Hero Worship: Bette Davis

I struggle to name my heroes. There are a lot of people I admire, of course, particularly artists, filmmakers, writers and musicians. I struggle to go too far with worshipping anyone, which is good in case you ever meet these people. However, I didn’t struggle to name my cat – I simply tried to think of a great female movie star and Bette Davis just sprang out. She is not just a good actress, she’s an amazing one, but I’m just as seduced by the real Bette. Or as close as you can get to someone you don’t really know and have never had the chance to meet.

In 1940, Picture Post declared, ‘Bette Davis would probably have been burned as a witch if she had lived two or three hundred years ago’. That’s no bad thing, she was a hard-working, unconventional force of nature, constantly smoking and carrying around a reputation for being difficult. From interviews, I’d say she was a strong, honest woman with an opinion, trying her best not to compromise in her work or life. Later Bette wrote to the people behind the Bette Davis Eyes song and said “Thank you, I love it!”

She was not, immediately, always the first choice, starting out in bit roles on Broadway, failing screen tests, not getting the roles she wanted, and even unsuccessfully suing her studio for intentionally giving her crap roles. Her ability to take on strong, edgy characters won her many rewards, if rather cementing her feisty attitude in the public’s minds. As if evidence is really needed as to her genius, look here at this Variety advert she placed in 1962:

Situations wanted - women artists. Mother of three - 10, 11 & 15 - divorcee. American. Thirty years experience as an actress in Motion Pictures. Mobile still and more affable than rumor would have it. Wants steady employment in Hollywood. (Has had Broadway).

Her life story is fascinating: four marriages, three divorces, and three children. In the 30s, the press had a field day about her earning so much more money than her first husband, ‘Ham’. In the 40s her second husband, Arthur, tragically dropped dead in the street. She said none of them were ‘man enough’ to be Mr Bette Davis. I’m sure she was scary, and a bit crazy, but I’m certain she was never the trait that I fear in people the most… boring.

To me, she’ll always be Charlotte in Now, Voyager (1942), Margo in All About Eve (1950) and wow, how amazing was she as Jane in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962).

And for the considerable future she’ll also be my cat.