BETTE DAVIS IN HER FIRST GREAT SCENE! 1931

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  • Опубліковано 4 лют 2025
  • robertjeffrey.blogspot.com
    The First Lady of the American Screen began her film career unspectacularly in the same 1931 motion picture melodrama that would also be the first movie for fellow Broadway actor and future co-legend at Warner Bros., Humphrey Bogart. The film was called The Bad Sister, and Davis would later refer to it in one of her autobiographies as a wicked thing. Despite co-starring Sidney Fox, Conrad Nagel, and Slim Summerville, The Bad Sister would otherwise be an inconsequential early talkie if it did not feature two of the four signature stars of Warner Bros.-working under what would be an abbreviated contract at a rival studio. Despite its primary significance being as a historical document, it does contain one truly fine sequence, which I have excerpted here. Perhaps this manifestation of unrequited love at its most painful was the scene that prompted legendary gossip columnist Hedda Hopper to take notice of Bette one year before her first film at Warner Bros.
    Happy Valentines Day 2010 & VIVA LA BETTE!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 191

  • @esausjudeannephew6317
    @esausjudeannephew6317 3 роки тому +17

    At the end of the scene when she finally decides to burn every feeling and thought she's had and put into that diary is one of the most quietly tragic things I've ever seen in my life. It actually draws tears for me to look at

  • @jamesjspero
    @jamesjspero 9 років тому +95

    She was so young and beautiful. She was made up so plain almost resembling something to that of Popeye's Olive oil. None the less, this was the start of one of the best actresses to ever grace the silver screen in my opinion. One of my favorites!!!

    • @davidbrown552
      @davidbrown552 5 років тому +2

      "Made up so plain" is a total emotional and physical "turn on" for some people. Love to live in that world.

    • @skylite5329
      @skylite5329 5 років тому +5

      Yes, she is really my favorite actor of all time.

    • @vintageman91
      @vintageman91 4 роки тому +4

      Yes, she really had a rather simple yet special look, thats the main season why i think that she was the most beautiful actress i have ever seen.

    • @justshowmehow
      @justshowmehow 4 роки тому +1

      There is actually a song from the eighties about them.
      ua-cam.com/video/JP4xXjW97ko/v-deo.html

    • @vintageman91
      @vintageman91 4 роки тому +2

      @@justshowmehow From 1981 with Kim Carnes, heard it as a kid and listening to it now as well.

  • @psychaddict17
    @psychaddict17 3 роки тому +10

    This is a clip from “The Bad Sister” (1931). The full movie has recently been restored and uploaded to UA-cam!

  • @SCJ7812
    @SCJ7812 6 років тому +23

    Bette was such a great actress, literally felt her brokenness in this scene.

  • @BigBadassR
    @BigBadassR 7 років тому +94

    Look at those big beautiful eyes! Somebody could make a song about them.

    • @foodandtravelmom2241
      @foodandtravelmom2241 5 років тому +1

      Big R They did make a song about her eyes😊

    • @skylite5329
      @skylite5329 5 років тому +5

      Yes, I love the song. She reminds me so of my sister. She had Bette Davis eyes. She passed away 3 yrs., ago. My baby sister. I can't look at Bette Davis w/o thinking of her. They could pass for twins, really. Kim Carnes, I believe is the one who came out with the song: (She's God Bette Davis Eyes).

    • @s.e.landeros280
      @s.e.landeros280 4 роки тому +1

      😂🤣👍

    • @karolinesmith6119
      @karolinesmith6119 4 роки тому

      Big R good one :)

    • @skylite5329
      @skylite5329 4 роки тому

      @@catslove3884 Excuse me, I didn't use the word: god!!

  • @ambidextra_ambidextra
    @ambidextra_ambidextra 7 років тому +39

    she's just so extremely weird, and fascinating. And unique. the child is amazing also

    • @sibaritajal6733
      @sibaritajal6733 4 роки тому +5

      Es rara en el buen sentido de la palabra

  • @Eurafrican
    @Eurafrican 8 років тому +18

    A poignant scene, beautifully and effectively acted. Thank you so much for reminding me about this :)

  • @Sbaxter1989
    @Sbaxter1989 6 років тому +25

    Awwww she's a baby !!

  • @dgibson63
    @dgibson63 13 років тому +13

    She shows wonderful concentration at the fireplace, and she portrays Laura's sadness deeply and simply.

  • @sharksport01
    @sharksport01 4 роки тому +3

    This entire movie is on youtube without the bad sound.

  • @TotzkeMike
    @TotzkeMike 7 років тому +48

    Early on, she should have played Alice in "Alice in Wonderland": she looks like the Alice in the original illustrations by Sir John Tenniel.

    • @scotnick59
      @scotnick59 5 років тому +2

      YES

    • @edienandy
      @edienandy 5 років тому +2

      Omg she really does tho

    • @ACandRS
      @ACandRS 3 роки тому +3

      She even said this herself in her first book!

    • @TotzkeMike
      @TotzkeMike 3 роки тому +1

      @@ACandRS ✔️✔️✔️

    • @witchwemoon8538
      @witchwemoon8538 3 роки тому

      You can goggle and find a picture of a very young Olivia de Havilland as Alice. Another great actor and one of my favorites.

  • @autoscape1963
    @autoscape1963 12 років тому +7

    Hard to think of anyone truly better.....She was so great in "Now Voyager" and "Jezebel"

  • @paulj0557tonehead
    @paulj0557tonehead 13 років тому +17

    I think I would have left the theater after this film and gone straight to the reviews in the papers and magazines. Any critic that didn't see her awesome acting ability should have been fired. Okay, now I'm sounding like a Bette crusader, but it is rather interesting that even though I've spent my life ignoring trends and avoiding what the general public considers greatness to be the old general public must have had some sense because Davis, Crawford, and Stanwyck are my top 3 actresses.

  • @LorriePenfield
    @LorriePenfield 8 місяців тому +2

    About 60 years ago when i was a child , some friends talked me into going through the house of Bette Davis in New Hampshire. No one was home. So obviously, this was illegal. But we were children, and I don't remember if we were aware we were breaking the law. We did not take or damage anything. We were just fascinated with the house. I am now a physician about 70 years old, and I still admire her. I think so few can compare with her. I wish i had met her in person to tell her how great she was. And sorry for breaking into your house,even though we didn't break anything. Just naughty,curious children.

  • @steffcdn1962
    @steffcdn1962 13 років тому +27

    As bad as this may seem in comparison to Bette's later work part of her appeal is the fact that she fought with such great tenacity to be given the chance to showcase her true talent truly railing against the hollywood idea of glamour and star quality and showing she earned everything she achieved ... an amazing woman on all fronts

    • @NycCuban
      @NycCuban 2 роки тому

      But, once she was given what she had always wanted, the ability to produce her own movies, she chose very mediocre roles

    • @celesasheldon6931
      @celesasheldon6931 Рік тому

      💯

  • @davidfairbrother4292
    @davidfairbrother4292 5 років тому +5

    She's the best- a real gem of an actress..

  • @debfan74
    @debfan74 10 років тому +10

    Today would be Bette's birthday! I love Miss Davis in all I have ever seen of hers!

  • @stevie68a
    @stevie68a 8 місяців тому

    Sound was still new here, and the footsteps on the stairs overpowers the actors speaking.

  • @mikeilamenk
    @mikeilamenk 3 роки тому +3

    The best actress ever. I love you Bette Davis! ❤️

  • @richardmcleod5967
    @richardmcleod5967 3 роки тому +3

    Conrad Nagel was also good in any part he ever played. He was a very beloved member of the Hollywood of the 1930's.

  • @rehpotsirhc21
    @rehpotsirhc21 13 років тому +9

    so young and so beautiful! I would love to see all of her early work but her movies are not easy to find

    • @jonahr.1236
      @jonahr.1236 4 роки тому +2

      You are right! So hard to find. I am trying to find "THE ANNIVERSARY" (1968) but i cannot find it anywhere. There's just a clip on youtube

    • @Mary-1000
      @Mary-1000 3 роки тому +1

      @@jonahr.1236 Wow that must be some movie. I just found the dvd on amazon for 85.00 the Blue Ray is 65.00

    • @jonahr.1236
      @jonahr.1236 3 роки тому +1

      @@Mary-1000 $65??? Wtf. I don’t know if I want it THAT bad. Must it be THAT rare??

  • @cosmedearmas9516
    @cosmedearmas9516 Рік тому +1

    The pain of unrequited love portrayed sensitively by Bette.

  • @taylordowning2533
    @taylordowning2533 5 років тому +4

    She is so pretty and I also enjoyed her in Waterloo Bridge, the 1931 version, where she played Douglass Montgomery's sister

  • @saugusguy
    @saugusguy 4 роки тому +16

    Hands down the greatest actress America ever had

  • @michaelremillard2215
    @michaelremillard2215 3 роки тому +3

    I've got to stop peeling so many of those darn onions!

  • @mauricioexenberger6225
    @mauricioexenberger6225 8 років тому +17

    Bad Sister is always remembered not for its cinematic qualities, but for being the first work of Bette Davis in the film. The future star of Warner fails to impress in the role of Laura Madson, good sister of fellow rookie Sidney Fox (Marianne Madison), the bad sister that gives its name to the film. Davis appears aloof , almost always silent and downcast, and without the vibrant energy to enshrine some years later as one of the greatest actresses of Hollywood. It is the opposite of Sidney Fox, much more at ease on the scene. Sidney, however , did not have a future as promising in the land of cinema. She ended her career after marriage, in 1934, and died early, with only 30 years. Male cast, only Humphrey Bogart, who plays the swindler Valentine Corliss, turned star. The boy David Durant (Hedrick Madison) is great - the best of the cast.

    • @Eurafrican
      @Eurafrican 8 років тому +6

      Very fascinating to learn all of this about Sidney Fox. Thanks so much for sharing!

  • @angelah5368
    @angelah5368 6 років тому +1

    Her older movies,such as; the nanny, babyJane was so eerie that seems only Betty Davis could play so well.

  • @michaelgiffey5108
    @michaelgiffey5108 12 років тому +25

    Hard to believe she was considered an ugly duckling at Universal, She had a luminosity that was hard to ignore in this film. My personal belief is she never looked lovelier than in Now, Voyager.

    • @andrewthornhill7042
      @andrewthornhill7042 5 років тому

      Bette managed to slough off the waif look to reveal the steel beneath in her next few movies. Then she went from strength to strength. Imho, Davis rocked Margo!!

    • @vintageman91
      @vintageman91 4 роки тому +1

      I dont get that either. She had a rather special look but in a very beautiful way.

    • @jessebacon817
      @jessebacon817 2 роки тому

      Bette Davis was plain until she glammed it up a bit and became a fiery force.

  • @silviacaldelas186
    @silviacaldelas186 Рік тому +1

    I love her so so much ! She's the best ! Most talented actress of all times...
    My heart just broken poor girl ! And the little boy who was !? I love that little boy he really stoled the scene !

  • @Sunshine-zm1fx
    @Sunshine-zm1fx Місяць тому

    Someone really needs to remaster the sound. We cannot allow these old films to be ignored because of technical things that are easily fixed.

  • @dianalee8967
    @dianalee8967 2 роки тому +1

    My 88 year-old mind just kicked in a little I think that is Cate Blanchett Meryl Streep I don't know if my computer spelling that right but you know they don't match to her but are great

  • @brinsonopinion
    @brinsonopinion 6 місяців тому

    Wow. I've seen this movie listed on YT but never watched. I can just imagine the studio heads seeing this and saying "That girl's got something!"

  • @susietorres8600
    @susietorres8600 2 роки тому +1

    A bit shrill in Of Human Bondage, but amazing.

  • @carrietezeno1553
    @carrietezeno1553 4 роки тому +5

    Love Her The Greatest Actress Ever

  • @mark1968
    @mark1968 14 років тому +1

    Wow, this is a hard film to find. Bette was so beautiful in this.

  • @sandraoss326
    @sandraoss326 4 роки тому

    TY for sharing

  • @loboestepario57
    @loboestepario57 13 років тому +4

    she is the best actress of the u.s. forever saludos from chile

  • @stonesinmyblood27
    @stonesinmyblood27 2 роки тому +1

    The greatest actress ever was only 23 years old when she made this picture. ❤

  • @fran_1978
    @fran_1978 13 років тому +1

    CUTE indeed! Thanks so much for posting this!

  • @joracer1
    @joracer1 2 роки тому +1

    Heart breaking.

  • @bengilbert7413
    @bengilbert7413 5 років тому +3

    Bette hated her performance in this movie. Her and her mother cried when they saw it.

  • @tedwatson9929
    @tedwatson9929 5 років тому +2

    From the film "The Bad Sister" ... you can watch t on youtube.

  • @sharondiaz137
    @sharondiaz137 3 роки тому +1

    My beloved mom had Bette Davis eyes

  • @ldaxxx1
    @ldaxxx1 7 років тому +29

    Bette appears a bit stiff and awkward in her scenes, but that is to be expected in an actor's first few roles. Even here, her talent shines through, giving promise of great things to come.

    • @joracer1
      @joracer1 4 роки тому +4

      She played that scene perfectly shy hidden passion for the doctor, her somber defeated heartbroken shock, as her little brothers actions ripped her guts out, her restrained torment as her secret is exposed. Her soulless expression as she burns her soul. Powerful, to the point accurate and perfectly executed by a young lady that already had it. My heart breaks with hers in this scene when an actor can make a man cry from the screen he or she has done their job. It's a great movie you should watch it. Watch Bette in Now Voyager and just see if you can hold back your emotions. Imo Bette Davis is the corner stone of which the best of Hollywood was built.

    • @Mary-1000
      @Mary-1000 3 роки тому +2

      @@joracer1 Yes. Now Voyager will make you cry. I've only just discovered it a few weeks back. Great movie!!!!

    • @bobdownes162
      @bobdownes162 3 роки тому

      Surprised she got together what she did with having to react with that guy.

    • @katalinabrigitte3395
      @katalinabrigitte3395 2 роки тому

      She went on to become the greatest ACTRESS in America.

  • @kvernon1
    @kvernon1 13 років тому +6

    @nayita85 Hard to believe, but that definitely is her. I just read an autobiography of her life, and "Bad Sister" was her first movie. A photograph from the book proves it. She was born in 1908, so she would be 23 years old at this point. Her early roles did not give her much of a chance to showcase her talents, but she would win Oscars for "Dangerous" and "Jezebel" within 7 years of this debut.

    • @darellgrant8753
      @darellgrant8753 4 роки тому +3

      She should have at least 3 more Oscars

    • @nicoleackerman205
      @nicoleackerman205 3 роки тому

      She should have won who On the human Bondage and Now Voyager.

    • @anti-ethniccleansing465
      @anti-ethniccleansing465 2 роки тому +1

      @@darellgrant8753
      Do you really think her acting in Baby Jane was better than Anne Bancroft in The Miracle Worker?

    • @darellgrant8753
      @darellgrant8753 2 роки тому

      @@anti-ethniccleansing465 good question. U answer first

  • @Diaredd59
    @Diaredd59 13 років тому +7

    Ah, but the glimmers of future Bette were clear and apparent!

  • @windstorm1000
    @windstorm1000 6 років тому +10

    The little boy is a great actor. Very expressive and poignant. Who is he?

    • @Steven-wb9hb
      @Steven-wb9hb 7 місяців тому

      David Durand (born 1920, died 1998). According to IMDB, he acted in films pretty steadily starting in 1925, and his last film was in 1944. After that, he worked behind the scenes in the film industry.

  • @JW-do2wc
    @JW-do2wc 6 років тому +1

    Amazing how this was her movie screen debut.

  • @veroniquedumont3205
    @veroniquedumont3205 Рік тому

    i simply love her💓🙏👏👏👏

  • @MignonDunne
    @MignonDunne 11 років тому +3

    Great scene. Thanks for finding this. It's the first (and last) time I've seen BD move in slo-mo. Great moment in cinema for the "Little Brown Wren".

  • @dayzeereyes128
    @dayzeereyes128 2 роки тому +1

    She seems awkward because the scene is supposed to be awkward; she’s beong rebuffed by the only man she loves.

  • @karenhill3970
    @karenhill3970 3 роки тому

    Superb........awe..

  • @XX-gy7ue
    @XX-gy7ue 3 роки тому

    she was so young and already very much Bette Davis !

  • @stuartperry1047
    @stuartperry1047 6 років тому +2

    She stands out even more because she is paired with Conrad Nagel- one of the most wooden actors in the history of cinema. He was never able to shed his stagey- theatrical mannerisms. He is no match for the grande Bette.

  • @larakikia1953
    @larakikia1953 12 років тому +2

    she was and still a lovely actress

  • @alwaysblake148
    @alwaysblake148 3 роки тому +4

    The boy, David Durant, stole the picture with a truly great performance. The full movie is available on You Tube with much better sound.

    • @OliviaAnciso
      @OliviaAnciso 3 роки тому +1

      Always Blake.....Totally agree with you! I'll never forget the scene when he takes off running after seeing a policeman standing on the front porch!

  • @johnlorenzen4633
    @johnlorenzen4633 4 роки тому +2

    The child actor is an old soul. Fantastic. Was he in anything else?

    • @paulbrien9902
      @paulbrien9902 3 роки тому +1

      David Durand has 60 credits on imbd from 1925 to 1944. His career began at 5 years old in an Our Gang silent comedy short. He appeared alongside the Dead End Kids in Angels With Dirty Faces.

  • @The-Scots-man
    @The-Scots-man 4 роки тому +1

    Aww she looks beautiful.

  • @helium73
    @helium73 8 років тому +6

    Sometimes all someone needs is a little help.

  • @paulj0557tonehead
    @paulj0557tonehead 13 років тому +1

    @WarriorOfWriters You're right! I've seen them in at least 3 or 4 films off the top of my head. Another famous set are the ones from ' The Strange Love of Martha Ivers'. Then there was a wide set that went down to the left of the screen that I've seen a lot of. I've seen hundreds of films, but am horrible with titles- know all the stars though:)

  • @44032
    @44032 4 роки тому

    This was not Humprhey Bogart's first movie. It was his fourth. per the IMDB he's made "Up the River", (also Spencer Tracy's first film") "A Devil with Women" and "Body and Soul" before this.

  • @qrthrse1
    @qrthrse1 11 років тому +1

    Can you put the whole movie on UA-cam please? I'd like to watch the film.

  • @jamesrhines5379
    @jamesrhines5379 4 роки тому +1

    Thats my girl. She's my favorite. Since childhood I hunted her movies within TV Guide. She had swagger. Per Hiphop :"She's dat Be-itch". Her work ethic is kkrazy.😎

  • @caroltenge5147
    @caroltenge5147 11 років тому +1

    Ive never seen that film...Would you post the name, and perhaps the full movie. Thank you,

  • @davidbrown552
    @davidbrown552 5 років тому +1

    DAMN that girl was good looking! And good acting.

  • @davidcolumbia5792
    @davidcolumbia5792 Рік тому

    I can relate. Me and a coworker. I'm Bette's character.

  • @ron-waynehoekstra7007
    @ron-waynehoekstra7007 4 роки тому

    Huh , where have u been . They did in the 80s . Kim Carne : Bette Davis Eyes . Amazing song and Bette was tickled pink !

  • @creolelady182
    @creolelady182 11 років тому +1

    23 years old and her mother Ruthie made sure Bette got her break.

    • @ronc1772
      @ronc1772 7 років тому +4

      creolelady182. ..she also spent a great deal of her money.

  • @WarriorOfWriters
    @WarriorOfWriters 13 років тому +1

    those famous stairs

  • @scotnick59
    @scotnick59 12 років тому +4

    i think the kid is played cutely by David Durand

  • @bojack40
    @bojack40 4 роки тому +1

    3:05 is where we start to see her promise

  • @larrydirtybird
    @larrydirtybird 7 років тому +1

    How sad. What is the name of this movie?

  • @lmadonna1794
    @lmadonna1794 7 років тому

    I love betty Davis, ladies had class and style

  • @lmadonna1794
    @lmadonna1794 7 років тому

    I love betty Davis, ladies had class and style kii

  • @titania145
    @titania145 4 роки тому

    I saw this movie....was excellent and
    Bette was just 16 or something like that the kid was truly hateful 😠
    A great actor himself. 👍

  • @josieraimondi6763
    @josieraimondi6763 5 років тому

    PLEASE -- WHICH MOVIE IS THIS? What is the title/

  • @sharonthomas865
    @sharonthomas865 3 роки тому

    A Great Actress

  • @karenhill3970
    @karenhill3970 4 роки тому

    I think this scene was wonderful...she. Was never going to tell Him how she felt...i think he is Laura " her sister s beau not really Bad Sister. I think just a little self - centered. But movie ends GREAT as i recall...that little boy s face & acting in this scene!!! Awesome

  • @mehmetokay7073
    @mehmetokay7073 3 роки тому

    This is from Bad Sister?

  • @mariotrance6379
    @mariotrance6379 4 роки тому

    she was 23 or 24 yo here.. born 1907

  • @creolelady182
    @creolelady182 11 років тому

    what a career!

  • @jtridexter
    @jtridexter 15 років тому

    wow her first film and she was 23 years old in this film.. You should put the title of this film "The Bad Sister" (1931)

    • @vivwalker5883
      @vivwalker5883 6 років тому

      jtridexter Bette Davis was an original, a one off. Considered to be plain , her huge,expressive eyes conveyed every human emotion. She was mesmerising and charismatic, a superb thespian.

  • @richardmcleod5967
    @richardmcleod5967 3 роки тому +1

    Miriam Hopkins would have played the part better. Miriam Hopkins was the favorite Actress of famed Director Ernst Lubitsch.

  • @davedvlaries7764
    @davedvlaries7764 3 роки тому

    I think Davis once called this her 'little brown wren' period

  • @MrQbenDanny
    @MrQbenDanny 8 років тому

    MAGIC

  • @raquelb731
    @raquelb731 2 роки тому

    Most of her casual dresses looks like olive oils wardrobe lol

  • @hairofbullets
    @hairofbullets 2 роки тому

    I don't care what anybody says. Bette Davis was not good looking. She was by far, however, the greatest actress that ever lived.

  • @matteodellagiovanna3128
    @matteodellagiovanna3128 7 років тому +5

    she's got "the look"!!!!!

  • @dianalee8967
    @dianalee8967 2 роки тому

    She always thought she was ugly but she was beautiful and did you know well I guess you do know those big eyes were blue can you imagine that big eyes being blue that must have been something to look at I don't think she ever had any face work done like some of the others she was a true beauty and actress the best of all of them except now we have a few did almost match to her but not quiet Meryl Streep the one that was in The Aviator with DiCaprio I think it's Cate Blanchett my 88 year-old man just kicked in a little LOL

  • @gvbrandolini
    @gvbrandolini 3 роки тому +1

    Bravi

  • @Whatt787
    @Whatt787 4 місяці тому +1

    She looks creepy here

  • @frogjumptonykey
    @frogjumptonykey 11 років тому +2

    Oh, in another lifetime, perhaps - see ya then,honey...

  • @gmfd76
    @gmfd76 12 років тому

    She plays it like she's blind...

    • @darlalong1957
      @darlalong1957 3 роки тому +1

      Head slightly down,eyes up...coquetteish yet shy...perfect!

  • @cruzvaldes5922
    @cruzvaldes5922 2 роки тому

    She was better than Garbo and everyone tbh

  • @lauriefields3523
    @lauriefields3523 3 роки тому

    He didn't mean any harm, but it hurt her anyway. Little twerp.

  • @nameprivate4287
    @nameprivate4287 5 років тому +1

    this is a really great movie. I just find it creepy when they put lipstick on men in these older movies.His lips look black !

    • @mythra7174
      @mythra7174 4 роки тому

      He's wearing more make-up than she is. ;) (I think it was because of the lighting).

  • @sterlingferguson1704
    @sterlingferguson1704 12 років тому +1

    I thought All about Eve was her best acting role and she wasn't the first choice for this movie. Bette Davis had a problem with working with directors and most of them were afraid to work with her. A talent she had but her behavior on the set was something else.

    • @stmichl9433
      @stmichl9433 5 років тому +1

      Bette's 5 best to me were: Now Voyager, Dark Victory, Jezebel, The Letter and All About Eve.
      Now.... all the later "hag horror" stuff in the 60s-80s like Baby Jane, Dead Ringer and Hush, Hush were entertaining and cultish but not her best work. Baby Jane was fabulous but also so over-the-top that sometimes it's hard to know what to make of it even now. It's currency lay in contrapuntal readings in "star studies" or "queer theory" gender and identity curricula! The Hag pictures were pure camp and she was forced to do them because at that time there really were no good roles around for older women. So she played witches, and she would play them in various guises and versions. Bette could be the best witch ever (often disguised in the form of a nanny, a matriarch, a disabled carer or rich woman). Can you imagine had Bette played the witch in the Wizard of Oz instead of Margaret Hamilton! Would love to see that!!! Ha ha
      Television never really worked for her very well although she ventured there too out of commercial necessity. Retrospectively, I adore all the little soapie vignettes she did in the 50s but people wouldn't remember them now. They're from another time in every way and have dated badly - unlike her motion pictures from the 30s-50s which have become works of cinematic art and stunning classics. Her TV efforts just seem old hat because she was too big to play on a small screen which TV was back then. It was a tiny, flickering temple to showcase soap commercials on ! Today, our digital TV screens are like mini motion picture multiplexes and so Bette would have a renewed career if she were alive today and working in television. She would be the Queen of Netflix probably. If only we could cryogenically resuscitate Bette so we could have another 80 years of watching her threaten and manipulate all her victims and lovers in Netflix franchises!!!! Lol. If I was Oprah I would create a channel eponymously called "BD", and on it, I would rework her old classics into a new tv series with modern day actors and splice into them footage from Davis's old films and keep the old gal working post-mortem! She did say she loved and lived to work, after all ! You could have Bette Davis reality tv shows with drag queens playing her, Bette tv commercials and Bette merchandising. She's the campest gift ever that keeps on giving!
      Davis herself said she was a motion picture actress and TV just didn't work out for her and she didn't know why, she admitted. But I do know, and the reasons are those I have given above. Her TV pilot "the decorator" wasn't picked up. She came across as small, nebbishy and stiff in it, and just not hip enough when you compare what else was on offer at the same time in an era of Monroe, Presley, hip TV specials, fast-paced soapies and the youthquake which was beginning to rumble and ruin the old studio system. With all of that, the Davis persona began being dismantled.
      By the 1950s and into the 1960s, mature or middle-aged actresses had to play matrons, nurses, school Marms, evil mothers in law, creepy maids or witches. There were none of the juicy and exploratory roles around that the Helen Mirrens and Meryl Streep's get thrown at them today.
      Davis was at the height of her powers in the 1940s. As she aged, she became way too strict and set in a certain mannerist style that you can see in its totality and complexity in All About Eve: that society maven, that dowagery, Yankee thing she did over and over. Sometimes I wished she would tone it down and allow a different set of expressions to emerge out of her vast canon of skills and emotional ranges she possessed, but no one could direct Davis except for William Wyler... or Bette herself. He (and she) were her favourites.
      But the films I mentioned were wonderful because she showcased her emotional range in them and she also constructed that Bette Davis persona (the mask) for which she became famous: the flashing saucer-like eyes, the slash of ruler-applied lipstick on that straight, strange flat cardboard mouth, the fidgety trigger fingers and pigeon-on-rooftop waving and flapping of the arms, the management of her full skirts and swishing them often with brutal force, the peculiar Yankee static diction as if she were speaking through an electric typewriter, and those abrupt, whiplashy head-turns and hands-on-hips on all those staircases!
      Ahhhhhhhhh, Bette Darling.... Lest we forget. Lest we forget.

  • @pianobillf
    @pianobillf 7 років тому

    Handsome boy.

  • @paddle_shift
    @paddle_shift 4 роки тому

    She was one of the best. So sad the Hayes code kicked in a couple years later. Another sad example of the affects of giving women the right to vote.

  • @creolelady182
    @creolelady182 11 років тому

    whos that kid?