TV - Movies
Bette Davis'
Unfiltered
Thoughts On
Marilyn Monroe
In All About Eve
By CHARLES SWITZER
One of Bette Davis' most renowned roles was in 1950's "All About Eve," which brought her on-screen with another soon-to-be Hollywood legend, Marilyn Monroe. Years later in a 1977 interview, Davis didn't hold back her unfiltered thoughts about Monroe’s acting prowess.
When Davis was asked about working with Monroe on the film she replied, "Oh, I knew she had a long way to go. Definitely, no question, I knew she was going to make it. She was a very ambitious girl, [and] knew what she wanted [and was] very serious about it." Later adding, "I thought she had talent" and noted how the camera loved Monroe as well.
For Davis to notice Monroe's acting ability speaks volumes especially given Davis' penchant for offering some ugly truths about her co-workers. A famous story from set was that Davis lost her temper with Monroe after she ruined several takes fumbling her lines which resulted in Monroe vomiting due to nervous stress. The irony is that, apparently, Davis thought her performance was perfectly fine the entire time.