Stardust: The Bette Davis Story (2006) (TV)

Directors:

Peter Jones
Mark A. Catalena (co-director)

Writer:

Peter Jones (writer)

Release Date:

3 May 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | Biography

Plot:

Combining unprecedented access to Davis' vast personal archives with original interviews, this documentary reveals a startling portrait of one of hollywood's most gifted and enigmatic stars. |

Plot Keywords:

Actress | Character Name In Title

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 1 nomination

Cast

Susan Sarandon	...	Narrator (voice)
Bette Davis	...	Herself (archive footage)
Ruthie Davis	...	Herself (archive footage)
Michael Merrill	...	Himself - interviewee
James Woods	...	Himself - interviewee
Marion Sherry	...	Herself - interviewee
Vincent Sherman	...	Himself - interviewee
Cecil Clovelly	...	Himself (archive footage)
Conrad Nagel	...	Himself (archive sound)
Casey Robinson	...	Himself (archive sound)
George Arliss	...	Montgomery Royle (The Man Who Played God [1932]) (archive footage)
Leo Rosten	...	Himself (archive sound)
Jack L. Warner	...	Himself (archive footage) (archive sound)
Ellen Burstyn	...	Herself - interviewee
Jane Fonda	...	Herself - interviewee

Runtime:

USA:88 min | USA:89 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color | Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

USA:TV-14

Company:

Turner Classic Movies (TCM)

Goofs:

Factual errors: This documentary claims that Arliss saw Bette in a play,"The Wild Duck". In fact, character actor Murray Kinnell after working with Davis advised Arliss to have her read for him, as he knew Arliss was looking for a specific type for a film and Kinnell thought that Davis might suit Arliss. Arliss was unfamiliar with Davis but had worked with Kinnell in the theater as well as on film.

Movie Connections:

Features The Catered Affair (1956)

Soundtrack:

Star Dust

Bette Davis star of the silver screen

Some documentary biographies make interesting viewing in that we get to see aspects of their personalities, careers, and lives that we either had forgotten, or were just not aware of. "Stardust, The Bette Davis Story", directed by Peter Jones and seen recently on TCM, is that rare, but intelligent endeavor that makes the viewer more aware of the life of an actress that spent her life in front of the camera.

This film clarifies a lot of things about Ms. Davis' life that weren't as obvious as in other documentaries that came before. One thing comes clear, her father's desertion was a big blow to the young child, who felt abandoned by him. In spite of what should have been a bitter resentment on her part, she still kept in touch with him as noted by the many things about herself she sent him throughout the years. Her mother played a big role in Bette Davis life. Her ascent into stardom assured her mother and sister a life of ease they never had during the years that followed the breakup between her parents.

Another thing that comes across is how Ms. Davis had affairs with some of the men in the industry. One anecdote had Patrick O'Neal berating her for a pass she made at him during the run of "The Night of the Iguana" on Broadway. Her battles with Jack Warner is also prominently accounted for by Mr. Jones. Her battle with some of her directors were legendary, yet, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, her "All About Eve" director, tells us how in his experience, he was intimidated at first, based on colleagues' reports, yet, working on that film proved to be a pleasant experience for him, as well as the rest of the cast.

We also get to know her own daughter's rejection when B.D. Hyman got into religion. That was a terrible blow for a woman that had given her all to that child. Ultimately, this must have been what broke her heart. Triumphs and accolades were nothing to her if in the end she lost the daughter she loved so dearly.

The film uses well the many film clips the director and his team were able to assemble for this most informative and complete account of a life that appeared to be glamorous on the surface. Ms. Davis' life was in many ways rewarding, but deep down she must have felt differently when all the tragedy she went through is taken into account.

"Stardust: The Bette Davis Story" is a must for all of her fans.