My mother sat next to her on a plane in 1977... Bette borrowed my Mom's unused spoon from her during the dinner service, so my Mom always loved telling people she once had dinner with Bette Davis 😂😂❤❤
The way he jumped to the topic of Joan Crawford after failing to lure Ms. Davis into it by talking about lobbying for the Oscars was very cringeworthy.
Bette Davis was the best actress that ever hit the screen. Ever! There has been noone before her or after her that could measure up to her immense acting ability. Every part that she's ever played in a movie was captivating to watch. When it comes to the greatest actress ever, she stands alone.
"I was in a lucky, lucky time." Oh, how right you were, Bette! Especially as her words ring true today in an era where most of Hollywood is trash.... The Golden Era was the best there will ever be.
I just love the interaction here, two people each at the pinnacle of their very different careers but so genuinely interested in and respectful to each other. Bette Davis is so utterly charming!!!
Love Miss Davis! My Mom's hero! Even after her illness, she is still smart as a whip & funny. You can not compare her to any other actress of today!!! Thanks Brit for letting us watch this awesome footage..... the divine & classy lady- Miss Davis!!! :) Mom & I love you!!!! I sometimes see Bette in my mother, just two great ladies!! Thanks again Brit for uploading this -just terrific, I enjoyed it very much!
Madonna says in Vogue "Bette Davis , we love you" . lol Actually Madonna has been obsessed with Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe , Jean Harlow and all the other Hollywood legends copying their styles, fashion. Many stars, singers have. Bette Davis was the original "Lady with an attitude.' We loved her for that:)
what a firecracker. even after a stroke, she continued to smoke and be hysterically funny. she was born in the same town that i was born, raised, and still live in (lowell, MA). we share the same birth date (april 5), and i have been told that i have "bette davis eyes"
How _dare_ you mention that slut Madonna in the same breath in which you _dared_ to call the great Bette Davis by her Christian name! She is _Miss Davis_ to you, you villain!
Of course, it was almost a miracle Davis was even able to do this interview on "Late Night With David Letterman," at her then-advanced age, considering her bouts with cancer & a stroke. But she was there to plug her latest book, "This 'N' That," prompted more as a response to daughter B.D.'s biography ("My Mother's Keeper") about her mother than by any real desire to do a comprehensive memoir.
As an adopted son close to my late mother (& Bette Davis fan), who grew up & lived in Boston my whole life & equally proud of my Massachusetts heritage, that suited me just fine.
what?! she's incomparable to Madonna.. Bette Davis is Bette Davis she's a dame a true star, a legend.. by the way i love it when she smiles..gorgeous, gorgeous Miss Davis so genuine. ^_^
Magnificent actor BETTE DAVIES! One of her kind ! Very brave to come for nteview with such rude man! He should have a tsunami to have ha right manners back in!
That next-to-last film boasted not only a bravura performance by Davis as a blind woman (her second role playing that challenging disability; "Dark Victory," some half a century previous, the first), but also an ensemble of thespian pros, including co-star Lillian Gish, Vincent Price & Ann Sothern.
Bette was an entertainer on and off the screen. Her comedic interviews shows what a diverse, warm, humorous and professional lady she was. Even as aged and frail as she got, she STILL had the utmost taste in choosing and developing the dresses and hats she would be seen in. I LOVE the question mark dress! BTW: Which interview did she do where she talked about her daughter doing a book and it was "lies! All lies!"? I wanna say Carson when she wore the black dress and hat. THX for posting these!
@austinap5 Are you joking? Madoona bigger than Bette Davis? PLEASE! Come off it. Bette Davi was known in her lifetime and since, as one of the best, if not THE best screen actresses of all time. She was world famous in a time before TV, internet and yet still was a household name in every country. Madonna owes her career to the like of Davis as she has copied everything she and others have done. Davis will be remembered with higher and longer regard than any passing pop star.
What I so respect about Davis in this later stage of her life, even more than her vigor in making these television appearances & the writing of one, last memoir, was her discipline making one, last, good & credible film, "The Whales Of August."
But Davis had the last word--as she left Hyman absolutely nothing in her will, the bulk of the estate going to loyal & loving son Michael Merrill, whom Davis adopted while married to actor (& "All About Eve" co-star) Gary Merrill. Davis' son, a lawyer & former local government official, made his home in the Boston area, not far from where his mother was raised & educated most of her early life; also oversaw the donation of Davis' papers to Boston University, a protector of his maternal legacy.
As may be seen in these interviews & others, Davis was a superbly colorful & interesting person, so much so that it sometimes overshadowed the fact she was one of the pair (along with fellow New Englander Katherine Hepburn, based on expert consensus)) of film's best, two actresses. Out of self-preservation, I won't make that call which order. Suffice to say I know on which side my Bay State heart comes down in this decision, and my choice had THE MOST genuine set of "Bette Davis eyes!"
madonna is desperately trying to cling onto her past and youth, still trying way too hard to be "sexy" despite the fact that she's much too old for it, without the charm or charisma to come close to making up for it bette davis embraced her aging -- well, she often took roles that were much older than she was, so it really wasn't an issue with her. she's one of the greatest actresses in history, where madonna just encouraged trashiness in the music industry (which is not commendable).
i have become great friends with my public library recently, where i have been obsessing and LOVING bette davis' movies. I have her daughter's book on hold and almost dread reading it. Just like today, i prefer not to listen to the gossip and the bs, but i can't find much info on "BD". FYI - I have renewed What Ever Happened to Baby Jane three weeks in a row. Best movie ever, and she should have won an oscar for it. In my 46 years I have NEVER seen a better actress nor do i think I will.
How awful to try and get Bette to dish about Joan. He did it in a shameful way. We all know Joan campaigned to have Bette not receive an Oscar for Baby Jane. Love how he asks, did anyone ever try to stop you from getting an Oscar basically lol
It's interesting because she was often times quite happy to throw shade at Joan, as has been demonstrated in many interviews, but what Bette didn't appreciate was being led and as soon as he started to try tease out some gossip she did the exact opposite. She was nobody's fool.
The only change she made to the manuscript was adding a bit at the end - among other things, a letter to her daughter reminiscent of Hymans letter to her mother in 'My Mother's Keeper'. Bette Davis would never stoop so low as to concoct an autobiography just for revenge and/or spite. Also, she speaks of B.D. in basically glowing terms when she had the opportunity not to discuss her at all.
The other, general opinion on B.D.'s book is that, unlike Christina Crawford's bio about her mother, actress Joan Crawford, at least Hyman DID write her book while her mother was still around to defend herself (and did she, massively, as these TV interviews attest!), regardless the hurt feelings incurred by Davis.
Letterman is a terrible interviewer. Davis is a Great actress and loved how she still smoked. Never give up whatyou love to do so late in life. God Bless here
@dannybex i really do think they are very similar when it comes to the toughness and strength and character and passion. both these ladies would be flattered to hear that. they are very unique and iconic people.
Any book is written, at least partly, with profit as motive, but I won't begrudge any author that opportunity. I found Hyman's book, although from her twisted perspective, the type of story (with its obvious, first-hand insight) which, if one is already a fan of Davis' life & work, just enhances what a character she really was (and she certainly was!). And if one isn't a fan of the legendary actress (and who could be that ignorant?), then no book, whether of good or ill intent, will change that.
There are two schools of thought on B.D.'s book about her mother. One is it was a self-serving, "Mommy Dearest"-type, tell-all done out of vengeance to make a quick buck at her mother's expense; that Hyman should have at least waited until after her mother's death to spare her feelings, if she had any love for her mother at all.
I must respectfully point something out: it is generally known that Davis was working on a continuation of her memoirs at the time B.D.'s terrible, terrible book was published. This book was initially being written to detail Davis life just prior to and preceding her cancer diagnosis and stroke(s), including recovery.
Though obviously sorry Hyman's book hurt Davis' feelings, I concur more with the second school of thought on "My Mother's Keeper," found it an interesting read with all sorts of nuggets & humorous anecdotes Davis would just never have told about herself. It's not only the story by a daughter of a famous actress, but also one that sheds light on a side of Davis by someone from a younger generation, which offers its own shadings.
Did you not read 'This 'n' That'? She was perfectly able to poke fun at herself in it and it was a far more interesting read than the offspring's ramblings.
In the 1934 film OF HUMAN BONDAGE there are a few times that the young Bette Davis resembles Madonna. Check out the famous scene where she tries to seduce Leslie Howard. Having said that, it seems silly to compare the two, as they come from different eras and different artistic genres.
Also, knowing so much of the material from other Davis books, I can say much of Hyman's story must be true, from her perspective. After all, Davis never won any lawsuit in conjunction with "My Mother's Keeper," usually a sign no real libel was involved. Ironically, Hyman's book made me love Bette all the more and think what an ungrateful tight-ass Hyman must be.
@enisorian I think its clear they didnt get along that well, as in being friends etc but I also think Bette might have felt a certain union with Joan, who had died 10 years before this interview. Bette knowing how Joans reputation had been ruined by her daughter and also knowing her own daughter had written a book in very much the same fashion. I feel that Bette Davis knew that she and Joan had given up alot to become the stars they were and still are.
Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis (Lowell, Massachusetts, 5 de abril de 1908-Neuilly-sur-Seine, París, 6 de octubre de 1989) fue una actriz estadounidense de teatro, cine y televisión. Destacó por su facilidad de interpretar personajes antipáticos y fue ampliamente apreciada por sus actuaciones en filmes melodramáticos, históricos y ocasionalmente de comedia, aunque sus mayores éxitos los alcanzó con dramas románticos. Es considerada como uno de los mayores mitos cinematográficos.
Personally, I thought he was funny in this...they played off each other pretty amusingly. I like when he fishes for comedy (sure, it doesn't always work, but that's how it is for anybody).
@austinap5 I cant believe your talking about a pop singer trying to compare to a movie icon. Madonna is famous now yes, but that is due to the fact that her fans are young (ish) and alive. She owes most of her career to a shock value, the sex book and so on. Davis relied on pure talent. Her fame has outlived her and the people of her time. She is as big a movie icon today as she was 30, 40, 50 years ago. She didnt have to blow a wine bottle or pretend to be a lesbian to get it.
It's not even the best of Bette's three or four memoirs. Her first, true autobiography, "The Lonely Life," was written too early, before her successes with & after "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane." The better ones are collaborations done with author & friend Whitney Stine, most especially "Mother Goddam." But there is a great, open letter from Bette to B.D. in "This 'N That" which makes it worthwhile, as well the inspiration she offered rebounding from her illnesses.
@grey1951 I think you mean Madonna resembles Bette Davis, rather than the other way around. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Madonna has ripped off almost every famous female that came before her.
@fhdjsahfdjsha WHY? With all the noise of the machine recording onto the tapes, staticky picture and lack of video quality?? Chewed tapes? Clunky, heavy cartridges? LOL! Not dissin' what you're missin', but I have to say digital age is far more advantageous---i.e. ability to upload vidz to RUclips etc., and the DVDs don't take up more of a house than furniture! VHS was a fun medium, but me personally? I have to say DVD and digital is truly "digital VERSATILE disc."
David Letterman is not the most knowledgeable interviewer in broadcasting. Bette Davis' best interview that I have seen on TV was on "The Dick Cavett Show" in the 1970's (now on DVD & probably uploaded here on Tube as well). There was also an excellent profile of Davis (by Mike Wallace) on "60 Minutes" some years later, around 1980, when she was still living in Connecticut & on better terms with her daughter, B.D. (Barbara Davis) Sherry Hyman.
@austinap5 Madonna is a Z list celeb compared to Bette Davis, 30 years of fame? Ok cool, but try 80 years of being a gobal icon like Bette has and than we'll compare. Untill than, Madonna will just have to fight it out with Gaga LOL
i really cannot belive some of these comments about madonna and bette davis. madonna is the MOST FAMOUS WOMAN IN THE WORLD and has been for several decades. bette davis is just remembered as a great actress.
@72randee of course she would its clear that bette davis was an inspiration to madonna. but bette davis didnt have anywhere near the global impact madonna has had. madonna will go down as one of the biggest, most influential PEOPLE (man or woman) to have ever walked the planet. bette davis is not in the same category.
I saw her once in person in 1987. Shes was tiny but radiated a real power. Intimidating as hell. She was not to be messed with
My mother sat next to her on a plane in 1977... Bette borrowed my Mom's unused spoon from her during the dinner service, so my Mom always loved telling people she once had dinner with Bette Davis 😂😂❤❤
I am amazed, looking at Bette Davis and listening to her at this age; she was so gracious, funny and she was still so very beautiful.
U r the "insanely" gracious one...
"Beautiful"?
More like...
Frightening bordering on grotesque
@@AMEER-114- wow, Covergirl, I hope you age very, very well
@@AMEER-114- beauty can be measured in class as well to which I think Bette had plenty.
We were lucky to have her. She’s so likeable and fun. RIP Bette.
I just love that she’s so elegant and classy in all her interviews
I love how she basked in the applause. A true star.
My Favourite actress
The way he jumped to the topic of Joan Crawford after failing to lure Ms. Davis into it by talking about lobbying for the Oscars was very cringeworthy.
This is the only interview where I've seen David Letterman nervous and awed by a star.
Bette Davis was the best actress that ever hit the screen. Ever! There has been noone before her or after her that could measure up to her immense acting ability. Every part that she's ever played in a movie was captivating to watch. When it comes to the greatest actress ever, she stands alone.
Wonderful, Bette.
"I was in a lucky, lucky time."
Oh, how right you were, Bette! Especially as her words ring true today in an era where most of Hollywood is trash.... The Golden Era was the best there will ever be.
I just love the interaction here, two people each at the pinnacle of their very different careers but so genuinely interested in and respectful to each other. Bette Davis is so utterly charming!!!
Wow,she is full of energy in this interview!!!!!
regardless if you like or dislike bette davis, she was one of the original hollywood
stars of that era, a true lady and professional actor, rip bette
I love when she says "it's better than water".
LOVE HER!
Love Miss Davis! My Mom's hero! Even after her illness, she is still smart as a whip & funny. You can not compare her to any other actress of today!!! Thanks Brit for letting us watch this awesome footage..... the divine & classy lady- Miss Davis!!! :) Mom & I love you!!!! I sometimes see Bette in my mother, just two great ladies!! Thanks again Brit for uploading this -just terrific, I enjoyed it very much!
HES OVER HIS HEAD-SHES A LEGEND.
Madonna says in Vogue "Bette Davis , we love you" . lol Actually Madonna has been obsessed with Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe , Jean Harlow and all the other Hollywood legends copying their styles, fashion. Many stars, singers have. Bette Davis was the original "Lady with an attitude.' We loved her for that:)
better than copying the styles out of the latest vogue or bazaar.
OMG! I can't believe Letterman's been up so long as to have interviewed BETTE DAVIS! Such a charismatic and strong woman!
I just adore her RIP
I m absolutely amazed how smart and way ahead of her time she was, even though this was years ago she talks in todays laungu age
Her dress is gorgeous!
Flawless,fabulous ,forever
what a firecracker. even after a stroke, she continued to smoke and be hysterically funny. she was born in the same town that i was born, raised, and still live in (lowell, MA). we share the same birth date (april 5), and i have been told that i have "bette davis eyes"
I like both Bette and Madonna, they are both women who never took s*it from anybody and did what they pleased, standing up for their vision. Great!
How _dare_ you mention that slut Madonna in the same breath in which you _dared_ to call the great Bette Davis by her Christian name! She is _Miss Davis_ to you, you villain!
How did she stay so sharp her whole life? God she's funny.
She still enjoyed her life no matter how ill she became. A true legend!
Of course, it was almost a miracle Davis was even able to do this interview on "Late Night With David Letterman," at her then-advanced age, considering her bouts with cancer & a stroke. But she was there to plug her latest book, "This 'N' That," prompted more as a response to daughter B.D.'s biography ("My Mother's Keeper") about her mother than by any real desire to do a comprehensive memoir.
As an adopted son close to my late mother (& Bette Davis fan), who grew up & lived in Boston my whole life & equally proud of my Massachusetts heritage, that suited me just fine.
what?! she's incomparable to Madonna.. Bette Davis is Bette Davis she's a dame a true star, a legend.. by the way i love it when she smiles..gorgeous, gorgeous Miss Davis so genuine. ^_^
If Letterman had given her a Proper Buildup and Introduction, maybe they would've given her a standing ovation.
Magnificent actor BETTE DAVIES! One of her kind ! Very brave to come for nteview with such rude man! He should have a tsunami to have ha right manners back in!
My Mothers hero she was!! I as well as my MOm love her, one tough lady!
That next-to-last film boasted not only a bravura performance by Davis as a blind woman (her second role playing that challenging disability; "Dark Victory," some half a century previous, the first), but also an ensemble of thespian pros, including co-star Lillian Gish, Vincent Price & Ann Sothern.
Bette was an entertainer on and off the screen. Her comedic interviews shows what a diverse, warm, humorous and professional lady she was. Even as aged and frail as she got, she STILL had the utmost taste in choosing and developing the dresses and hats she would be seen in. I LOVE the question mark dress! BTW: Which interview did she do where she talked about her daughter doing a book and it was "lies! All lies!"? I wanna say Carson when she wore the black dress and hat. THX for posting these!
@austinap5 Are you joking? Madoona bigger than Bette Davis? PLEASE! Come off it. Bette Davi was known in her lifetime and since, as one of the best, if not THE best screen actresses of all time. She was world famous in a time before TV, internet and yet still was a household name in every country. Madonna owes her career to the like of Davis as she has copied everything she and others have done. Davis will be remembered with higher and longer regard than any passing pop star.
What I so respect about Davis in this later stage of her life, even more than her vigor in making these television appearances & the writing of one, last memoir, was her discipline making one, last, good & credible film, "The Whales Of August."
BETTE DAVIS IS TREMENDOUS!!! MADONNA IS AMAZING!!! so calm down!
But Davis had the last word--as she left Hyman absolutely nothing in her will, the bulk of the estate going to loyal & loving son Michael Merrill, whom Davis adopted while married to actor (& "All About Eve" co-star) Gary Merrill.
Davis' son, a lawyer & former local government official, made his home in the Boston area, not far from where his mother was raised & educated most of her early life; also oversaw the donation of Davis' papers to Boston University, a protector of his maternal legacy.
What I would've given to have a drink with Joan and Bette.
As may be seen in these interviews & others, Davis was a superbly colorful & interesting person, so much so that it sometimes overshadowed the fact she was one of the pair (along with fellow New Englander Katherine Hepburn, based on expert consensus)) of film's best, two actresses. Out of self-preservation, I won't make that call which order.
Suffice to say I know on which side my Bay State heart comes down in this decision, and my choice had THE MOST genuine set of "Bette Davis eyes!"
"It's better than water"! LMAO
... I loved that response. Miss Davis was devilishly charming.
i'm a great fan of her and her movies ,
madonna is desperately trying to cling onto her past and youth, still trying way too hard to be "sexy" despite the fact that she's much too old for it, without the charm or charisma to come close to making up for it
bette davis embraced her aging -- well, she often took roles that were much older than she was, so it really wasn't an issue with her. she's one of the greatest actresses in history, where madonna just encouraged trashiness in the music industry (which is not commendable).
i have become great friends with my public library recently, where i have been obsessing and LOVING bette davis' movies. I have her daughter's book on hold and almost dread reading it. Just like today, i prefer not to listen to the gossip and the bs, but i can't find much info on "BD". FYI - I have renewed What Ever Happened to Baby Jane three weeks in a row. Best movie ever, and she should have won an oscar for it. In my 46 years I have NEVER seen a better actress nor do i think I will.
When I saw all those 'question marks' on her dress, I thought, "Bette Davis is a Dr. Who fan? who knew!
And then she wasn't...
@VictorEmmanuell Why compare them at all/? Madonna had what, one acting role? Shes a musician first and foremost lol
How awful to try and get Bette to dish about Joan. He did it in a shameful way. We all know Joan campaigned to have Bette not receive an Oscar for Baby Jane. Love how he asks, did anyone ever try to stop you from getting an Oscar basically lol
It's interesting because she was often times quite happy to throw shade at Joan, as has been demonstrated in many interviews, but what Bette didn't appreciate was being led and as soon as he started to try tease out some gossip she did the exact opposite. She was nobody's fool.
The only change she made to the manuscript was adding a bit at the end - among other things, a letter to her daughter reminiscent of Hymans letter to her mother in 'My Mother's Keeper'. Bette Davis would never stoop so low as to concoct an autobiography just for revenge and/or spite. Also, she speaks of B.D. in basically glowing terms when she had the opportunity not to discuss her at all.
Crown3388: You're actually comparing Bette Davis to Madonna?
Hilarious.
Even Madonna would think you're nuts.
Dave was pushing for that Joan Crawford tea with the politicking question and she evaded it…then he just went for it and she of course handled it.
The other, general opinion on B.D.'s book is that, unlike Christina Crawford's bio about her mother, actress Joan Crawford, at least Hyman DID write her book while her mother was still around to defend herself (and did she, massively, as these TV interviews attest!), regardless the hurt feelings incurred by Davis.
I find these interviews so sad to watch, just looking at her even 5, g years ago when she was still all there and articulate and healthy looking.
Letterman is a terrible interviewer. Davis is a Great actress and loved how she still smoked. Never give up whatyou love to do so late in life. God Bless here
Thanks A Million!
@dannybex i really do think they are very similar when it comes to the toughness and strength and character and passion. both these ladies would be flattered to hear that. they are very unique and iconic people.
Any book is written, at least partly, with profit as motive, but I won't begrudge any author that opportunity. I found Hyman's book, although from her twisted perspective, the type of story (with its obvious, first-hand insight) which, if one is already a fan of Davis' life & work, just enhances what a character she really was (and she certainly was!). And if one isn't a fan of the legendary actress (and who could be that ignorant?), then no book, whether of good or ill intent, will change that.
Madonna and Bette Davis are the women of the century!
tlauderdalehp21 also the greatest actress today is Meryl Streep, she is also woman of the century. Nobody can touch Meryl when it comes to acting.
That was great stuff! Thanks for the memories.
I love her!
There are two schools of thought on B.D.'s book about her mother. One is it was a self-serving, "Mommy Dearest"-type, tell-all done out of vengeance to make a quick buck at her mother's expense; that Hyman should have at least waited until after her mother's death to spare her feelings, if she had any love for her mother at all.
I must respectfully point something out: it is generally known that Davis was working on a continuation of her memoirs at the time B.D.'s terrible, terrible book was published. This book was initially being written to detail Davis life just prior to and preceding her cancer diagnosis and stroke(s), including recovery.
Though obviously sorry Hyman's book hurt Davis' feelings, I concur more with the second school of thought on "My Mother's Keeper," found it an interesting read with all sorts of nuggets & humorous anecdotes Davis would just never have told about herself. It's not only the story by a daughter of a famous actress, but also one that sheds light on a side of Davis by someone from a younger generation, which offers its own shadings.
Did you not read 'This 'n' That'? She was perfectly able to poke fun at herself in it and it was a far more interesting read than the offspring's ramblings.
@VictorEmmanuell no darling maybe the pacific and the atlantic. regardless of what you seem to think.
In the 1934 film OF HUMAN BONDAGE there are a few times that the young Bette Davis resembles Madonna. Check out the famous scene where she tries to seduce Leslie Howard. Having said that, it seems silly to compare the two, as they come from different eras and different artistic genres.
she was the madonna of her time very big diva
Also, knowing so much of the material from other Davis books, I can say much of Hyman's story must be true, from her perspective. After all, Davis never won any lawsuit in conjunction with "My Mother's Keeper," usually a sign no real libel was involved. Ironically, Hyman's book made me love Bette all the more and think what an ungrateful tight-ass Hyman must be.
@Jitpring very true!
@enisorian I think its clear they didnt get along that well, as in being friends etc but I also think Bette might have felt a certain union with Joan, who had died 10 years before this interview. Bette knowing how Joans reputation had been ruined by her daughter and also knowing her own daughter had written a book in very much the same fashion. I feel that Bette Davis knew that she and Joan had given up alot to become the stars they were and still are.
DAVID (DAVE) MICHAEL LETTERMAN
12 DE ABRIL DE 1947
75 AÑOS
@austinap5 Don't drink orange juice... your acid trip might last longer.
Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis (Lowell, Massachusetts, 5 de abril de 1908-Neuilly-sur-Seine, París, 6 de octubre de 1989) fue una actriz estadounidense de teatro, cine y televisión. Destacó por su facilidad de interpretar personajes antipáticos y fue ampliamente apreciada por sus actuaciones en filmes melodramáticos, históricos y ocasionalmente de comedia, aunque sus mayores éxitos los alcanzó con dramas románticos. Es considerada como uno de los mayores mitos cinematográficos.
Personally, I thought he was funny in this...they played off each other pretty amusingly. I like when he fishes for comedy (sure, it doesn't always work, but that's how it is for anybody).
@austinap5 I cant believe your talking about a pop singer trying to compare to a movie icon. Madonna is famous now yes, but that is due to the fact that her fans are young (ish) and alive. She owes most of her career to a shock value, the sex book and so on. Davis relied on pure talent. Her fame has outlived her and the people of her time. She is as big a movie icon today as she was 30, 40, 50 years ago. She didnt have to blow a wine bottle or pretend to be a lesbian to get it.
@hrebecca456 u have no idea how much. i really do think they are very similar when it comes to the toughness and strength and character and passion.
Madonna hasn't changed that much since 1987...
We should listen to the woman when she says campaigns are not a natural part of film excelence.
@yosogomo i really do think they are very similar the toughness and strength and character and passion.
It's not even the best of Bette's three or four memoirs. Her first, true autobiography, "The Lonely Life," was written too early, before her successes with & after "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane." The better ones are collaborations done with author & friend Whitney Stine, most especially "Mother Goddam."
But there is a great, open letter from Bette to B.D. in "This 'N That" which makes it worthwhile, as well the inspiration she offered rebounding from her illnesses.
@grey1951 I think you mean Madonna resembles Bette Davis, rather than the other way around. Perhaps this is due to the fact that Madonna has ripped off almost every famous female that came before her.
And the ones that came after her, like Kylie Minogue, Alizee, Gaga etc.
come on don't be mean, she was sick at that time with cancer, she did not to long after that interview...
Nice to see this, tho he's kind of goofy and doesn't seem to know what to with a living legend like her.
@fhdjsahfdjsha WHY? With all the noise of the machine recording onto the tapes, staticky picture and lack of video quality?? Chewed tapes? Clunky, heavy cartridges? LOL! Not dissin' what you're missin', but I have to say digital age is far more advantageous---i.e. ability to upload vidz to RUclips etc., and the DVDs don't take up more of a house than furniture! VHS was a fun medium, but me personally? I have to say DVD and digital is truly "digital VERSATILE disc."
@nikkos34 i really do think they are very similar the toughness and strength and character and passion.
@kissfox5 Really? I would love to see that interview!
David Letterman is not the most knowledgeable interviewer in broadcasting. Bette Davis' best interview that I have seen on TV was on "The Dick Cavett Show" in the 1970's (now on DVD & probably uploaded here on Tube as well).
There was also an excellent profile of Davis (by Mike Wallace) on "60 Minutes" some years later, around 1980, when she was still living in Connecticut & on better terms with her daughter, B.D. (Barbara Davis) Sherry Hyman.
Catch the little very short glimpse of the WTC sort of creepy-spooky
Probably not back then,today Oscars,Grammy's are BS period!
They were always BS.
Grammys for the most part are b, s.
@austinap5 Madonna is a Z list celeb compared to Bette Davis, 30 years of fame? Ok cool, but try 80 years of being a gobal icon like Bette has and than we'll compare. Untill than, Madonna will just have to fight it out with Gaga LOL
@austinap5 My comments are based on facts and history, yours based on being an obsessed fan
i really cannot belive some of these comments about madonna and bette davis. madonna is the MOST FAMOUS WOMAN IN THE WORLD and has been for several decades. bette davis is just remembered as a great actress.
huh?
@72randee of course she would its clear that bette davis was an inspiration to madonna. but bette davis didnt have anywhere near the global impact madonna has had. madonna will go down as one of the biggest, most influential PEOPLE (man or woman) to have ever walked the planet. bette davis is not in the same category.
IM NOT BEING MEAN AT ALL ,SHE WAS GREAT AND THE ONLY PERSON I can think of now who has almost the same star power and grace is madonna !
THATS GOING TO BE MADONNA ONE DAY LOL
@kcirish "famous now" lol madonna has been the biggest, most influential female artist for the past 30 years. get real.
So influential that she got her ideas from others like Bette Davis
What I would've given to have a drink with Joan and Bette.