Publication Overview
- The definitive illustrated monograph of one of cinema's most enduring icons
- Published for the 20th anniversary of Bette Davis's death in October 1989
- Includes comprehensive annotated filmography
Often referred to as 'The First Lady of the American Screen', Bette Davis created a new kind of screen heroine, with her roles in such classic movies as Of Human Bondage, Now Voyager, All About Eve, and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? She was a strong, liberated woman in an industry dominated by men. Her reputation as an actress who could play a variety of difficult and powerful roles set a new standard for women on the big screen - by 1942, she was the highest paid woman in America. Independent off-screen as well as on, her battles with studio bigwigs were legendary. With a career spanning six decades, and roles in over 100 films, few in the history of cinema rival her longevity and appeal.
In this lavishly illustrated monograph, published for the 20th anniversary of Bette Davis's death in October 1989, Richard Schickel assesses the actress's life, career and extraordinary legacy. George Perry provides a review of her films spanning six decades and includes a comprehensive filmography. |
