Talking about movies, movies, movies. I believe movies are one of the best pleasures in life. Nothing better than watching a classic film and talking with others about them. Love the classics the most but will also talk about the newer stuff too. And covering all genres: comedy, action, horror, sci-fi, drama, musicals, etc. Will also discuss TV shows, more of the classics, but occasionally the newer stuff too. And anything else that might be on my mind. Feel free to drop by and have a chat.
SIMPLY CAROLE
CAROLE LOMBARD - My Favorite Actress
Friday, April 1, 2011
BEWARE THESE WOMEN! - Eve Harrington of ALL ABOUT EVE
I want to thank all you old fogeys for letting me in...what idiots you were.
Me and my friend and blogger Irene Palfy of And Then They Start To Sparkle will be doing a cross-over this month between our two blogs. The theme is women who, how shall I put this in a nice way, are kind of difficult to deal with. The kind of women that may are scheming, cynical, jealous, manipulative, and just all around pain in the neck to be around. The kind of woman you definitely would not want to cross. And I'm not slamming women. Anyone that follows my blog know that I love classic movie actresses with a passion. But me and Irene wanted to focus on some the best on screen women performances that make you shake your head and gasp at how ruthless and dangerous they can be. So we will each focus on a different film with our critique and photos and video and whatever else we can think of. I will be starting things off with one of my all time favorites All About Eve.
I have to tell you Margo, your hair is positively ridiculous
Anne Baxter was perfect as the scheming and conniving Eve Harrington, as an aspiring actress who worms her way into the life of veteran Broadway star Margo Channing (played in full diva mode by Bette Davis). Eve at first comes across as that quiet little girl who you think wouldn't harm a fly. She is anything but. She is like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Her manipulation of Margo's inner circle of friends including the playwright (Hugh Marlowe) and Margo's best friend Karen (played by Celeste Holm) are a sight to behold. This young little thing uses every means to her advantage. Plus she gets help from the sly Addison DeWitt (played by George Sanders) as a columnist who sits back and enjoys the show.
Uh, Addison why are you looking at me that way. I don't even know you.
The thing this film is that it is heavily female centric and all the women are solid in their performances. Some might say this is typical Bette Davis, and they would be right. But it is also a different Bette as she manages to be strong and overpowering in one scene to muted and quiet in the next. The great Thelma Ritter is excellent as Margo's helper Birdie, who is the only one who sees Eve as she truly is. Birdie manages a lot of the film's best one liners. And Celeste Holm is good as the valiant Karen, who manages not to be overlooked in this cast of larger than life characters. Oh and lets not forget about Marilyn Monroe in a small but worthy role. She is a nice addition to this ensemble cast. But back to the main character..Eve. Anne Baxter was only 26 when she made this film, one of her first big roles and she nails it. Her standoff scenes with Bette are great as she always seems to keep her cool. But behind closed doors Eve is volatile and unpredictable, with a nasty mean streak. Anne's performance here is one of her best I think. It just that she manages to look so innocent and be so nice and understanding, then BLAM! out comes the devil. Check out this scene in which Eve manipulates Karen with ease in this simple echange of favors. Watch a master at work.
EVE HARRINGTON Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best or the worst depending on how you look at it.
Monty, good choice for "Beware of These Woman" tribute, All About Eve, is an amazing movie about a star who was an incredible actress fighting passing of time. Which is a perfect part for Bette Davis. Although, Bette Davis, always seem to be in the perfect part. All About Eve, is my favorite Anne Baxter, performance.
I just added Bette Davis Vol.1 DVD Collection to my ever growing DVD collection.
Really love this movie...a definite 5 star. Fabulous cast...amazing performances.
I look back at 1950, and I can't believe the tough job the Academy had that year for Best Actress...Bette, Anne, Eleanor (for "Caged), Gloria, and Judy. What a year that was!!
To Dawn, I have Bette's Vol 1 and Vol. 3 collections. Still need to get the Volume 2. You can never watch too much Bette is my adage.
3 comments:
Monty, good choice for "Beware of These Woman" tribute, All About Eve, is an amazing movie about a star who was an incredible actress fighting passing of time. Which is a perfect part for Bette Davis. Although, Bette Davis, always seem to be in the perfect part. All About Eve, is my favorite Anne Baxter, performance.
I just added Bette Davis Vol.1 DVD Collection to my ever growing DVD collection.
I only can agree with Dawn: A great film - with an amazing cast! :")
Really love this movie...a definite 5 star. Fabulous cast...amazing performances.
I look back at 1950, and I can't believe the tough job the Academy had that year for Best Actress...Bette, Anne, Eleanor (for "Caged), Gloria, and Judy. What a year that was!!
To Dawn, I have Bette's Vol 1 and Vol. 3 collections. Still need to get the Volume 2. You can never watch too much Bette is my adage.
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