The Bette Davis Collection (1940)

The Essential Bette Davis

These five films were some of Bette's best work for Warner Bros. For each, she garnered an Academy Award nomination (earning ten nominations in her prolific career, and two well-deserved wins.)

In "The Star" Bette is an aging actress who can't face that she is past her prime. In an iconic moment, she grabs her Academy Award statue (a prop of Bette's own) and slurs, "Come on Oscar, let's you and me go get drunk!"

"Mr. Skeffington" stars Davis and her dear friend Claude Raines. Bette is the most beautiful woman in New York, who never seems to age. For decades she retains her beauty and several suitors, despite having a faithful husband (Raines.) But when she becomes ill, her appearance drastically changes and she is forced to hide her face behind a veil.

The role of Judith Traherne in "Dark Victory" was always Bette's favorite. Made in 1939, this film was a massive critical success. Judith Traherne is a carefree heiress who has always brushed past any of life's unpleasantries. But when her headaches become insufferable and her eyesight unrealiable, her friends fear the worst. Her doctor (George Brent) becomes romantically involved with her and tries to conceal the truth about her condition, which may prove fatal. Brent and Davis were conducting their own love affair during filming, which resulted in specatacular on-screen chemistry.

William Wyler ("Jezebel"), a former lover of Davis, directed her for a second time in "The Letter," the twisted story of a woman who can kill without remorse.

Charlotte Vale is a favorite Davis character for many of her fans. "Now Voyager" is the story of a woman who struggles with feelings of inadequacy, and is afraid to go against her controlling mother's wishes, although she knows she is ruining her life. Originally Davis wanted Max Steiner's music to be edited out of the film because she thought it was distracting from her performance. When the Oscars were given out, Steiner won for Best Original Score, and Davis went home empty-handed. Paul Henreid, and Claude Raines compliment Davis in this flawless film. "Oh Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon...we have the stars!" July 1, 2008

bette davis rules

WOW WHAT A BEAUIIFUL DVD BOXSET A MUST HAVE FOR ANY BETTE DAVIS FAN OR FOR ANY LOOKING TO GET TO KNOW HER MOVIES. June 24, 2008

Great collection of some of the Bette's best

All in all a good collection for those fans of "old" classics. I am not an expert nor a serious Bette Davis fan but my interest was piqued when I happened to see "All about Eve" on a transatlantic flight. In my own view, the "Now Voyager", "The Letter" and "The Star" are true classics that transcend the generations. "Mr Skeffington" and "Dark Victory" are a bit dated and, in my opinion show a side of Bette Davis's performance techniques driven more by the times than her true talent. An enjoyable collection, nonetheless for those who appreciate old movies. May 10, 2008

five examples of Miss Bette's best

From the outer box artwork to the bonus features, a lot of care and attention has clearly been spent on assembling this five-disc set, showcasing Bette Davis in some of her greatest movie roles. Each movie is housed in it's own sturdy plastic Amaray case.

NOW, VOYAGER - Based on the novel by Olive Higgins Prouty. Charlotte Vale (Davis) flees her mother's suffocating grip and finds romance with a handsome divorcee (Paul Henreid). Co-starring Claude Rains and Gladys Cooper. Extra features: music scoring sessions.

MR. SKEFFINGTON - Based on a story by "Elizabeth". Davis shines as Fanny Trellis, a vain and self-centered beauty who only learns the lesson of true love after suffering the ravages of diphtheria. Extra features: "Mr. Skeffington - A Picture of Strength" documentary, and audio commentary by director Vincent Sherman.

THE STAR - Alcoholic washed-up diva Margaret Elliot (Davis) is saved by a former co-star (Sterling Hayden) and discovers a life beyond the false facade of Hollywood. Davis plays a thinly-veiled caricature of Joan Crawford! Extra features: "How Real is The Star?" documentary.

THE LETTER - Based on the novel by Somerset Maugham. Davis is Leslie Crosbie, a woman guilty of murdering her lover in cold blood. Although she later gets acquitted of the crime, vengeance is only a heartbeat away. Extra features: alternate ending, plus two Lux Theater radio presentations.

DARK VICTORY - Davis plays afflicted Judith Traherne, in a stirring portrait of courage under fire. A millionairess faced with a bleak prognosis, Judith decides to spend her final days with no regrets. Extra features: "1939 - Tough Competition for Dark Victory" documentary, plus audio commentary with James Ursini and Paul Clinton.

Fans of the delicious Ms Davis are bound to get a kick out of this top value collection! December 4, 2007

Changing my tune

As my tagline indicates I am mad about musicals, and I vowed I would never add dramas to my collection because with musicals, you can play the numbers over and over again, like a record, and enjoy. You can never tire of songs, dance and spectacle. But dramas? Once seen, to be put away for years, otherwise you become too familiar with the plot and the initial impact weakens. I revised my thinking with the release of the Bette Davis Collections because I realised that - in keeping with my love of musicals - every Bette Davis movie is a symphony. A symphony of emotions that equals major musical works - grand opera, concertos, and the subtlety of chamber ensembles. I also have a personal connection with "Dark Victory" and "Now Voyager". They were the work of screenwriter Casey Robinson, top Warner Brothers writer of the 30's and 40's, who retired with his Australian wife, Joan, to Sydney and became a close friend. Having heard all the stories, I asked him if Bette was difficult. "She never changed a line," he told me, "she respected a good script." Enough said. I worry a bit about them shoving "The Star" into this collection - it's a lesser vehicle when they could have included "The Old Maid" or "The Sisters"...but that's the deal, huh? It seems 'collections' are an opportunity to offload at least one minor low-budget movie. However, it's still interesting given Bette's typically bravura performance, and it's wonderful that her formidable contribution to cinema is preserved so magnificently. Go see what I think about Collection Two.
May 5, 2007

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