John Jones I am with you 100%. Such intelligent commentary is worth savouring. I am glad Anne Bancroft is featured here because she has long deserved more air time. The Turning Point is a film I need to see.
I laughed out loud at the "two actresses over 50" scream! Anne Bancroft is not only one of my favorite actresses of all time but she was married to Mel Brooks for 40+ years!!
It's crazy because I will tell people that she's one of my favorite actresses and ask them if they've seen The Miracle Worker or know her as an actress. THEN when I say that she was Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate, their faces will change, and they'll say, "OHHH... THAT WAS HER???" and then get surprised to learn that she was Mel Brooks's wife 😂. It's always delightful to see those looks when people find out about that, but at the same time, it's also kinda sad that people only know her for that role when she did so many other notable films that are worth viewing
For someone whose intro to Bancroft was GI Jane and later Mel Brooks, I've always felt that there should be more to her. And you are so right! Her win has always been diminished by what was happening around it. This has been another great piece.
In Ingrid Bergman's biography，Ms. Bergman says that the company also approached her for the part of Anne Sullivan，but she turned down and said that it would be a huge mistake if they hadn't cast Anne Bancroft.
I immensely enjoy your series, but have to admit I was surprised how you simply glossed over that Bancroft's movie debut was with Marilyn Monroe! Particularly since she was one of the first to vocally praise Monroe's talent as an actress, and how as a woman in a very male dominated industry, Bancroft for the rest of her life always acknowledged how deeply the two connected creatively while working. Bancroft's humanity always seemed to shine through in whatever role she essayed.
Agreed to think that both Anne and Marilyn are similar to their acting being underrated. Yes Marilyn is a global cultural icon but largely for her fashion, political beliefs and tragic personal life her acting in a lot of her films showed she was naturally gifted and with her studies in the actors studios helped her grow as a artist. She was excellent in the misfits (her final film), bus stop, some like it hot, don’t bother to knock and the prince and the showgirl. Lee Strasberg called her one of his best students (he even said she was a better actress than Greta Garbo) and many of her classmates said when she did scenes for the class, she would blow them away. It’s unfair she wasn’t nominated during her lifetime especially for some like it hot, bus stop, and the misfits and it was mostly bc from the academy voters’ perspective at the time, of her reputation behind the scenes, her political and business efforts in changing discriminatory norms towards women and racial minorities at the time and mostly being seen more as a celebrity than a serious actress. I truly wish Marilyn followed Anne’s method at the early 1960s before her death and instead stayed in New York City to takeover the broadway scene.
@@Kevin-rg3yc i love ur comment so so much lol sorry I just love when people give Marilyn her flowers, especially for her acting career and her persistence and commitment to it. and the last sentence of your comment……ah what a different world that would’ve been, had she stayed in New York maybe even just a year longer, with or without Arthur Miller (scumbag)… hell even in 1962 imagine if she had returned to NY instead of buying the Brentwood house in LA…. oh well…. anyways sorry for this random tangent lol but it’s always nice to see another person who truly understands Marilyn ❤️
I cannot wait for part 2! But I must say I was eager to know more about Anne Bancroft - I had no idea she ever directed! You are right, she is highly underrated. A list of her basic filmography would be very appreciated.
This is beautiful. The approach of this episode on Hollywood History it is made with respect and honor. I was waiting to Ann Bancroft wining moment. She was so memorable and when I saw the movie I was shocked by the story and the play. Keep going BKR!
As someone who has loved The Miracle Worker since I was a kid, I’ve never understood why modern narrative doesn’t give Anne Bancroft more credit for her performance. Thank you for focusing on her!
Joan is the crucial element in many of these narratives as she is one of the few relevant binding agents with any modern currency nowadays. Hence, any association with Joan automatically makes any other actor's interest quotient rise accordingly among the public. I think this is due to the fact that Joan's iconic celebrity status has surpassed mere film and become part of the modern pop culture. Similar cases would be Monroe and Elvis, both of whom share with Joan that certain 'tragic' aura of fascination which has elevated them to a level of immortal iconography seldom attained by 'mere' actors, singers, etc.
@@valsainking To be honest, if it weren't for Christina Crawford's "Mommie Dearest", its infamous film adaptation and drag queens, Joan Crawford would probably not be that well remembered today.
@@minako10 > Since there is no way to ever definitively answer such a question, your opinion remains moot, although you're perfectly entitled to it. I personally prefer to deal in 'what is,' as opposed to what 'might have been.' And the fact is that, for reasons that are well-known to us all (her daughter's bio and all that), Joan has by now joined an elite group of deceased celebrities who, by either the sheer tragedy of their reasonably 'untimely' deaths or other scandals (again, see Elvis, Monroe, et al.), have become tragically embedded in the pop culture consciousness in a way 'mere' staid actors will never be on their own. A staid personality such as Hepburn, for instance, to name just one among many, will never elicit the kind of pop culture feeding frenzy or fascination as would a Joan Crawford, since, as I mentioned earlier, Joan has transcended mere film at this point to attain the kind of pop culture immortality few ever attain. Add to that Joan's almost biblical rags-to-riches rise to stardom and epic transition from silents to talkies, her parallel life as the 'first lady of Pepsi Cola,' and her legendary beauty, and it would seem that, even without her daughter's published recollections, Joan, the public figure, would still remain fairly relevant and memorable in the pop culture, not the least of which because she was a top notch talent at, not one, but two of the greatest studios in Hollywood, MGM and Warner Bros, and had an Oscar-winning career that spanned 50 years in the public eye.
"Miracle Worker" is one of those very special movies, with nothing wasted, and full of power, passion and empathy. No matter how many times I see it, the end brings me to tears; and the strong connection between Baxter and Duke is strong magic. To me, they both deserved their rewards that year.
Honestly? The Miracle Worker is a FANTASTIC movie. The spoon scene and that expression from Patty Duke at the end, when she realizes what Ann is trying to do and why she's torturing her so much: my god, it's breathtaking. Well deserved wins.
“It is so nice to finally meet Mrs. Robinson.” “Where is she?” A very funny line, and also a subtle criticism of how some actresses, particularly those ~of a certain age~, are known more as the characters they play than as actresses with excellent talent...especially if those characters are sexually provocative. Sharon Stone comes to mind especially.
I will always remember just how flummoxed I was when I realized the hilarious, vibrant goofball of "84 Charing Cross Rd" was also Mrs Robinson. She is honestly one of the best actresses, thanks for shining a light on such an underappreciated gem of a woman.
Your two part approach to this absolutely stunned me. Before I clicked, I thought, "Here's the Bette/Joan saga again." Don't get me wrong, I love the story and was looking forward to it. But, as always, you blow my mind and my heart melted when you stated that you would focus on Anne. Love her, love Mel, and I love your channel. Thanks for always being a class act.
Yeah, that win always irked me. Holiday was fabulous, but she played the same character on Broadway for a year. Davis, on the other hand, had to create her character on the spot while filming. Different creative circumstances, one spontaneous and the result of intuition and decades of craft, the other the end result of a year of experimentation and refinement. Needless to say both were gifted actresses. But I still think Davis was robbed.
GreyPanther to me it’s not so much on Judy holiday doing the same role on broadway before it’s more of the fact that her performance in born yesterday wasn’t as remarkable as Bette Davis in all about eve or Gloria Swanson in sunset boulevard
@@aqualcunopiaceclassico3201 True. But Bancroft's performance was so multi-layered. There was gentility and roughness, confidence and insecurity, pride and doubt, sometimes you'd see it all in the same scene. Holiday's performance was funny and very winning, but I knew where it was going. On the other hand, Bancroft's tense and heartfelt performance seemed straight from the gut.
This reminds me of the unfortunate La La Land/Moonlight mishap a few years ago. It's frustrating when something outside a movie's control taints/influences its legacy forever. From what you showed here, Anne really gave the performance her all yet this attention grabbing "catfight" narrative that's developed over the years completely overshadowed the role. I'm gonna have to find The Miracle Worker ASAP, it looks way too interesting to miss (even if I wish they'd cast an actual blind/deaf actor for the role of Hellen Keller).
That is a beautiful sentiment and I wish too, that the world would give equal chances to everyone. Unfortunately Mother Nature is harsher than that. Imagine that difficult scene with someone actually deaf and blind. They would hurt themselves. And how would they act? Not being able to read the script or hear directions. It's sad but world is merciless. Witch doesn't mean that there isn't place for everyone.
@@mmescarlettziegfieldvonbis4551 There are actual blind/deaf actors who can speak for their experiences and what they can do. They just aren't given the platform because of oppressive narratives. But, for this film and the time it was made in, it was unique and not the usual socialization of "unique" around disabled people. Unique as in given rich inner lives and dimensions that isn't inspiration porn.
@@mmescarlettziegfieldvonbis4551 Helen Keller was blind and deaf, and became a famous writer and speaker. Saying that a blind/deaf actor couldn't read the script (braille?) or communicate with the director literally misses the entire point of the movie itself!
The moonlight and la la land comparisons is accurate everyone only talk about the mishap itself or the fact that the popular la la land lost best picture when moonlight literally became the first film with an all black cast and the first LGBTQ film to accomplish being named best picture at the Oscars. On top of that as a whole moonlight is a cinematic masterpiece, just a beautifully emotional film
Kevin 5012 I read that Faye Dunaway accidentally had the best actress award envelope when she gave it to Warren Beatty. It was an honest mistake, but I did feel bad for the LaLaLand people because they were pretty pissed when they found out.
Really enjoyed this and being a huge life long Joan Crawford fan I appreciate your telling the truth about Joan Crawford presenting Anne Bancroft with her Oscar "soon after" the awards on stage on Broadway and not a year later as Bette Davis so often said in TV interviews. I can hardly wait for Part 2.
Anne and Mel are (along with Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks) my favorite example of a "hollywood couple." When seeing them together or speaking about one another, it is clear that they A) deeply love and care for another, and B) are the biggest fans of each other.
One of my fave Oscar moments I’ve seen Sidney Poitier winning Best Actor. Obviously Aside from his speech and the historical significance of the win one thing that always stood out was how fabulously happy Anne Bancroft looked when she presented him with the Oscar. She was genuinely thrilled for him and I think that speaks to her as a person. It was just beautiful seeing two wonderful actors and people interact in such an important moment in history.
I really don't know how to thank you for this amazing video, I already know I'll watch It many many times! You know, I recently started diving into Anne Bancroft's filmography and I literally fell in love with her. She was such a gifted and talented actress and plus, she had the most beautiful and calming voice I've ever heard. It's such a shame people only remember her as Mrs. Robinson... I mean, of course she was great in "The Graduate", but her perfromance in "The Miracle Worker" was simply outstanding, literally one of the most astonishing performances by an actress in the entire history of cinema. The fact that she is so underrated and that, when It comes to her Oscar win, people only talk about the Joan and Bette feud, really pisses me off. She was one of the greatest artists ever existed and she deserves to be cherished and remembered as well as Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, who btw could have calmed down a little bit more cause Anne freaking deserved her Oscar and nobody should even dare to deminish her incredible performance.
I'm so thrilled that you're addressing the feud but also that you're acknowledging Anne's work and legacy--specifically in the Miracle Worker, which is such a unique film. I love this and am so excited for Part II!
The Miracle Worker is in black and white. People who aren't movie buffs don't really watch black and white movies that aren't It's a Wonderful Life. The Graduate is one of those movies everyone watches in college, and likes to discuss to sound deep. I think they're both excellent, but recognition and quality really aren't related.
The Miracle Worker was such a powerhouse for two fantastic actresses in the height of their abilities. Though I love both Davis and Crawford, it would have been a sin if Bancroft and Duke hadn't won for their performances here.
I was so interested in this topic ever since reading Bettie Davis autobiography and watching feud. This episode nourished my soul. I cant wait for part 2!
I WATCHED THE MIRACLE WORKER AFTER WATCHING THIS (the first time) AND MY GOD, ANNE IS JUST....WOW WOW, she is SMEARING the screen with her talent and the chemistry between her and Duke.
That year, I think Davis over-acted, which she'd been doing for two decades. Bette Davis had long ago become BETTE DAVIS. The five minutes on the screen with Bancroft in the "spoon scene" remains one of the great sequences in movie history. If anything, Geraldine Page would have been comparable. And Lee Remick was always a remarkable performer, often underrated.
I mean when you compare to Anne and Geraldine Paige performances yes it would be seem like it’s overacting but it’s just a different technique of acting and I think the melodramatic eccentric Bette displays in baby Jane is meant on purpose. In the movie, Jane never had a happy childhood and was always stuck in her years of being a traveling child star and Hollywood movie star dating back to the 1920s-1940s so she still stuck into putting on a show and displaying the melodramatic acting that was known among the golden age Hollywood era
Just knowing the premise of Baby Jane says over acting is a must. Also there is depth within her performance, just because it is remembered for the psycho loudness doesn't mean it wasn't. I find her quite real in this film. As for her other work, she had many brilliant performances and also some not so brilliant, but she was always interesting. My defense here takes nothing away from Bancroft who is actually my favorite actress ever.
I really don't think Davis overacted. The character is large, but her performance is very finely tuned and has a rich inner life. It is one of her best performances imo.
@@ericplunder2744 You may be correct. But, given that, in my opinion, Bancroft's performance was better, one of her finest. Maybe it's a matter of apples-and-oranges.
Thank you for this. Watched part of it last night and realized that I was probably the only person alive in LA in 1962 who had never actually seen The Miracle Worker. So I watched it and then finished your video. You're dead on: Bancroft is underrated and let's hope that changes. Astonishing film work, riveting even after all these years.
You have no idea how much I shook in happiness when I saw that you made a new video. During these horrible time in our nation you are a hidden gem, a peaceful joy that came to me this morning. God bless.
I love Anne Bancroft. She was an outstanding actor! The fact that she was married to Mel Brooks really accentuates what an awesome person she was. Her directorial debut is a very underrated movie called 'Fatso' which I highly recommend.
Should someone forward a link of this to Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks' son? Although, I do think it left out too much of Anne Bancroft's career after The Miracle Worker. Is there more in part 2?
My gay cinema-loving heart exploded with the notification. I might not survive getting the one for Part 2. I love your channel because it reminds me of the joy of the hours I spent in my local public library as a child in the late 70s reading Pauline Kael’s books and losing myself in theory, opinion and brilliantly entertaining prose. You’re a real talent.
He seems proud of who he is which I'm guessing is why he felt the need to express it. You can absolutely be a straight person who enjoys film. The art of cinema is for everyone. In fact nowhere in kevinivers' post did it indicate that only the gays have the right to be cinephiles. It seems to have struck quite a chord with you though.
This channel is, by far, the absolute best on UA-cam. I love everything about the videos: the editing, the writing, the research. I absolutely appreciate all that you do. Thank you so much!!
I had the great opportunity of seeing Anne Bancroft and Jane Alexander in Manuel Puig’s THE MYSTERY OF THE ROSE BOUQUET on stage at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. I was so impressed with her performance and the production that I wrote to tell her so. She answered, thanking me for my kind words. I did point out that I felt she should have won her second Oscar for THE TURNING POINT which I consider in many ways, along with THE MIRACLE WORKER, of being her finest performances. She was not a prima ballerina yet has you believing she is Margot Fonteyn (considered the finest dancer of her time) through demeanor, posture and just plain great acting. I love these videos, but every once in a while I have a minor objection. Anne Bancroft was NOT an underrated actress. I should know because I saw most of her films of the sixties while they were in the theaters and she was highly revered. She however was not a ‘Hollywood Actress’ in the conventional term since she varied herself between the stage and the screen. Nominated for the Oscar five times, she won once, along with two TONY Awards, two EMMY Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and two Golden Globes among many honors. It was considered at the time that she had lowered herself in playing the completely amoral Mrs. Robinson, since she was held in such high esteem by the ‘conservative’ establishment of the time. I remember a friend of my mother, a sophisticated San Francisco patron of the Arts appalled that an actress of Ms. Bancroft’s stature should have appeared in Mike Nichol’s classic film. I think first and foremost Anne Bancroft played characters for the sake of playing them, not making judgements but using them as a way of exploring the varied human condition. If it would have been possible to give her a NOBEL Prize, I certainly believe she would have won. www.ethansfilmreviews.com
Can't wait for Part 2. The climactic scene at the pump in The Miracle Worker brings me to tears every damn time and I've seen this movie more times than I can remember.
Miss-Ms. BKR, I actually googled, "Why did'nt Anne Bancroft play Joan Crawford in 'Mommie Dearest'? last night." Bam, you do a tribute to Anne Bancroft the next day. I loved it, she was such a great actress and your measured and thoughtful examination of her career and "The Miracle Worker" was fantastic. The thing that amazes me about the movie is I truly believed Patty Dukes' Helen Keller was in a world of darkness and no sound and she was some kind of genius who was lead to communication by Annie Sullivan. The movie is unique, harsh, sometimes shocking and completely compelling. I first saw it as a boy in the 70's and I never forgot it. Also, nice interlaying of "Fued" into your analysis. I did'nt care for it mainly because for the first time, finally, ever, Bette Davis was going to be portrayed. Susan Sarandon was as a profound disappiontment to say the least! I think that Bette Davis, to this day is the Greatest of them All. No one has topped her. (Yes, even Her--MS) I look forward to Anne Bancroft 1963 PT.2
Wait, um theatre major here! The Stanislavsky is not method acting. stanislavsky asks the actor to figure out what it is the character wants in life, in a scene, what tactics they use to get their desired outcome etc. I describe method acting as literally becoming the character. I haven't studied method acting but it is not stanislavsky which I have studied and used.
This is probably just a confusion in terminology. Stanislavski's system was called by himself "method of physical action", and American method was built upon that system.
Hey! Yes - American method grew out of Stanislavsky's technique, but I think has taken various shapes based on the teacher. Berghof's method specifically drew from Stanislavsky - which I admit could have been better phrased. Used this article as a basis for some of my thinking! www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/sight-sound-magazine/features/deep-focus/birth-method-revolution-american-acting
@@bkrewind True. Also, Artaud and Brecht are also other facets of theatre though it has more to do with alienation and cruelty. I think Grotowski is also excellent if you're channelling your emotions from the past into the present.
I actually knew her primarily as Mel Brooks' wife, but that's just as bad as only knowing her as "the person with Bette Davis' Oscar." Shame on me. Excellent video!
As of lately, I've been bingeing almost every Anne Bancroft movie I could get my hands on. Before I watched your fantastic video about her, the only films of hers I've seen were Agnes of God and Night' Mother. I remember my mom recommending that I watch her in The Miracle Worker, but it wasn't until I saw your video that I decided to watch it. I've observed that movie at least 5 times because it has stuck with me for the rest of my life. I also had no idea that she was Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate until I watched your video essay. She has done so many other great films that have gone unnoticed. The few I'd like to recommend are The Turning Point, The Slender Thread, The Pumpkin Eater, The Prisoner of Second Avenue, To Be Or Not To Be (with her hubby, Mel Brooks), Homecoming, and 84 Charing Cross Road.
Fantastic analysis. Bancroft and Duke in "The Miracle Worker" are two of my favourite performances. The war movie analogy is spot on - watching them fight each other for 10 minutes is thrilling and exhausting. I'd disagree that her Oscar win was overshadowed by the Bette Davis/Joan Crawford feud - that's only really something that's ballooned in the last few years, after Ryan Murphy's "Feud" - but I agree that she's a HUGELY underrated actress. There's a ferocity in her performance and a lack of vanity that makes her very compelling to watch. What a shame she slipped into camp in the latter part of her career. Can't wait for Part II. And seriously... when is Turner Classic Movies going to call you and offer you a job as a film historian?
Anne Bancroft was such a classy woman & wonderful actress. It’s sad that her Oscar win is kind of forgotten due to the whole publicity of Bette and Joan spatting constantly
Another excellent episode. Thank you for focussing on the under appreciated Anne Bancroft. She was one of the best. I agree with your mention of The Turning Point and I'd like to add Night, Mother, Garbo Talks and Torch Song Trilogy.
I believe Mike Nichols may have had a hand in Bancroft accepting for Taylor, as he directed Virginia Woolf and was working with Bancroft on The Graduate when the Oscar happened.
You are astoundingly brilliant! I marvel at how you so precisely articulate these events and their cultural and industry contexts. You words are spare yet impactful and dead on! Imo you are the finest archivist/analyst of these moments in entertainment past and the factors still operating to this day.
Marlee Matlin is a really interesting choice. Definitely another actor who doesn't get nearly the accolades she deserves. I actually haven't seen her in anything for a while. Is she still active in show business?
Matlin's win would be an interesting springboard to talk about disability representation and the academy's tendency to nominate and award actors playing disabled characters.
thank you for making this excellent video despite it getting less than a quarter of the views of part two. it feels like you knew it was a story worth telling despite it not being the Thing People Wanted and I think so too
Never thought of Anne Bancroft as being underrated, especially after ' The Miracle Worker"....perhaps eclipsed. She was brilliant and on a roll, with 'The Pumpkin Eater' and ' The Graduate' . Her powerful work, playing a miracle worker is a very worthy and understandable win in 1963 and far more acceptable for voters than a demented killer in a dark comedy. Her Oscar win does have the historic caveat of winning over a Bette Davis performance that is pioneer, superb and iconic This is why Baby Jane Hudson lingers in the memory universally and Annie Sullivan, does not. Davis created Jane from scratch, as the cameras were rolling.. She organically became this grotesque, comical leading character that the public couldn't deny, and in doing so, she opened the door for Oscar winners like Kathy Bates and Anthony Hopkins. Baby Jane is a landmark performance that altered the possibilities of what kind of work could be nominated. The 1962 Oscars was a really strong year for best actress. Any one of the nominees would have been worthy. Now, Lee Remick, she was underrated!
Miss Davis won the Academy Award twice but certainly their lost nomination for "... Baby Jane" and "All About Eve" were the ones that wrote her name down into history books. Her performance and all the fuss around those nominations were just delightful.
This was gorgeous. Thank you so much for your investment in this storytelling. This is definitely not the last time I'll watch this video and I cannot wait for the next part.
Admirably, BKR is a defender of hard work and tenacity. Always citing the dedication of the artist and often giving credit where credit has been denied. Your journalistic chops are second to none. (And any critique that sources footage from "What's My Line" has me hook, line and sinker). : { )
On my gosh, i just watched Dont Bother to Knock for Marilyn Monroe's birthday, for it was her first major role. I then watched Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (because I am just obsessed with both Joan and Bette). Haha it is so ironic that Ann Bancroft was there the whole time, getting her debut and earning her oscar. I love your channel so much! You do such a great job and I eagerly wait for anything you do.
hearing my name (Joan) said so many times is so weird because everyone calls me Joanie in my day-to-day life and most people don’t even know my real name is just Joan lol... i rarely hear it tbh
Also, if Joan had enough pull to steal an Academy Award from Betty, I am pretty sure she would have had enough pull to garner herself a nomination that year. She didn't.
It's a shame Bancroft's career post-Miracle Worker is reduced to a mere footnote. She starred in some very significant films, scored several more Oscar nominations, and displayed a versatility rarely seen in a leading Hollywood actress - from broad comedy to serious drama. She also exuded a warmth and vulnerability that even some of the great actors can never quite manufacture. She's well worth a closer look.
Instantly searched for PT.2....subbed and waiting 🍿 (edit: I didn't realize that PT.2 is actually titled The Feud of Joan Crawford and Betty Davis PT.2)
Thank you for this wonderful and non judgmental look at all 3 of these ladies. I’m a huge Bette Davis fan, Baby Jane is one of my all time classics, however Anne Bancroft should not be continuously dismissed. She won fair and square. The Feud inaccuracies are kind of outrageous as they’ve helped to paint a narrative that Bette was robbed when she wasn’t. People let their enjoyment for that show cloud their judgements. I’m an even bigger Joan Crawford fan, she’s my ultimate favourite. It’s difficult to be a fan of both Joan and Bette with some of their fans. I appreciate them both. However I feel because of Mommie Dearest, Joan has always been an easy target. I applaud you for this non judgemental and fair video. I’m really looking forward to part 2!
I'm not very aware of the feud and the Academy Award that year. I remember watching The Miracle Worker as a child. And it really stuck with me, especially now as a health worker. Thank you for making this video, I'm so pleasantly surprised to learn that the actress that played the character I admired won for her portrayal.
I hope you never tire of doing these. You are the best.
Indeeed! 👍🏾
Agreed. She does a lot of research and puts her findings in historical context. Most informative and interesting. I look forward to pt. 2.
So true. The production, research, and video length of these are amazing. A gem channel that deserves a lot more recognition.
John Jones I am with you 100%. Such intelligent commentary is worth savouring. I am glad Anne Bancroft is featured here because she has long deserved more air time. The Turning Point is a film I need to see.
I second that!
I laughed out loud at the "two actresses over 50" scream! Anne Bancroft is not only one of my favorite actresses of all time but she was married to Mel Brooks for 40+ years!!
Yes and he still misses her
@@karenmacintosh4309 13:28
Her son also wrote "World War Z"
Big fan of the both of them. 😍
It's crazy because I will tell people that she's one of my favorite actresses and ask them if they've seen The Miracle Worker or know her as an actress. THEN when I say that she was Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate, their faces will change, and they'll say, "OHHH... THAT WAS HER???" and then get surprised to learn that she was Mel Brooks's wife 😂. It's always delightful to see those looks when people find out about that, but at the same time, it's also kinda sad that people only know her for that role when she did so many other notable films that are worth viewing
Anne Bancroft’s voice gives me eargasms.
What a great word! KUDOS🎉🎉
For someone whose intro to Bancroft was GI Jane and later Mel Brooks, I've always felt that there should be more to her. And you are so right! Her win has always been diminished by what was happening around it. This has been another great piece.
In Ingrid Bergman's biography，Ms. Bergman says that the company also approached her for the part of Anne Sullivan，but she turned down and said that it would be a huge mistake if they hadn't cast Anne Bancroft.
Kellie Yes，after Bergman had said no，they said “But Anne Bancroft is not a star！”Ingrid replied“If you cast her，she will”and Miss Bergman is right
Two great women. I wept the days of their death.
I immensely enjoy your series, but have to admit I was surprised how you simply glossed over that Bancroft's movie debut was with Marilyn Monroe! Particularly since she was one of the first to vocally praise Monroe's talent as an actress, and how as a woman in a very male dominated industry, Bancroft for the rest of her life always acknowledged how deeply the two connected creatively while working. Bancroft's humanity always seemed to shine through in whatever role she essayed.
Agreed to think that both Anne and Marilyn are similar to their acting being underrated. Yes Marilyn is a global cultural icon but largely for her fashion, political beliefs and tragic personal life her acting in a lot of her films showed she was naturally gifted and with her studies in the actors studios helped her grow as a artist. She was excellent in the misfits (her final film), bus stop, some like it hot, don’t bother to knock and the prince and the showgirl. Lee Strasberg called her one of his best students (he even said she was a better actress than Greta Garbo) and many of her classmates said when she did scenes for the class, she would blow them away. It’s unfair she wasn’t nominated during her lifetime especially for some like it hot, bus stop, and the misfits and it was mostly bc from the academy voters’ perspective at the time, of her reputation behind the scenes, her political and business efforts in changing discriminatory norms towards women and racial minorities at the time and mostly being seen more as a celebrity than a serious actress. I truly wish Marilyn followed Anne’s method at the early 1960s before her death and instead stayed in New York City to takeover the broadway scene.
@@Kevin-rg3yc they knew each other wow?
Quan Dang yes they worked together on Anne first Hollywood film, don’t bother to knock and we’re classmates at the actor studios
@@Kevin-rg3yc That was also the same studio where Jane Fonda would go to study. She and Anne would star in Agnes of God with Meg Tilly in the 80s
@@Kevin-rg3yc i love ur comment so so much lol sorry I just love when people give Marilyn her flowers, especially for her acting career and her persistence and commitment to it. and the last sentence of your comment……ah what a different world that would’ve been, had she stayed in New York maybe even just a year longer, with or without Arthur Miller (scumbag)… hell even in 1962 imagine if she had returned to NY instead of buying the Brentwood house in LA…. oh well…. anyways sorry for this random tangent lol but it’s always nice to see another person who truly understands Marilyn ❤️
Interesting fact: Anne accepted Elizabeth's second oscar when she won for Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf in 1967
That is interesting.
And when she stepped on the stage, she said "I'm not her" to Lee Marvin. It was pretty funny.
Love that movie
Fun fact: The platypus is one of only two types of egg-laying mammals. ... Okay, I'm not good at this.
I cannot wait for part 2! But I must say I was eager to know more about Anne Bancroft - I had no idea she ever directed! You are right, she is highly underrated. A list of her basic filmography would be very appreciated.
Just Google it...
Wikipedia 👍
@@itsybitsy999 I meant a filmography under BKR delicious taste. She did it on the Judy Garland video.
I think Anne Bancroft was such a good looking woman.
This is beautiful. The approach of this episode on Hollywood History it is made with respect and honor. I was waiting to Ann Bancroft wining moment. She was so memorable and when I saw the movie I was shocked by the story and the play. Keep going BKR!
As someone who has loved The Miracle Worker since I was a kid, I’ve never understood why modern narrative doesn’t give Anne Bancroft more credit for her performance. Thank you for focusing on her!
I know this isn’t the appropriate reaction but I literally nodded to myself and said “yes thank God more Joan Crawford content”
Joan is the crucial element in many of these narratives as she is one of the few relevant binding agents with any modern currency nowadays. Hence, any association with Joan automatically makes any other actor's interest quotient rise accordingly among the public. I think this is due to the fact that Joan's iconic celebrity status has surpassed mere film and become part of the modern pop culture. Similar cases would be Monroe and Elvis, both of whom share with Joan that certain 'tragic' aura of fascination which has elevated them to a level of immortal iconography seldom attained by 'mere' actors, singers, etc.
@@valsainking To be honest, if it weren't for Christina Crawford's "Mommie Dearest", its infamous film adaptation and drag queens, Joan Crawford would probably not be that well remembered today.
Yes! Thought I was the only one. Big Crawford fan here.
@@minako10 > Since there is no way to ever definitively answer such a question, your opinion remains moot, although you're perfectly entitled to it. I personally prefer to deal in 'what is,' as opposed to what 'might have been.' And the fact is that, for reasons that are well-known to us all (her daughter's bio and all that), Joan has by now joined an elite group of deceased celebrities who, by either the sheer tragedy of their reasonably 'untimely' deaths or other scandals (again, see Elvis, Monroe, et al.), have become tragically embedded in the pop culture consciousness in a way 'mere' staid actors will never be on their own. A staid personality such as Hepburn, for instance, to name just one among many, will never elicit the kind of pop culture feeding frenzy or fascination as would a Joan Crawford, since, as I mentioned earlier, Joan has transcended mere film at this point to attain the kind of pop culture immortality few ever attain. Add to that Joan's almost biblical rags-to-riches rise to stardom and epic transition from silents to talkies, her parallel life as the 'first lady of Pepsi Cola,' and her legendary beauty, and it would seem that, even without her daughter's published recollections, Joan, the public figure, would still remain fairly relevant and memorable in the pop culture, not the least of which because she was a top notch talent at, not one, but two of the greatest studios in Hollywood, MGM and Warner Bros, and had an Oscar-winning career that spanned 50 years in the public eye.
Guys I just like how petty she is. You don’t get a Joan Crawford story without it. But I appreciate the passion.
BTW, that photo of Bancroft nonchalantly smoking a cigarette with her eyes taped up is seriously BADASS.
The only thing wrong with these videos is that there aren’t more. ❤️❤️❤️
"Miracle Worker" is one of those very special movies, with nothing wasted, and full of power, passion and empathy. No matter how many times I see it, the end brings me to tears; and the strong connection between Baxter and Duke is strong magic. To me, they both deserved their rewards that year.
Honestly? The Miracle Worker is a FANTASTIC movie. The spoon scene and that expression from Patty Duke at the end, when she realizes what Ann is trying to do and why she's torturing her so much: my god, it's breathtaking. Well deserved wins.
Anne Bancroft is one of the greatest actresses of all time. PERIODT
pERIODT SIS
“It is so nice to finally meet Mrs. Robinson.”
“Where is she?”
A very funny line, and also a subtle criticism of how some actresses, particularly those ~of a certain age~, are known more as the characters they play than as actresses with excellent talent...especially if those characters are sexually provocative. Sharon Stone comes to mind especially.
I will always remember just how flummoxed I was when I realized the hilarious, vibrant goofball of "84 Charing Cross Rd" was also Mrs Robinson. She is honestly one of the best actresses, thanks for shining a light on such an underappreciated gem of a woman.
Your two part approach to this absolutely stunned me. Before I clicked, I thought, "Here's the Bette/Joan saga again." Don't get me wrong, I love the story and was looking forward to it. But, as always, you blow my mind and my heart melted when you stated that you would focus on Anne. Love her, love Mel, and I love your channel. Thanks for always being a class act.
Please make a video about the historic loss of Gloria Swason in Sunset Boulevard and Bette Davis in All about Eve in 1950 and how Judy Holiday won.
Yeah, that win always irked me. Holiday was fabulous, but she played the same character on Broadway for a year. Davis, on the other hand, had to create her character on the spot while filming. Different creative circumstances, one spontaneous and the result of intuition and decades of craft, the other the end result of a year of experimentation and refinement. Needless to say both were gifted actresses. But I still think Davis was robbed.
i've been waiting on a video on that one for so long 😭😭😭
@@lamoneal Well, Bancrof played Sullivan for two years on theater.
GreyPanther to me it’s not so much on Judy holiday doing the same role on broadway before it’s more of the fact that her performance in born yesterday wasn’t as remarkable as Bette Davis in all about eve or Gloria Swanson in sunset boulevard
@@aqualcunopiaceclassico3201 True. But Bancroft's performance was so multi-layered. There was gentility and roughness, confidence and insecurity, pride and doubt, sometimes you'd see it all in the same scene. Holiday's performance was funny and very winning, but I knew where it was going. On the other hand, Bancroft's tense and heartfelt performance seemed straight from the gut.
How dare the UA-cam algorithm keep me from you for so long!! So happy I’ve found you
This reminds me of the unfortunate La La Land/Moonlight mishap a few years ago. It's frustrating when something outside a movie's control taints/influences its legacy forever. From what you showed here, Anne really gave the performance her all yet this attention grabbing "catfight" narrative that's developed over the years completely overshadowed the role. I'm gonna have to find The Miracle Worker ASAP, it looks way too interesting to miss (even if I wish they'd cast an actual blind/deaf actor for the role of Hellen Keller).
That is a beautiful sentiment and I wish too, that the world would give equal chances to everyone. Unfortunately Mother Nature is harsher than that. Imagine that difficult scene with someone actually deaf and blind. They would hurt themselves. And how would they act? Not being able to read the script or hear directions. It's sad but world is merciless. Witch doesn't mean that there isn't place for everyone.
@@mmescarlettziegfieldvonbis4551 There are actual blind/deaf actors who can speak for their experiences and what they can do. They just aren't given the platform because of oppressive narratives. But, for this film and the time it was made in, it was unique and not the usual socialization of "unique" around disabled people. Unique as in given rich inner lives and dimensions that isn't inspiration porn.
@@mmescarlettziegfieldvonbis4551 Helen Keller was blind and deaf, and became a famous writer and speaker. Saying that a blind/deaf actor couldn't read the script (braille?) or communicate with the director literally misses the entire point of the movie itself!
The moonlight and la la land comparisons is accurate everyone only talk about the mishap itself or the fact that the popular la la land lost best picture when moonlight literally became the first film with an all black cast and the first LGBTQ film to accomplish being named best picture at the Oscars. On top of that as a whole moonlight is a cinematic masterpiece, just a beautifully emotional film
Kevin 5012 I read that Faye Dunaway accidentally had the best actress award envelope when she gave it to Warren Beatty. It was an honest mistake, but I did feel bad for the LaLaLand people because they were pretty pissed when they found out.
My favourite channel. Every time I see a notification for this channel, I immediately am happy, especially during these times. Thanks for the content.
Really enjoyed this and being a huge life long Joan Crawford fan I appreciate your telling the truth about Joan Crawford presenting Anne Bancroft with her Oscar "soon after" the awards on stage on Broadway and not a year later as Bette Davis so often said in TV interviews. I can hardly wait for Part 2.
The Miracle Worker is always in my all time top 5 movies I've seen so far. Both performances were outstanding.
These videos, this channel, YOU, are a blessing.
My favorite Anne Bancroft moment was when she and her husband did a song and dance to "Sweet Georgia Brown" in Polish for "To Be or Not To Be".
When a BKR video comes up on your subscription list, YOU WATCH THAT SH¡T.
I remember watching The Miracle Worker when I was VERY young. It was such a great film.
Anne and Mel are (along with Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks) my favorite example of a "hollywood couple." When seeing them together or speaking about one another, it is clear that they A) deeply love and care for another, and B) are the biggest fans of each other.
Mel and Anne always reminded me of Gilda Ratner and Gene Wilder too.
How can anyone trust what Hollywood puts out? We have no idea about these people. We need to stop looking to them.
I am a huge fan of Anne Bancroft, and really enjoyed the focus on her!
One of my fave Oscar moments I’ve seen Sidney Poitier winning Best Actor. Obviously Aside from his speech and the historical significance of the win one thing that always stood out was how fabulously happy Anne Bancroft looked when she presented him with the Oscar. She was genuinely thrilled for him and I think that speaks to her as a person. It was just beautiful seeing two wonderful actors and people interact in such an important moment in history.
They were working together at the time on "The Slender Thread", they played the two leads but never appear on screen together.
I really don't know how to thank you for this amazing video, I already know I'll watch It many many times! You know, I recently started diving into Anne Bancroft's filmography and I literally fell in love with her. She was such a gifted and talented actress and plus, she had the most beautiful and calming voice I've ever heard. It's such a shame people only remember her as Mrs. Robinson... I mean, of course she was great in "The Graduate", but her perfromance in "The Miracle Worker" was simply outstanding, literally one of the most astonishing performances by an actress in the entire history of cinema. The fact that she is so underrated and that, when It comes to her Oscar win, people only talk about the Joan and Bette feud, really pisses me off. She was one of the greatest artists ever existed and she deserves to be cherished and remembered as well as Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, who btw could have calmed down a little bit more cause Anne freaking deserved her Oscar and nobody should even dare to deminish her incredible performance.
Thank you for doing these in parts and giving credit to Anne Bancroft. I always felt she has been underrated but she was a very skilled actress.
I'm so thrilled that you're addressing the feud but also that you're acknowledging Anne's work and legacy--specifically in the Miracle Worker, which is such a unique film. I love this and am so excited for Part II!
the way your video singlehandedly reawakened my passion for films... anne bancroft's filmography in particular... ugh, your mind!
Yesss! I love the idea of longer videos with multiple parts. It gives you more details about the topic. Keep it up!
Miracle Worker is such a great movie, its honestly a shame/shocker people became so fixated in Graduate role by the end of her career
I actually watched it years ago in an English class because our teacher made us watch it. Our college was inclusive of special persons
The Miracle Worker is in black and white. People who aren't movie buffs don't really watch black and white movies that aren't It's a Wonderful Life. The Graduate is one of those movies everyone watches in college, and likes to discuss to sound deep. I think they're both excellent, but recognition and quality really aren't related.
The Miracle Worker was such a powerhouse for two fantastic actresses in the height of their abilities. Though I love both Davis and Crawford, it would have been a sin if Bancroft and Duke hadn't won for their performances here.
I was so interested in this topic ever since reading Bettie Davis autobiography and watching feud. This episode nourished my soul. I cant wait for part 2!
I WATCHED THE MIRACLE WORKER AFTER WATCHING THIS (the first time) AND MY GOD, ANNE IS JUST....WOW WOW, she is SMEARING the screen with her talent and the chemistry between her and Duke.
I literally just finished watching feud so I was very happy to see this in my recommended
That year, I think Davis over-acted, which she'd been doing for two decades. Bette Davis had long ago become BETTE DAVIS. The five minutes on the screen with Bancroft in the "spoon scene" remains one of the great sequences in movie history. If anything, Geraldine Page would have been comparable. And Lee Remick was always a remarkable performer, often underrated.
I mean when you compare to Anne and Geraldine Paige performances yes it would be seem like it’s overacting but it’s just a different technique of acting and I think the melodramatic eccentric Bette displays in baby Jane is meant on purpose. In the movie, Jane never had a happy childhood and was always stuck in her years of being a traveling child star and Hollywood movie star dating back to the 1920s-1940s so she still stuck into putting on a show and displaying the melodramatic acting that was known among the golden age Hollywood era
@Jarred Knox Don’t call people idiots if they disagree about an acting performance
Just knowing the premise of Baby Jane says over acting is a must. Also there is depth within her performance, just because it is remembered for the psycho loudness doesn't mean it wasn't. I find her quite real in this film. As for her other work, she had many brilliant performances and also some not so brilliant, but she was always interesting. My defense here takes nothing away from Bancroft who is actually my favorite actress ever.
I really don't think Davis overacted. The character is large, but her performance is very finely tuned and has a rich inner life. It is one of her best performances imo.
@@ericplunder2744 You may be correct. But, given that, in my opinion, Bancroft's performance was better, one of her finest. Maybe it's a matter of apples-and-oranges.
I just rewatched Feud, and now this? Thank you, and please keep these coming!
Thank you for this. Watched part of it last night and realized that I was probably the only person alive in LA in 1962 who had never actually seen The Miracle Worker. So I watched it and then finished your video. You're dead on: Bancroft is underrated and let's hope that changes. Astonishing film work, riveting even after all these years.
Thank you for reminding us all, who follow your publications, of the many talents of Anne Bancroft.
I'm going to rewatch some of her best films.
You have no idea how much I shook in happiness when I saw that you made a new video. During these horrible time in our nation you are a hidden gem, a peaceful joy that came to me this morning. God bless.
I love Anne Bancroft. She was an outstanding actor! The fact that she was married to Mel Brooks really accentuates what an awesome person she was. Her directorial debut is a very underrated movie called 'Fatso' which I highly recommend.
Should someone forward a link of this to Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks' son? Although, I do think it left out too much of Anne Bancroft's career after The Miracle Worker. Is there more in part 2?
@@Ma_Ba I sure hope so! Anne deserves all the attention. 💜
Dear Miss Rewind, Posting about Anne Bancroft's Oscar win and giving her backstory attention as Part 1 shows great class. I tip my hat to you.
My gay cinema-loving heart exploded with the notification. I might not survive getting the one for Part 2. I love your channel because it reminds me of the joy of the hours I spent in my local public library as a child in the late 70s reading Pauline Kael’s books and losing myself in theory, opinion and brilliantly entertaining prose. You’re a real talent.
He seems proud of who he is which I'm guessing is why he felt the need to express it. You can absolutely be a straight person who enjoys film. The art of cinema is for everyone. In fact nowhere in kevinivers' post did it indicate that only the gays have the right to be cinephiles. It seems to have struck quite a chord with you though.
@Jarred Knox probs cause the bettie and joan are gay icons and this feud was an iconic moment
This channel is, by far, the absolute best on UA-cam. I love everything about the videos: the editing, the writing, the research. I absolutely appreciate all that you do. Thank you so much!!
I had the great opportunity of seeing Anne Bancroft and Jane Alexander in Manuel Puig’s THE MYSTERY OF THE ROSE BOUQUET on stage at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. I was so impressed with her performance and the production that I wrote to tell her so. She answered, thanking me for my kind words. I did point out that I felt she should have won her second Oscar for THE TURNING POINT which I consider in many ways, along with THE MIRACLE WORKER, of being her finest performances. She was not a prima ballerina yet has you believing she is Margot Fonteyn (considered the finest dancer of her time) through demeanor, posture and just plain great acting.
I love these videos, but every once in a while I have a minor objection. Anne Bancroft was NOT an underrated actress. I should know because I saw most of her films of the sixties while they were in the theaters and she was highly revered. She however was not a ‘Hollywood Actress’ in the conventional term since she varied herself between the stage and the screen. Nominated for the Oscar five times, she won once, along with two TONY Awards, two EMMY Awards, three BAFTA Awards, and two Golden Globes among many honors. It was considered at the time that she had lowered herself in playing the completely amoral Mrs. Robinson, since she was held in such high esteem by the ‘conservative’ establishment of the time. I remember a friend of my mother, a sophisticated San Francisco patron of the Arts appalled that an actress of Ms. Bancroft’s stature should have appeared in Mike Nichol’s classic film. I think first and foremost Anne Bancroft played characters for the sake of playing them, not making judgements but using them as a way of exploring the varied human condition. If it would have been possible to give her a NOBEL Prize, I certainly believe she would have won. www.ethansfilmreviews.com
Can't wait for Part 2. The climactic scene at the pump in The Miracle Worker brings me to tears every damn time and I've seen this movie more times than I can remember.
This is the most underrated channel on youtube
Miss-Ms. BKR, I actually googled, "Why did'nt Anne Bancroft play Joan Crawford in 'Mommie Dearest'? last night." Bam, you do a tribute to Anne Bancroft the next day. I loved it, she was such a great actress and your measured and thoughtful examination of her career and "The Miracle Worker" was fantastic. The thing that amazes me about the movie is I truly believed Patty Dukes' Helen Keller was in a world of darkness and no sound and she was some kind of genius who was lead to communication by Annie Sullivan. The movie is unique, harsh, sometimes shocking and completely compelling. I first saw it as a boy in the 70's and I never forgot it. Also, nice interlaying of "Fued" into your analysis. I did'nt care for it mainly because for the first time, finally, ever, Bette Davis was going to be portrayed. Susan Sarandon was as a profound disappiontment to say the least! I think that Bette Davis, to this day is the Greatest of them All. No one has topped her. (Yes, even Her--MS) I look forward to Anne Bancroft 1963 PT.2
Wait, um theatre major here! The Stanislavsky is not method acting. stanislavsky asks the actor to figure out what it is the character wants in life, in a scene, what tactics they use to get their desired outcome etc. I describe method acting as literally becoming the character. I haven't studied method acting but it is not stanislavsky which I have studied and used.
This is probably just a confusion in terminology. Stanislavski's system was called by himself "method of physical action", and American method was built upon that system.
The real method acting is actually Grotowski.
Hey! Yes - American method grew out of Stanislavsky's technique, but I think has taken various shapes based on the teacher. Berghof's method specifically drew from Stanislavsky - which I admit could have been better phrased. Used this article as a basis for some of my thinking! www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/sight-sound-magazine/features/deep-focus/birth-method-revolution-american-acting
@@bkrewind True. Also, Artaud and Brecht are also other facets of theatre though it has more to do with alienation and cruelty. I think Grotowski is also excellent if you're channelling your emotions from the past into the present.
I actually knew her primarily as Mel Brooks' wife, but that's just as bad as only knowing her as "the person with Bette Davis' Oscar." Shame on me. Excellent video!
14:26 aries problems
As of lately, I've been bingeing almost every Anne Bancroft movie I could get my hands on. Before I watched your fantastic video about her, the only films of hers I've seen were Agnes of God and Night' Mother. I remember my mom recommending that I watch her in The Miracle Worker, but it wasn't until I saw your video that I decided to watch it. I've observed that movie at least 5 times because it has stuck with me for the rest of my life. I also had no idea that she was Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate until I watched your video essay. She has done so many other great films that have gone unnoticed. The few I'd like to recommend are The Turning Point, The Slender Thread, The Pumpkin Eater, The Prisoner of Second Avenue, To Be Or Not To Be (with her hubby, Mel Brooks), Homecoming, and 84 Charing Cross Road.
Fantastic analysis. Bancroft and Duke in "The Miracle Worker" are two of my favourite performances. The war movie analogy is spot on - watching them fight each other for 10 minutes is thrilling and exhausting. I'd disagree that her Oscar win was overshadowed by the Bette Davis/Joan Crawford feud - that's only really something that's ballooned in the last few years, after Ryan Murphy's "Feud" - but I agree that she's a HUGELY underrated actress. There's a ferocity in her performance and a lack of vanity that makes her very compelling to watch. What a shame she slipped into camp in the latter part of her career. Can't wait for Part II. And seriously... when is Turner Classic Movies going to call you and offer you a job as a film historian?
Anne Bancroft was such a classy woman & wonderful actress. It’s sad that her Oscar win is kind of forgotten due to the whole publicity of Bette and Joan spatting constantly
Another excellent episode. Thank you for focussing on the under appreciated Anne Bancroft. She was one of the best. I agree with your mention of The Turning Point and I'd like to add Night, Mother, Garbo Talks and Torch Song Trilogy.
And then Anne Bancroft herself accepted Elizabeth Taylor's oscar in 1967 for Who's afraid of Virginia Wolf. 2 great ladies.
I believe Mike Nichols may have had a hand in Bancroft accepting for Taylor, as he directed Virginia Woolf and was working with Bancroft on The Graduate when the Oscar happened.
You are astoundingly brilliant! I marvel at how you so precisely articulate these events and their cultural and industry contexts. You words are spare yet impactful and dead on! Imo you are the finest archivist/analyst of these moments in entertainment past and the factors still operating to this day.
I had no idea Anne was married to Mel Brooks for 40 years!
Ugh this is my favorite channel! Please don’t stop
Yay! I’ve been watching all of your videos for the past two weeks!! I’m obsessed with your channel!
You seriously have the best UA-cam channel ever. Thank you.
Speaking of winning an Oscar for a roll you started on Broadway: Marlee Matlin video please :-)
Phyllis Frelich played the part on Broadway and won the Tony for it, not Marlee.
Marlee Matlin is a really interesting choice. Definitely another actor who doesn't get nearly the accolades she deserves. I actually haven't seen her in anything for a while. Is she still active in show business?
Matlin's win would be an interesting springboard to talk about disability representation and the academy's tendency to nominate and award actors playing disabled characters.
YES on this! On roles that are based on plays AND disability representation!!
nomine * The most recent thing I saw her was a minor role in the show Switched at Birth but that ended a few years ago.
thank you for making this excellent video despite it getting less than a quarter of the views of part two. it feels like you knew it was a story worth telling despite it not being the Thing People Wanted and I think so too
Honestly one of the best parts of your content is how positive you are and how you explain how talented ALL of these women are.
Never thought of Anne Bancroft as being underrated, especially after ' The Miracle Worker"....perhaps eclipsed. She was brilliant and on a roll, with 'The Pumpkin Eater' and ' The Graduate' . Her powerful work, playing a miracle worker is a very worthy and understandable win in 1963 and far more acceptable for voters than a demented killer in a dark comedy. Her Oscar win does have the historic caveat of winning over a Bette Davis performance that is pioneer, superb and iconic This is why Baby Jane Hudson lingers in the memory universally and Annie Sullivan, does not. Davis created Jane from scratch, as the cameras were rolling.. She organically became this grotesque, comical leading character that the public couldn't deny, and in doing so, she opened the door for Oscar winners like Kathy Bates and Anthony Hopkins. Baby Jane is a landmark performance that altered the possibilities of what kind of work could be nominated. The 1962 Oscars was a really strong year for best actress. Any one of the nominees would have been worthy. Now, Lee Remick, she was underrated!
Miss Davis won the Academy Award twice but certainly their lost nomination for "... Baby Jane" and "All About Eve" were the ones that wrote her name down into history books. Her performance and all the fuss around those nominations were just delightful.
13:27 that scream, I JUST CAN'T 😂😂
This was gorgeous. Thank you so much for your investment in this storytelling. This is definitely not the last time I'll watch this video and I cannot wait for the next part.
Glad to see you're back doing these.
As an Anne Bancroft devotee, I thank you 🖤
Admirably, BKR is a defender of hard work and tenacity. Always citing the dedication of the artist and often giving credit where credit has been denied. Your journalistic chops are second to none. (And any critique that sources footage from "What's My Line" has me hook, line and sinker). : { )
Thank for this. i hope fans of Betty and Joan also see how deserving Anne truly was. Can't wait for part 2!
I love these videos…. I find myself listening to them everywhere lol
Perfect video! I'm going to watch The Miracle Worker right away!
What did you think of it?
On my gosh, i just watched Dont Bother to Knock for Marilyn Monroe's birthday, for it was her first major role. I then watched Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (because I am just obsessed with both Joan and Bette). Haha it is so ironic that Ann Bancroft was there the whole time, getting her debut and earning her oscar. I love your channel so much! You do such a great job and I eagerly wait for anything you do.
thank you so much for gifting us with another video, queen 🙏🏽 I can already tell this is going to be the highlight of my day
hearing my name (Joan) said so many times is so weird because everyone calls me Joanie in my day-to-day life and most people don’t even know my real name is just Joan lol... i rarely hear it tbh
Joan Crawford real name is not that. it is Lucille
Quan Dang today i learned :)
Nothing gets me more thrilled and excited than to see a new video out from Be Kind Rewind!
Also, if Joan had enough pull to steal an Academy Award from Betty, I am pretty sure she would have had enough pull to garner herself a nomination that year. She didn't.
It's a shame Bancroft's career post-Miracle Worker is reduced to a mere footnote. She starred in some very significant films, scored several more Oscar nominations, and displayed a versatility rarely seen in a leading Hollywood actress - from broad comedy to serious drama. She also exuded a warmth and vulnerability that even some of the great actors can never quite manufacture. She's well worth a closer look.
I’ve seen The Miracle Worker, but the role of Mrs Robinson deserves to be her legacy. That’s her greatest role.
I love ur videos ur the only channel that I get excited when u release a new video :)
This was brilliant! Thank you so much for doing all this research and sharing it with us! Headed over to watch part 2 now
Instantly searched for PT.2....subbed and waiting 🍿
(edit: I didn't realize that PT.2 is actually titled The Feud of Joan Crawford and Betty Davis PT.2)
Anne Bancroft is a legend
I have been checking everyday for the past 4 days for part 2!! 😩😩😩
Thank you for this wonderful and non judgmental look at all 3 of these ladies. I’m a huge Bette Davis fan, Baby Jane is one of my all time classics, however Anne Bancroft should not be continuously dismissed. She won fair and square. The Feud inaccuracies are kind of outrageous as they’ve helped to paint a narrative that Bette was robbed when she wasn’t. People let their enjoyment for that show cloud their judgements. I’m an even bigger Joan Crawford fan, she’s my ultimate favourite. It’s difficult to be a fan of both Joan and Bette with some of their fans. I appreciate them both. However I feel because of Mommie Dearest, Joan has always been an easy target. I applaud you for this non judgemental and fair video. I’m really looking forward to part 2!
And afterward she was awarded Mel Brooks.
The greatest prize of all.
I'm not very aware of the feud and the Academy Award that year. I remember watching The Miracle Worker as a child. And it really stuck with me, especially now as a health worker. Thank you for making this video, I'm so pleasantly surprised to learn that the actress that played the character I admired won for her portrayal.
*got a notification and saw the title* Already know this gonna be good
Better Davis blaming her competitive spirit to being an Aries just made me love her so much more. Thanks for including that
I'm a simple non-binary person, I see a new video from Be Kind Rewind: I click