingly at the boys, rubs his nose, and sarcastically winks. I was surprised by this, that this gesture was used back in 1932 the same way it is today to say someone is a cokehead.
Review of Three on a Match
