Bette Davis reigned supreme at Warner Bros so long she was known as the fourth Warner Bro in her day she was considered the greatest screen actress, but time has not always been kind to her performances. Barry Norman (film critic) once said "the ham of her performances was cut a little too thick for my tastes". Bette attempted a huge variety of roles but somehow you never forgot it was Bette and as the years progresssed directors, intimidated by her, allowed her to engage in the kind of furniture, script and co-star chewing performances that the fans loved but bore little resemblance to the part. In fact any of Bette's later performances is not complete with out the array of Davis mannerisms, eye popping, chain smoking , arms flailing all accompanied by that stoccato voice much loved by impersonaters.
Like her arch rival Joan by the mid fifties most of her best work was behind her and she embraced with gusto the camp roles and horror flicks that have earned her a home at The Queens of Camp. |
