'Bette Davis: More than a woman' by James Spada (1993)
5 out of 10
I don't often read non-fiction, unless for academic / work reasons, so here is an exception. If I had to name my favourite actor, I would have to say Bette Davis. So I asked for, and got, her biography for Christmas.
But really I don't want to be immersed in all the tittle-tattle of celebrity life. What I love is escapism. I loved 'Jezebel', 'All about Eve', 'Dark Victory' and 'Whatever happened to Baby Jane'; I'm not sure that I really wanted to know about how the actress behaved during the making of these films, or in her marriages and family life. So, I shouldn't have read this book, because I think it has tarnished the bright, shiny image of my favourite actress, who I really want to think of in mink coats (ethical objections notwithstanding) and evening dresses, laughing exotically.
I like books to be escapist and about a 'what if' life. But, of course, who is to say whether this biography is largely fiction?
I think I should have asked for her autobiography, then at least it would have been her version of the truth.
If you have never seen Jezebel, it is time you did. Forget Vivien Leigh in 'Gone with the Wind' - Bette's 'Miss Julie' is unforgettable.
5 out of 10
I don't often read non-fiction, unless for academic / work reasons, so here is an exception. If I had to name my favourite actor, I would have to say Bette Davis. So I asked for, and got, her biography for Christmas.
But really I don't want to be immersed in all the tittle-tattle of celebrity life. What I love is escapism. I loved 'Jezebel', 'All about Eve', 'Dark Victory' and 'Whatever happened to Baby Jane'; I'm not sure that I really wanted to know about how the actress behaved during the making of these films, or in her marriages and family life. So, I shouldn't have read this book, because I think it has tarnished the bright, shiny image of my favourite actress, who I really want to think of in mink coats (ethical objections notwithstanding) and evening dresses, laughing exotically.
I like books to be escapist and about a 'what if' life. But, of course, who is to say whether this biography is largely fiction?
I think I should have asked for her autobiography, then at least it would have been her version of the truth.
If you have never seen Jezebel, it is time you did. Forget Vivien Leigh in 'Gone with the Wind' - Bette's 'Miss Julie' is unforgettable.
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