Here is the 1st Episode Honoring My Top 10 Best & Favorite Performances of the Great Legend, Bette Davis. NEW PATREON PAGE: www.patreon.com/classicfilmlo...
The first film I saw Bette in was "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane". Saw it live in the theaters in '62. Being an impressionable 11 year old, Bette scared the bejezzus out of me. In fact, it was hard when watching earlier films of her later in life (ty TCM) to separate her roles in those 11-year-old overtones of her as an actress from the part she played. Thank goodness for "Now, Voyager" and "All About Eve", my two favorite Davis movies, which finally allowed me to burst free from my 11-year-old nightmares into valuing her as the great actress she is!
I'm not into old movies that much, but I saw 'All about Eve' about 5 years ago, and I can say it is truly my favourite picture of all time! Bette Davis just blew me away. Just amazing. Since then I've catched up on many BD movies and she truly was one of the biggest actresses of all time.
"All About Eve" is in the fourth position in my top 5 Bette's performances, my favorite one is "Of a Human Bondage", then "The Little Foxes", then "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?", then "All About Eve", and the fifth position: "Jezebel"
You left Dead Ringer out !!!! That scene at the end of the movie where she is going to get inside de car that will take her to prision to later get her dead sentence and she said to Karl Malden : " I'm Margaret de Lorca, seargent, as you said.. Eddie will never had hurt a fly" and she gets into the car..... MAGNIFICENT !!!!
The Little Foxes is one of my favorites and A Catered Affair she was amazing in almost every role she performed and I agree All About Eve her performance shines the brightest
Thank you for a most entertaining trip through the legendary career of the legendary Bette! I so appreciate how you recognize her contribution to actors and actresses everywhere and especially for those who came after her. It’s important to remember that it’s not just about dramatic affect and that integrity matters. Hers was as great as her talent. Now Voyager was inspiring to me as a young man because I was struggling with my own emotional illness and it was one of the first films I saw where hope and dignity both seemed possible. It gave me an idea of how I might navigate and come to feel good about my life and myself regardless of the pain, shame and confusion of earlier years. I look forward to watching more of your videos and thank you for your care and integrity!
Wonderful tribute! I believe that Miss Davis will always be the very best actress that ever was or ever will be. I adore her movies! She should have been selected the winner of the Oscar for many more of her movies. I’ve never seen such a beautiful example as in her performance of Mildred in Of Human Bondage and another as Margo Channing in All About Eve. It is truly amazing what she accomplished in her lifetime. How I would have loved to have personally known Miss Bette Davis.
Cabin in the Cotton, Bordertown, Kid Galahad, It's Love I'm After, The Old Maid, The Sisters, Old Acquaintance, In This Our Life, A Stolen Life, Deception .... to name another 10 superb Bette movies.
I remember seeing her in "The Nanny" many years ago on TV. It was really scary, because of the suspense, unexpected ending that she was so good at performing.
thanks so much for this!....I'm such a huge fan, I could watch films clips of hers for days and never tire of them. What a remarkable woman (and actress) she was. :)...(and just as a post note; I remember watching an interview of hers (pre-stroke) where she's puffing away on a cigarette, they show a quick clip of the famous, "I'd kiss you but I just washed my hair" and then back to her just a' laughing away and saying, "that's probably my favorite line of any picture I've ever done!"...noooobody could have delivered that line like the great Bette Davis....oh!...and the scene in "Old Acquaintance" where she shakes the shit out of Miriam Hopkins (whom she loathed) then the brilliant camera shot of Davis saying a very halting, "sorry" which was just dripping with insincerity....I burst out laughing everytime....she was glorioso!) 🤗
You got it!! Really nice tribute. I am a huge fan, seen ALL of her films, many in a revival theatre on a big screen, so impressive! I also love , all this and heaven too, with Charles Boyer. And 2on a match, and Deception….thanks so much for this tribute ❤️🦋
I'm so happy I found this channel! One film I feel should have been included among the Honorable Mentions is All This and Heaven Too (1940), a romantic period drama in which everything between Davis and Charles Boyer is conveyed through looks, voice, and body language. Something like this would never fly in today's cinema culture, but this was another role Davis lobbied hard for. She wanted to prove that she could play a character who was genuinely kind and good, and make that character interesting. She does exactly that, and in Charles Boyer she has a leading man who is every bit as charismatic as she is. (The less said about Jeffrey Lynn, the better, though...)
She’s my favorite expired actress, and probably my favorite of all time. I’ll give you my Top 5: 1. All About Eve 2. Whatever Happened To Baby Jane 3. The Little Foxes 4. Now, Voyager 5. The Letter - probably my most unusual pick, but I love this film!
I like her in Pocketful of Miracles. It was the first time I saw her in a movie. I like the Cinderella scene. I thought it was very funny to see all the other characters' reactions when she became 'beautiful'.
She was great in the t.v. movie Corn field. The Man Who Came To Dinner also included Jimmy Durante is my favorite Christmas movie. Love all who took part in this movie. Thank you.
Good video........Bette Davis my favorite actress .... she dealt with a lot of shit (u know with the Hollywood exec's ) and I just found out that she & another favorite actor of mine John Garfield that when they started the "Hollywood Canteen" during WWII, they had it integrated which the gov't tried to change, u know the Jim Crow laws and they fought against that - and WON!!! I also read that Cagney didn't care for her that much because she had a mouth on her. Well .. meaning when the cameras stopped filming, Cagney said she had a - filthy mouth. Well I figured she talked like that because she was always dealing with the assholes that ran Hollywood. She didn't take any shit.......good strong woman and a great actress. So when I hear that song by Madonna - Vogue - that line I love the most when Madonna says .... "...and Bette Davis we love you ..." need I say anymore!!!
Her diction and delivery of lines is what sets her apart from the crowd too. Of course, the lines are written by writers, but the actress must bring them to life. Don’t let’s talk here, did I ever tell you about the time I looked into the heart of an artichoke, remind me to recant the story some cold winter night by the fire, A milkshake!! And so on….
1. Jezebel 2. Dark Victory 3. The Letter 4. The Little Foxes 5. Dangerous 6. The Star 7. Now Voyager 8. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane 9. Of Human Bondage 10. All About Eve Great list I would put Old Acquaintance, The Old Maid, All This and Heaven Too, Mr. Skeffington and even The Great Lie. She definitely deserved to be the 3 maybe even 4 time winner Best Actress, but that's politics. Just have to say The Little Foxes is my absolute favorite.
I think she won both of her Oscars early in her career, because it was before she made many enemies in the industry. She lost several Oscars later due to politics, imho. The Oscars are political and Katharine Hepburn remained quiet and dignified, even though I consider her a more limited actress than Bette Davis, at least in dramatic roles. Bette Davis was outspoken and wasn't afraid to be hated, a very bold position for an actor. The Little Foxes is my absolute favorite as well, both as a film and for her controlled, chilling performance as regal Regina.
It's a great list, but I would have included "The Corn Is Green" because it's a great performance and a very different character type, kind, selfless. The script is wonderful. I know most people will disagree with me , bur seeing Bette play such a matronly character was really against type. She got to show off some very subtle acting skills. "The Letter " would have been higher up the list. Watching her plan slowly fall apart is worth seeing over and over. She's done something horrible, but you still feel some empathy towards her, and she doesn't really chew the scenery, except in the beginning.
I would add "Payment on Demand" to the list. A great piece of acting in that one. And I agree about "The Corn is Green," in which all of the supporting actors were equally superb.
Bette Davis admitted the movie part in "The Little Foxes" should have gone to Tallulah Bankhead, as she thought Bankhead's stage performance was simply better!
When I initially saw the position of "Now, Voyager" on the list, I made an involuntary, non-verbal noise of protest. Then I saw the other performances that you placed higher, and made peace with your rankings. "Now, Voyager" is a sentimental favorite of mine, so I can't help but feel a little protective about it.😊 Now, this voyager is going to seek out a couple of Bette Davis movies that are still somehow unfamiliar. Thank you for giving me some excellent suggestions.
Yes, this is one of those times when I need to make a distinction between "Best" and "Favorite." I acknowledge All About Eve as Davis' best (from an objective standpoint) performance, but honestly, it's Now, Voyager that has my heart.
First choice for Margo Channing was Claudette Colbert( unfortunately she injured her back and had to bow out). Darryl Zanuck wanted Marlene Dietrich for the role. The director disagreed with that choice. Then Gertrude Lawrence was considered but she demanded too many script changes. Then Darryl Zanuck called Bette Davis and asked if she was interested.
Yes Mr McLeod! This feud was maybe wilder, if shorter lived, than with Joan. Bette: "One thing I'll say - Joan is a professional. She arrives on time, she knows her lines... about the rest, let's talk later!"
I would have mentioned her performance in "The Whales of August" and I don't agree her TV movies were of low quality. There are many exceptions; "Strangers: the story of a mother and daughter" with Gena Rowlands, for example, is an amazing picture and both Bette and Gena are extraordinary!
My top 5 would be: 1°. Of a Human Bondage 2°. The Little Foxes 3°. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 4°. All About Eve 5°. Dark Victory (I haven't watch all of Bette's films)
I quite enjoyed this list!!! Wish we’d gotten an honorable mention for A Stolen Life and The Great Lie but there’s only so many things that can get recognition. And a shout-out for Pocketful of Miracles woulda been amazing.
For me it's Dark Victory and Dangerous. She thought she won her Academy Award for Dangerous because she wasn't nominated for Of Human Bondage. I disagree. She deserved to win for that performance.
This is my list. I cheated. I put several movies in tenth place, so I don't have to choose. I saw most of Bette's philomography, but oddly enough, I never got to see Dangerous or The Man Who Came for Dinner 1 - 1950 All About Eve 2 - 1941 The Little Foxes 3- 1934 Of Human Bondage 4 - 1962 What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 5 - 1987 The Whales of August 6 - 1944 Mr. Skeffington 7 - 1940 The Letter 8 - 1965 The Nanny 9- 1952 The Star 10 - 1956 The Catered Affair 1933 Ex-Lady 1936 The Petrified Forest 1937 Marked Woman 1938 Jezebel 1940 All This, and Heaven Too 1942 In This Our Life 1949 Beyond the Forest 1956 Storm Center
I just came across Another Man’s Poison that she did in 1951 after All About Eve. She did over 80 films under the studio system. I think that was her actual prime for the “Bette Davis acting style” I enjoyed your video.
I would have found a spot for The Petrified Forest somewhere in the TOP 10. With actresses like Davis and Kate Hepburn and Stanwyck it's really tough to just pick 10!
Fun. But her Margo Channing can't compare to her performances in 'Dead Ringer', 'The Catered Affair', or 'White Mama' for that matter. She, herself, admitted that she had played parts much more challenging (and, no doubt, rewarding for her and audiences) than Channing. Luckily, she left a bevy of great characters for us to watch and enjoy on celluloid. Cheers! And Happy Birthday, Bette!!
Actually Joan and Bette made parts of Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte together, but due to fiery tensions between the two actresses, Joan checked herself into a hospital and refused to continue to participate in the film. They later fired Joan and invited Olivia de Havilland ( whom I hope you’ll make a video about soon) to complete the filming.
my mum was big Bette Davis fan. The first time I watched what ever happened to Baby Jane with my mum on the TV. Loved the film 🎥. That's when I became a Bette Davis fan. The best there is. Never will we have a great Bette Davis.
Bette Davis deserved all the praise and awards she received, as well as some she didn't win. "All About Eve" is the ultimate example. How could this have happened? There are many theories about this. Bottom line - at least have a tie.
All About Eve is hands down my favorite but i remember the scene in the Little Foxes where she fails to hand a dying Herbert Marshall his medicine and the look on her face reveals she is horrified at herself but she goes ahead and denies him that medicine..
I half way expected that her performance in ‘The Whales of August’ would at least get an honorable mention. But where I truly disagreed was stating that many of her later TV movies were of low quality or “useless” as you show the cover for ‘Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter,’ opposite the incredible but underrated Gena Rowlands. If I had been an Emmy voter that year, I would honored both Bette and Gena, as their performances are up there with their best film performances!
Well, for a start, it's Somerset Mom, not Magam( I spelled these poenetically) . Second, Joan Crawford didn't say no to Hush Hush SC; she was fired. You can see clips of her arriving in a taxi at the plantation on You Tube, and third, I have heard that 'Feud' was high accurate and not inaccurate. Otherwise it was a very good video.
Several years ago, I learned that Bette Davis was the founder and hidden hand behind the Hollywood Canteen, a World War II entertainment spot for service men on leave before shipping off to the Pacific front. They were treated like kings for the night, entertained by top stars and bands, danced with starlets, and were waited on and cooked for by celberateries. She did all this with great humility, without using it for publicity and barely taking a bow. Seems kinda out of character for her, and I gained much respect for her after learning about it.
I'm crazy about Bette Davis! I'm not going to say that she was the biggest movie star in the world, because we have to consider Joan Crawford. Look what a duo!!! Both Bette and Joan, they gave a show in any production! could play any role. I haven't watched all the movies of these two "sweeties" , but I hope I still have that privilege! 🙏🏆
You left out my favorite Bette Davis performance (after All About Eve of course): The Old Maid (1939). It is definitely her most subtle performance ever, and also the most emotional at the same time. The last scene brings tears from men and women alike. I wouldn't have included Dark Victory, and I did not cry at he end of that film the way I did with The Old Maid--a neglected masterpiece.
It's misleading to say she was denied the (Scarlett) role in "Gone With The Wind". First of all, "Jezebel" was done before GWTW . So it was not a consolation prize for not getting GWTW. 2nd Davis was suing Warner Bros and walked out. Went to England. On her way out the door, Warners told her to stay as they had just optioned a book called GWTW. She kept going out the door....voluntarily
Oh no, I include sequels, even though they play the character twice, it is still a different story and a separate film as well. You'll definitely see an example of that when I do Peter O'Toole, among many others...
Hi, I just discovered your channel and love it. I watched your Top Ten Best Performances of other actresses and agree with them, but since Bette Davis is my favorite actress, I will give my personal Top Ten Best Performances of hers (purely my opinion and taste): 1) The Little Foxes 2) All About Eve 3) Jezebel 4) The Letter 5) Dark Victory 6) Now, Voyager 7) The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex 8) Mr. Skeffington 9) Of Human Bondage 10) Dangerous (Honorable mentions: The Old Maid, Marked Woman, Deception, In This Our Life, Beyond the Forest (must see!), Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, All This and Heaven Too, Juarez, Bordertown). I personally don't like The Star: it's a cheaply made, B-movie with a poor director, with zero chemistry between Bette Davis and Sterling Hayden, and Bette yells in many of her scenes and her performance is repetitious, self-indulgent and lacks nuance. Although I prefer Bette Davis to Joan Crawford overall, I think in 1952, Joan gave a better performance in Sudden Fear than Bette in The Star. I do agree with you that Bette Davis' last 20 years didn't contain her best work, but I think from 1934 (Of Human Bondage) -1950 (All About Eve), she was the best dramatic film actress in America. Thanks for your great tribute to her.
She was/is one of my favorite actresses of all time. Love her!
The first film I saw Bette in was "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane". Saw it live in the theaters in '62. Being an impressionable 11 year old, Bette scared the bejezzus out of me. In fact, it was hard when watching earlier films of her later in life (ty TCM) to separate her roles in those 11-year-old overtones of her as an actress from the part she played.
Thank goodness for "Now, Voyager" and "All About Eve", my two favorite Davis movies, which finally allowed me to burst free from my 11-year-old nightmares into valuing her as the great actress she is!
No one else like her! Love her work!❤
I'm not into old movies that much, but I saw 'All about Eve' about 5 years ago, and I can say it is truly my favourite picture of all time! Bette Davis just blew me away. Just amazing. Since then I've catched up on many BD movies and she truly was one of the biggest actresses of all time.
Bette Davis was truly created to be an actress. It was her gift to the world.
#1 of all time. A genius married to her career.
Exactly.
My personal favorite is "Of Human Bondage"!! It will always be my No. 1 fave!!
Dito !✌
Me too! Bette was stunning as Mildred Rogers, a breathtaking performance
"All About Eve" is in the fourth position in my top 5 Bette's performances, my favorite one is "Of a Human Bondage", then "The Little Foxes", then "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?", then "All About Eve", and the fifth position: "Jezebel"
You left Dead Ringer out !!!! That scene at the end of the movie where she is going to get inside de car that will take her to prision to later get her dead sentence and she said to Karl Malden : " I'm Margaret de Lorca, seargent, as you said.. Eddie will never had hurt a fly" and she gets into the car..... MAGNIFICENT !!!!
You're so right . "Eve" was great. Couldn't take my eyes off her. Especially the birthday party scene.
The Little Foxes is one of my favorites and A Catered Affair she was amazing in almost every role she performed and I agree All About Eve her performance shines the brightest
Thank you for a most entertaining trip through the legendary career of the legendary Bette! I so appreciate how you recognize her contribution to actors and actresses everywhere and especially for those who came after her. It’s important to remember that it’s not just about dramatic affect and that integrity matters. Hers was as great as her talent.
Now Voyager was inspiring to me as a young man because I was struggling with my own emotional illness and it was one of the first films I saw where hope and dignity both seemed possible. It gave me an idea of how I might navigate and come to feel good about my life and myself regardless of the pain, shame and confusion of earlier years.
I look forward to watching more of your videos and thank you for your care and integrity!
I cant believe it took me his long to discover this gold mine Bette Davis gave to movies.
Excellent!! You capture the epitome of the greatest actor in film ,Bette Davis. Kudos, I like your review. God Bless.
Wonderful tribute! I believe that Miss Davis will always be the very best actress that ever was or ever will be. I adore her movies! She should have been selected the winner of the Oscar for many more of her movies. I’ve never seen such a beautiful example as in her performance of Mildred in Of Human Bondage and another as Margo Channing in All About Eve. It is truly amazing what she accomplished in her lifetime. How I would have loved to have personally known Miss Bette Davis.
Cabin in the Cotton, Bordertown, Kid Galahad, It's Love I'm After, The Old Maid, The Sisters, Old Acquaintance, In This Our Life, A Stolen Life, Deception .... to name another 10 superb Bette movies.
I remember seeing her in "The Nanny" many years ago on TV. It was really scary, because of the suspense, unexpected ending that she was so good at performing.
yes! amazing movie. quite tragic in parts. Great performance.
Yes, THE NANNY was one of her best, most subtle performances. And so often overlooked.
I love her entrance in The Nanny, in the credits I believe,
across the park, from afar, but the music changes. great movie!
I absolutely adored Bette Davis. Such a fine actress.
thanks so much for this!....I'm such a huge fan, I could watch films clips of hers for days and never tire of them. What a remarkable woman (and actress) she was. :)...(and just as a post note; I remember watching an interview of hers (pre-stroke) where she's puffing away on a cigarette, they show a quick clip of the famous, "I'd kiss you but I just washed my hair" and then back to her just a' laughing away and saying, "that's probably my favorite line of any picture I've ever done!"...noooobody could have delivered that line like the great Bette Davis....oh!...and the scene in "Old Acquaintance" where she shakes the shit out of Miriam Hopkins (whom she loathed) then the brilliant camera shot of Davis saying a very halting, "sorry" which was just dripping with insincerity....I burst out laughing everytime....she was glorioso!) 🤗
Funny, noone seems to mention....A Stolen Life......she played twins! 1946. Glen Ford was the male lead.
This was a great movie!
Mr. Skeffington, Now, Voyager I can watch once a Week....And ALL of Her work! My Favorite Actress, with Olivia De Haviland right behind Her.
Where can we see these films without having to subscribe?
A catered affair is my almost favourite film of Miss Davis’ but I agree with your choices. Thank you 🙏 ❤️❤️❤️
Loved her too in that role.
Where would you rank All this and Heaven Too? One of my faves and based on a true story .
If I did a Part 2 of the Next 10 (#10-#20), I would say #18, because Yes: "A Stolen Life," & "The Corn is Green," still are Tremendous.
bette davis 1934-1941 is amazing no actor has given so many great performances in a row
You got it!! Really nice tribute. I am a huge fan, seen ALL of her films, many in a revival theatre on a big screen, so impressive! I also love , all this and heaven too, with Charles Boyer. And 2on a match, and Deception….thanks so much for this tribute ❤️🦋
I'm so happy I found this channel!
One film I feel should have been included among the Honorable Mentions is All This and Heaven Too (1940), a romantic period drama in which everything between Davis and Charles Boyer is conveyed through looks, voice, and body language. Something like this would never fly in today's cinema culture, but this was another role Davis lobbied hard for. She wanted to prove that she could play a character who was genuinely kind and good, and make that character interesting. She does exactly that, and in Charles Boyer she has a leading man who is every bit as charismatic as she is. (The less said about Jeffrey Lynn, the better, though...)
Absolute best actress ever Miss Betty Davis
Of Human Bondage is definitely my #1 pick. Cheers ✌
She’s my favorite expired actress, and probably my favorite of all time.
I’ll give you my Top 5:
1. All About Eve
2. Whatever Happened To Baby Jane
3. The Little Foxes
4. Now, Voyager
5. The Letter - probably my most unusual pick, but I love this film!
Great list, I might put Jezebel before The Letter. Otherwise I completely agree.
Great choice however I liked The Letter and would put that one as no 1.
Swap the placements of the letter and now, voyager and this is my top 5 exactly
She has too many AMAZING movies to count.
I like her in Pocketful of Miracles. It was the first time I saw her in a movie. I like the Cinderella scene. I thought it was very funny to see all the other characters' reactions when she became 'beautiful'.
She definitely deserved oscar’s for both Jane and Eve, both amazing performances.
Love your list!!!!!!
Love Miss Bette.
She was great in the t.v. movie Corn field.
The Man Who Came To Dinner also included Jimmy Durante is my favorite Christmas movie.
Love all who took part in this movie. Thank you.
This was a great video!
Good video........Bette Davis my favorite actress .... she dealt with a lot of shit (u know with the Hollywood exec's ) and I just found out that she & another favorite actor of mine John Garfield that when they started the "Hollywood Canteen" during WWII, they had it integrated which the gov't tried to change, u know the Jim Crow laws and they fought against that - and WON!!! I also read that Cagney didn't care for her that much because she had a mouth on her. Well .. meaning when the cameras stopped filming, Cagney said she had a - filthy mouth. Well I figured she talked like that because she was always dealing with the assholes that ran Hollywood. She didn't take any shit.......good strong woman and a great actress. So when I hear that song by Madonna - Vogue - that line I love the most when Madonna says .... "...and Bette Davis we love you ..." need I say anymore!!!
You’re really good at this. Looking forward for more
Great work here.
That “Wipe my Mouth!” scene, probably her best scene ever.
All Bette Davis ‘s movies are amazing, but some of them have been lost as The Old Maid with Myriam Hoppins.
RIP: Bette 🍀🌹♥️🌷❤️
I have 'The Old Maid' on DVD
It has been on TCM within the last 6mos.
I loved your list, never watched, tho: Dangerous and Of Human Bondage, but I know both are great movies!
Oh You NEED to see, "Of Human Bondage," at LEAST: so incredibly raw.
Another Mans poison is great!!
Love your picks!!! Thankyou I love your channel❤
I love Bette Davis, thank you for posting!!!
Her diction and delivery of lines is what sets her apart from the crowd too. Of course, the lines are written by writers, but the actress must bring them to life.
Don’t let’s talk here, did I ever tell you about the time I looked into the heart of an artichoke, remind me to recant the story some cold winter night by the fire,
A milkshake!! And so on….
"Dead Ringer."
Of human bondage is really incredible...
1. Jezebel
2. Dark Victory
3. The Letter
4. The Little Foxes
5. Dangerous
6. The Star
7. Now Voyager
8. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane
9. Of Human Bondage
10. All About Eve
Great list I would put Old Acquaintance, The Old Maid, All This and Heaven Too, Mr. Skeffington and even The Great Lie. She definitely deserved to be the 3 maybe even 4 time winner Best Actress, but that's politics. Just have to say The Little Foxes is my absolute favorite.
I think she won both of her Oscars early in her career, because it was before she made many enemies in the industry. She lost several Oscars later due to politics, imho. The Oscars are political and Katharine Hepburn remained quiet and dignified, even though I consider her a more limited actress than Bette Davis, at least in dramatic roles. Bette Davis was outspoken and wasn't afraid to be hated, a very bold position for an actor. The Little Foxes is my absolute favorite as well, both as a film and for her controlled, chilling performance as regal Regina.
@@alnazemian I could not agree with you more and yes Bette was definitely the better actress.
Thank you!!
It's a great list, but I would have included "The Corn Is Green" because it's a great performance and a very different character type, kind, selfless. The script is wonderful. I know most people will disagree with me , bur seeing Bette play such a matronly character was really against type. She got to show off some very subtle acting skills. "The Letter " would have been higher up the list. Watching her plan slowly fall apart is worth seeing over and over. She's done something horrible, but you still feel some empathy towards her, and she doesn't really chew the scenery, except in the beginning.
Agreed! ✌
My favouriite is hush-hush sweet Charlotte... she was amazing, unforgetable!!!
I would add "Payment on Demand" to the list. A great piece of acting in that one. And I agree about "The Corn is Green," in which all of the supporting actors were equally superb.
All about eve and baby Jane are amazing movies. Looking forward to seeing more of her work
Beyond the Forest
Bette Davis admitted the movie part in "The Little Foxes" should have gone to Tallulah Bankhead, as she thought Bankhead's stage performance was simply better!
Hi Richard: Exactly! And in her way she was like, "what am I going to do?!" But of course, she killed it.
The Letter is my favorite Bette Davis movie. I watched Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte every time it was on tv.
love the "let's get ready to rumble" bit! nicely done
And, oh, I forgot, Watch on the Rhine. Obviously a wartime inspirational movie but interesting . But I still don't understand the meaning of the title
When I initially saw the position of "Now, Voyager" on the list, I made an involuntary, non-verbal noise of protest. Then I saw the other performances that you placed higher, and made peace with your rankings. "Now, Voyager" is a sentimental favorite of mine, so I can't help but feel a little protective about it.😊 Now, this voyager is going to seek out a couple of Bette Davis movies that are still somehow unfamiliar. Thank you for giving me some excellent suggestions.
Yes, this is one of those times when I need to make a distinction between "Best" and "Favorite." I acknowledge All About Eve as Davis' best (from an objective standpoint) performance, but honestly, it's Now, Voyager that has my heart.
The Nanny
First choice for Margo Channing was Claudette Colbert( unfortunately she injured her back and had to bow out). Darryl Zanuck wanted Marlene Dietrich for the role. The director disagreed with that choice. Then Gertrude Lawrence was considered but she demanded too many script changes. Then Darryl Zanuck called Bette Davis and asked if she was interested.
Yes Mr McLeod! This feud was maybe wilder, if shorter lived, than with Joan. Bette: "One thing I'll say - Joan is a professional. She arrives on time, she knows her lines... about the rest, let's talk later!"
Why the hell is Beyond the Forest not mentioned here?
Her pathological discontent and cynicism there is pure gold. That film always tickles me
A really underrated film both by the critics and Bette Davis herself.
I would have mentioned her performance in "The Whales of August" and I don't agree her TV movies were of low quality. There are many exceptions; "Strangers: the story of a mother and daughter" with Gena Rowlands, for example, is an amazing picture and both Bette and Gena are extraordinary!
The Catered Affair -
My top 5 would be:
1°. Of a Human Bondage
2°. The Little Foxes
3°. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
4°. All About Eve
5°. Dark Victory
(I haven't watch all of Bette's films)
I quite enjoyed this list!!! Wish we’d gotten an honorable mention for A Stolen Life and The Great Lie but there’s only so many things that can get recognition.
And a shout-out for Pocketful of Miracles woulda been amazing.
For me it's Dark Victory and Dangerous. She thought she won her Academy Award for Dangerous because she wasn't nominated for Of Human Bondage. I disagree. She deserved to win for that performance.
Betty you R the best.
This is my list. I cheated. I put several movies in tenth place, so I don't have to choose. I saw most of Bette's philomography, but oddly enough, I never got to see Dangerous or The Man Who Came for Dinner
1 - 1950 All About Eve
2 - 1941 The Little Foxes
3- 1934 Of Human Bondage
4 - 1962 What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
5 - 1987 The Whales of August
6 - 1944 Mr. Skeffington
7 - 1940 The Letter
8 - 1965 The Nanny
9- 1952 The Star
10 - 1956 The Catered Affair
1933 Ex-Lady
1936 The Petrified Forest
1937 Marked Woman
1938 Jezebel
1940 All This, and Heaven Too
1942 In This Our Life
1949 Beyond the Forest
1956 Storm Center
I just came across Another Man’s Poison that she did in 1951 after All About Eve. She did over 80 films under the studio system. I think that was her actual prime for the “Bette Davis acting style” I enjoyed your video.
I saw here live in my hometown in 1972 doing her one woman show. I was 14. The curtains parted she walked out and shouted, "Bakersfield! What a dump!"
That is Amazing!!
Also really enjoyed Thank Your Lucky Stars & Hollywood Canteen. She plays herself in an all star cast.
The Great Lie, June Bride, The Old Maid, A Stolen Life, In This Our Life, Old Acquaintance, and Deception.
I would have found a spot for The Petrified Forest somewhere in the TOP 10. With actresses like Davis and Kate Hepburn and Stanwyck it's really tough to just pick 10!
"Old Acquaintance" and "The Old Maid", both with Miriam Hopkins, the only actress in Hollywood not afraid of Bette Davis.
That’s why Bette Davis shook the daylights out of her in Old Acquaintance…🤣
Yes, and The Old Maid is Bette's most underrated film period, in my opinion.
Joanne Crawford was not afraid of Bette
Fun. But her Margo Channing can't compare to her performances in 'Dead Ringer', 'The Catered Affair', or 'White Mama' for that matter. She, herself, admitted that she had played parts much more challenging (and, no doubt, rewarding for her and audiences) than Channing. Luckily, she left a bevy of great characters for us to watch and enjoy on celluloid. Cheers! And Happy Birthday, Bette!!
" All About Eve " ... oh yeah baby! φ(*⌒▽⌒)ﾉ
Actually Joan and Bette made parts of Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte together, but due to fiery tensions between the two actresses, Joan checked herself into a hospital and refused to continue to participate in the film. They later fired Joan and invited Olivia de Havilland ( whom I hope you’ll make a video about soon) to complete the filming.
my mum was big Bette Davis fan. The first time I watched what ever happened to Baby Jane with my mum on the TV. Loved the film 🎥. That's when I became a Bette Davis fan. The best there is. Never will we have a great Bette Davis.
I love ms.davis work, she's my favorite actress...baby Jane,the letter,little foxes,now Voyager,the nanny,in this our life are my favorites..
Another Man's Poison ❤
I love Bette Davis movies (also Mrs. Streep).
All this and heaven too deserves an honorable mention. By the way June Lockhart who played one of the children made 99 yrs old this month👼
I. Love. That. Film.
I Love Bette Davis!
Old Maid, Jezabel too MANY to name , LOVED THEM ALL !!
Bette Davis deserved all the praise and awards she received, as well as some she didn't win. "All About Eve" is the ultimate example. How could this have happened? There are many theories about this. Bottom line - at least have a tie.
Ms. Davis would’ve have killed as Scarlet O’Hara! What a miss for us movie lovers
All About Eve is hands down my favorite but i remember the scene in the Little Foxes where she fails to hand a dying Herbert Marshall his medicine and the look on her face reveals she is horrified at herself but she goes ahead and denies him that medicine..
I half way expected that her performance in ‘The Whales of August’ would at least get an honorable mention. But where I truly disagreed was stating that many of her later TV movies were of low quality or “useless” as you show the cover for ‘Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter,’ opposite the incredible but underrated Gena Rowlands. If I had been an Emmy voter that year, I would honored both Bette and Gena, as their performances are up there with their best film performances!
I’ve only not watched three of her films, Seed, Beyond the Forest and Connecting Rooms.
Well, for a start, it's Somerset Mom, not Magam( I spelled these poenetically) . Second, Joan Crawford didn't say no to Hush Hush SC; she was fired. You can see clips of her arriving in a taxi at the plantation on You Tube, and third, I have heard that 'Feud' was high accurate and not inaccurate. Otherwise it was a very good video.
Several years ago, I learned that Bette Davis was the founder and hidden hand behind the Hollywood Canteen, a World War II entertainment spot for service men on leave before shipping off to the Pacific front. They were treated like kings for the night, entertained by top stars and bands, danced with starlets, and were waited on and cooked for by celberateries. She did all this with great humility, without using it for publicity and barely taking a bow. Seems kinda out of character for her, and I gained much respect for her after learning about it.
I'm crazy about Bette Davis! I'm not going to say that she was the biggest movie star in the world, because we have to consider Joan Crawford. Look what a duo!!! Both Bette and Joan, they gave a show in any production! could play any role. I haven't watched all the movies of these two "sweeties" , but I hope I still have that privilege! 🙏🏆
You left out my favorite Bette Davis performance (after All About Eve of course): The Old Maid (1939). It is definitely her most subtle performance ever, and also the most emotional at the same time. The last scene brings tears from men and women alike. I wouldn't have included Dark Victory, and I did not cry at he end of that film the way I did with The Old Maid--a neglected masterpiece.
Oh I knowww...it's so hard especially given to how amazing her whole career is! She's Breath-Taking in "The Old Maid."
Queen Bette Davis. The best.
U left out her subtler n quieter work in All This n Heaven Too, 1940. She din say much but uses her enormous eyes to convey so much emotions!!
It's misleading to say she was denied the (Scarlett) role in "Gone With The Wind". First of all, "Jezebel" was done before GWTW . So it was not a consolation prize for not getting GWTW. 2nd Davis was suing Warner Bros and walked out. Went to England. On her way out the door, Warners told her to stay as they had just optioned a book called GWTW. She kept going out the door....voluntarily
Please do make another Ten list. Your rules don't forbid sequels, correct?
Oh no, I include sequels, even though they play the character twice, it is still a different story and a separate film as well. You'll definitely see an example of that when I do Peter O'Toole, among many others...
Hi, I just discovered your channel and love it. I watched your Top Ten Best Performances of other actresses and agree with them, but since Bette Davis is my favorite actress, I will give my personal Top Ten Best Performances of hers (purely my opinion and taste): 1) The Little Foxes 2) All About Eve 3) Jezebel 4) The Letter 5) Dark Victory 6) Now, Voyager 7) The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex 8) Mr. Skeffington 9) Of Human Bondage 10) Dangerous (Honorable mentions: The Old Maid, Marked Woman, Deception, In This Our Life, Beyond the Forest (must see!), Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, All This and Heaven Too, Juarez, Bordertown). I personally don't like The Star: it's a cheaply made, B-movie with a poor director, with zero chemistry between Bette Davis and Sterling Hayden, and Bette yells in many of her scenes and her performance is repetitious, self-indulgent and lacks nuance. Although I prefer Bette Davis to Joan Crawford overall, I think in 1952, Joan gave a better performance in Sudden Fear than Bette in The Star. I do agree with you that Bette Davis' last 20 years didn't contain her best work, but I think from 1934 (Of Human Bondage) -1950 (All About Eve), she was the best dramatic film actress in America. Thanks for your great tribute to her.