We have heard Kim Carnes’s undying classic song, Bette Davis Eyes; and some of us have even seen the videoclip. But what about Bette Davis herself? Meryl Streep in her pre-Oscar interview to the BBC’s RadioTimes was thankful that at her age she’s not only still got the job, but the films actually hit the box office, and Streep herself goes up for an Oscar. The life scenario was quite different, unfortunately, for Bette Davis (visit her official website), although the performance she gave in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is haunting and poignant, as well as the story of many a wunderkinder’s predicament. The mutual dislike, if not hatred, between Davis and Joan Crawford owes to a few witty quotes from Davis, like this:
We are not simpatico. I admire her, and yet I feel uncomfortable with her. To me, she is the personification of the Movie Star. I have always felt her greatest performance is Crawford being Crawford.
And this one, which I actually find very admirable, although cynical:
You should never say bad things about the dead, you should only say good . . . Joan Crawford is dead. Good.
A while ago a masterful video was posted to YouTube that may give us a very precise idea of why Miss Bette Davis’s eyes were so inspiring. Thanks to the producer, and I’m sure we’ll all enjoy this work, accompanied by the distinct Kim Carnes’s vocals.
If you have your favourite Bette Davis film, discuss below.