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!
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 !!!!
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"
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.
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!
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!) 🤗
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.
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!
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 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.
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….
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'.
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 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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!!!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'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! 🙏🏆
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!
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.
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.
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!!
We share a favorite in the galaxy of Hollywood stars! Bette Davis is the ultimate star, not least because, unlike the many who made their beauty their career, Davis didn't have that sort of beauty. Attractive, yes, but so much more than her skin. Even into her dotage, her talents were undimmed. The Whales of August should be included in any acting school's lesson plan.
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 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!
Another Queen’s opining about an actress who was effective and even outstanding in a few movies. Strong personalities and excessive self confidence can overwhelm, as well as disguise genuine talent and depth of understanding the art of acting. This was Bette Davis. But, the masses cheered, and all critical analysis silenced.
Actually, she always said her favorite performance was in Dark Victory. She usually named Dark Victory, Jezebel, Now Voyager, All About Eve and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? as her favorites. My favorites: The Little Foxes, All About Eve, The Letter, Jezebel, The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, Mr. Skeffington, Now Voyager, Dark Victory, Of Human Bondage. Honorable mentions go to The Old Maid, Marked Woman, Dangerous, In This Our Life, Deception, Beyond the Forest and Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte.
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.
![Bette Davis on The Dick Cavett Show 1971, Nov 17th [complete]](/img/1.gif)
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!
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 !!!!
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.
No one else like her! Love her work!❤
#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"
I cant believe it took me his long to discover this gold mine Bette Davis gave to movies.
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.
You're so right . "Eve" was great. Couldn't take my eyes off her. Especially the birthday party scene.
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!
bette davis 1934-1941 is amazing no actor has given so many great performances in a row
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!
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!) 🤗
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 absolutely adored Bette Davis. Such a fine actress.
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?
Excellent!! You capture the epitome of the greatest actor in film ,Bette Davis. Kudos, I like your review. God Bless.
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.
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
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.
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...)
Funny, noone seems to mention....A Stolen Life......she played twins! 1946. Glen Ford was the male lead.
This was a great movie!
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.
Absolute best actress ever Miss Betty Davis
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….
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'.
Thank you for your excellent work with so much detail and depth!!!!! LOL ❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!!
You’re really good at this. Looking forward for more
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!"
love the "let's get ready to rumble" bit! nicely done
Of human bondage is really incredible...
I love Bette Davis. She ranks very highly on my list of favorite, accomplished actresses. Definitely top ten, possibly top five, maybe even top three.
Of Human Bondage is definitely my #1 pick. Cheers ✌
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 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 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!
She has too many AMAZING movies to count.
Love your picks!!! Thankyou I love your channel❤
I love Bette Davis, thank you for posting!!!
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.
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.
"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
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.
Love your list!!!!!!
Love Miss Bette.
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!!
This was a great video!
That “Wipe my Mouth!” scene, probably her best scene ever.
Thank you!!
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.
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.
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!!!
Great work here.
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.
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
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..
Her powerful acting was so great, I remember her more by Margo Channing than by Bette herself. All new actresses have a lot to learn from her.
She definitely deserved oscar’s for both Jane and Eve, both amazing performances.
The Letter is my favorite Bette Davis movie. I watched Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte every time it was on tv.
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.
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.
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.
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! ✌
"Dead Ringer."
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)
All about eve and baby Jane are amazing movies. Looking forward to seeing more of her work
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! 🙏🏆
I watched of Human Bondage only a couple of years ago and it is hands down my number 1
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!!
The Great Lie, June Bride, The Old Maid, A Stolen Life, In This Our Life, Old Acquaintance, and Deception.
Beyond the Forest
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!
My favouriite is hush-hush sweet Charlotte... she was amazing, unforgetable!!!
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.
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.
All This and Heaven Too is a great movie but I feel like she was so underutilized. Also the way that little boy called her "Mam zell" constantly
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!!
We share a favorite in the galaxy of Hollywood stars! Bette Davis is the ultimate star, not least because, unlike the many who made their beauty their career, Davis didn't have that sort of beauty. Attractive, yes, but so much more than her skin. Even into her dotage, her talents were undimmed. The Whales of August should be included in any acting school's lesson plan.
Warner Brothers built an empire on the talents of Bette, Bogie, Cagney and a few other greats.
Old Maid, Jezabel too MANY to name , LOVED THEM ALL !!
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
Love Bette Davis one of my favorite Actress
The Nanny
Also really enjoyed Thank Your Lucky Stars & Hollywood Canteen. She plays herself in an all star cast.
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!
" All About Eve " ... oh yeah baby! φ(*⌒▽⌒)ﾉ
Ms. Davis would’ve have killed as Scarlet O’Hara! What a miss for us movie lovers
The Catered Affair -
Another Man's Poison ❤
Another Queen’s opining about an actress who was effective and even outstanding in a few movies. Strong personalities and excessive self confidence can overwhelm, as well as disguise genuine talent and depth of understanding the art of acting. This was Bette Davis. But, the masses cheered, and all critical analysis silenced.
I love Bette Davis movies (also Mrs. Streep).
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
Bette Davis always said her best performance was in "The Letter." I concur.
Actually, she always said her favorite performance was in Dark Victory. She usually named Dark Victory, Jezebel, Now Voyager, All About Eve and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? as her favorites. My favorites: The Little Foxes, All About Eve, The Letter, Jezebel, The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, Mr. Skeffington, Now Voyager, Dark Victory, Of Human Bondage. Honorable mentions go to The Old Maid, Marked Woman, Dangerous, In This Our Life, Deception, Beyond the Forest and Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte.
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.