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The Nanny (1965)
Bette's Nanny Is An Un-Mary Poppins
Many critics at the time turned their haughty noses up at the thriller/horror films of Bette Davis. They felt that the two time Oscar winning actress was cheapening her image and reputation by making these films. The critics were wrong! As for The Nanny, it is too subtle and psychologically complex to be dismissed.
Bette Davis portrays a loyal British nanny (her name is never mentioned) who is loved and respected by the family that employs her. Nanny's only problem is the little boy in the home, Joey. He's a highly disturbed child, who mistrusts and highly resents the servant. Suffice to say, Joey's hatred for her, and the sinister cause of it, hovers over the family like a plague. Evil accusations are tossed around, and family relationships are divided. The tug of war between Nanny and Joey reaches a frightening climax by the end of the film.
Every element needed for high quality cinema is firmly intact. The performances of William Dix as Joey, and Wendy Craig (Joey's mother) strongly depict their characters' loneliness and despair. The movie's cinematographer delivers from the beginning, when we see Bette Davis walking in the park as children play, and trees are in full bloom. The score (by Richard Rodney Bennett)gives the film an unsettling dream like sound.
Of course, it's Bette Davis as Nanny, who won't let viewers take their eyes off the screen. For the most part, she holds back, concealing more than revealing. That makes her performance at the end all the more potent. In an instant, during a mesmerizing, important scene, Bette covers a wide range of conflicting emotions. It's the type of rich and nuanced performance that would do any actress proud. Any film in any category should entertain like this.
The Cabin in the Cotton (1932)
Bette Davis shines as a Southern Vamp
For those who are looking for a thoughtful and socially relevant Hollywood film, Cabin In The Cotton is it. The movie is rather quaint, even compared to other films of its time, but that's part of its charm.
The subject matter is unusual, in that both the struggling sharecroppers, and the wealthy land owners are portrayed as flawed individuals. Bette Davis performance as Madge gave her an early career opportunity to impress critics. Unlike her future roles, though, it isn't large or challenging. There is enough there to allow her to be a vulnerable,spoiled, and sexy minx. She also has eccentric dialogue and a glamorous wardrobe. Richard Barthelmess, in the lead role, as well as the supporting players, give very authentic performances. The cinematography is striking,giving the film a realistic rural atmosphere. A powerful and intelligent scene near the end reminds us that, in any profession, the necessary relationship between labor and management will always be a difficult battle.
Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)
Bette's Brilliant Performance
For those who find the performances in this film to be overdone, it should be noted that this is intended to be an intensely dark, gothic horror film. Bette Davis' character, Charlotte Hollis, is an emotionally unstable woman who is being victimized and manipulated in a way that is exceptionally cruel. Most people in such a desperate situation might have the urge to scream and yell.
Agnes Moorehead's portrayal of Velma the maid is comically over the top to prevent the film's more disturbing scenes from making the movie unpleasant. Olivia de Havilland's Miriam is quite subtle, until a twist in the story requires her to change drastically. Ms. de Havilland handles the dual nature of her role marvelously. Mary Astor as Jewel, is required to be understated and mysterious, which she is. The actors perfectly matched their performances with the roles they played.
Bette Davis makes Charlotte believable right from the beginning credits, using only her eyes to communicate. She has many scenes demanding a wide range of emotions. When she is cruelly deceived later in the film, Bette's horrified and stunned reaction is very real. It's hard to imagine any other actress then or since who could have played Charlotte so magnificently.
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Beyond the Forest (1949)
More than camp
While there ARE overdone and exaggerated moments in this film, it is also a near masterpiece! Bette Davis plays Rosa Moline, a small town strumpet who wants more than her hick doctor hubby can provide.
Bette's explosive performance is among the best of her career(and that's saying something!). Her character has to be among the most evil in motion picture history. What is remarkable is that Bette compels us to care about and, even root for this greedy and self centered woman. That is part of what makes Bette Davis the most versatile and most accomplished actress in motion picture history.
A particularly wonderful scene takes place later in the film. Rosa gives her husband a surprising bit of news at a picnic. Watch the sadness and mixed emotions that emanate from her eyes. What an amazing and bittersweet scene.
The problem with the film is that there are scenes that don't fully detail what happens to Rosa near the end of the film. Also, there were changes imposed on the film by the production code that weakened its narrative logic.
Despite a few flaws, this is a fabulous film. The highs and lows of Rosa Moline are compelling and complex. Like the sinister character Bette Davis portrays, the film is far deeper than it seems. Those who think of it only as camp should take a closer look.