Monday, April 03, 2006

Stars of the month "Bette Davis"


Often referred to as "The First Lady of the American Screen," Bette Davis created a new kind of screen heroine.... She was known as an actress that could play a variety of difficult and powerful roles, and because of this she set a new standard for women on the big screen.... With a career spanning six decades, few in the history of film rival her longevity and appeal.

...She was a smash when she was lent out to RKO for the role of Mildred in "Of Human Bondage" (1934), her first critically acclaimed hit.

...Upon her return, however, Bette was offered a new contract and better roles.

...Although she earned a reputation for being difficult to work with, Bette set a new precedent for women.... Bette contributed to the war effort by helping to organize the Hollywood Canteen during World War II for soldiers passing through Los Angeles.... In 1980, she was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal, the Defense Department's highest civilian award, for running the Hollywood Canteen.

Bette made a roaring comeback with her role as Margo Channing in "All About Eve" (1950), and she received her eighth Academy Award nomination.... Soon after, Bette began her second career as a horror maven and continued to welcome new opportunities with television appearances.

...She adopted two children, Margot and Michael, while married to her fourth husband, Gary Merrill.

With a career total of more than 100 films, Bette changed the way Hollywood looked at actresses. In 1977, she was the first woman to be honored with the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also the first woman to be president of the Motion Picture Academy of Arts and Sciences.
http://www.bettedavis.com


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