The phrase “What a dump!” hurled with acid-tinged disdain by Bette Davis in Beyond the Forest (1949) has become synonymous with the actress herself, often used to satirize her over-the-top performances in later, often-criticized films. But labeling every late-career Davis film a “dump” is a profound disservice, overlooking the nuanced performances, complex motivations, and often-subversive narratives embedded within even the most seemingly outlandish productions. While some films deserve the moniker, a more discerning analysis reveals a fascinating period of professional resilience, artistic experimentation, and a fierce determination to remain relevant, albeit on her own, uncompromising terms.
Reassessing the “Dump” Narrative
The perception of Bette Davis’s later career as a slide into campy melodrama stems primarily from two factors: the sheer volume of films she made after her studio dominance waned, and the deliberate embrace of heightened acting styles to combat ageism and maintain visibility. Davis, unlike many of her contemporaries, refused to fade quietly. She understood that survival in Hollywood demanded reinvention, and she chose to play to her strengths: her intensity, her distinctive voice, and her willingness to portray unlikable, even monstrous, women.
This strategy, however, came at a cost. The subtlety and sophistication that characterized her earlier, groundbreaking performances in films like Jezebel (1938) and All About Eve (1950) were often replaced by exaggerated gestures and dialogue delivery, fueling the “What a dump!” caricature. While some films undeniably descended into schlock, others showcased a genuine effort to explore complex themes of aging, societal expectations, and the desperate search for relevance in a youth-obsessed world. Films like What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), despite their grotesque elements, offered a chilling commentary on sibling rivalry and the cruelty of fame.
The Factors Contributing to Davis’s Post-Golden Age Career
Many factors contributed to the fluctuating quality of Davis’s post-Golden Age filmography.
The Changing Hollywood Landscape
The studio system that had nurtured and controlled Davis’s career was crumbling. Independent filmmaking was gaining traction, and the types of roles offered to actresses of a certain age were drastically shrinking. She was competing with a new generation of performers and faced the inherent sexism and ageism rampant in the industry.
Financial Pressures and Personal Challenges
Davis faced significant financial burdens throughout her life, including alimony payments and medical expenses for her daughter, B.D. Hyman. These pressures often influenced her choices, compelling her to take roles that might not have been creatively fulfilling but offered financial security. Her personal life was frequently turbulent, adding to the stress and complexity of her professional decisions.
A Willingness to Experiment
Despite the challenges, Davis remained a fiercely independent artist. She often took risks, embracing roles that other actresses would have shied away from. This willingness to experiment, while sometimes resulting in missteps, also led to some of her most memorable and provocative performances.
Recognizing the Nuances
It’s crucial to move beyond the simplistic “What a dump!” assessment and recognize the nuances of Davis’s later work. Some films, like The Nanny (1965), offered genuinely chilling performances that explored the dark undercurrents of domesticity. Others, like Burnt Offerings (1976), provided her with opportunities to showcase her formidable screen presence in a more subtle and understated manner. Even in films considered less successful, Davis consistently delivered committed performances, lending her undeniable star power to projects that might otherwise have been forgettable.
FAQs: Deeper Dive into Bette Davis’s Late Career
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide further insight into the complexities of Bette Davis’s later filmography:
H3 Q1: What is considered Bette Davis’s “late career”?
Her “late career” generally refers to films made from the late 1950s onward, following the decline of the studio system and a period of relative obscurity. This includes films like The Virgin Queen (1955) to Wicked Stepmother (1989).
H3 Q2: Which Bette Davis film is most associated with the “What a dump!” line?
The line originates from Beyond the Forest (1949), though it has become broadly associated with her later, often melodramatic, roles.
H3 Q3: What are some examples of critically panned Bette Davis movies from her later career?
Films like Wicked Stepmother (1989) and Return from Witch Mountain (1978) are frequently cited as examples of critically panned films.
H3 Q4: Were there any successes in her later career?
Yes, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) was a major commercial and critical success, revitalizing her career and earning her an Academy Award nomination. Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964) was also a box office hit.
H3 Q5: How did Bette Davis view her later roles?
While she admitted to taking some roles for the money, she often defended her choices, arguing that they allowed her to remain relevant and explore different aspects of her craft. She actively sought out roles that challenged her and pushed her boundaries.
H3 Q6: Did Bette Davis ever address the “What a dump!” perception of her work?
Yes, she was aware of the caricature and often used it to her advantage, embracing the campy aspects of some of her roles while also defending the artistic merit of others.
H3 Q7: Why did Bette Davis take on roles in less prestigious films?
Financial pressures, a desire to work consistently, and a willingness to take risks all contributed to her choices. She also believed in the power of even “bad” movies to entertain and connect with audiences.
H3 Q8: How did Bette Davis’s aging affect her career?
Ageism in Hollywood significantly limited the types of roles available to her. She consciously chose to play older, often grotesque characters to combat this prejudice and remain visible.
H3 Q9: What are some recurring themes in Bette Davis’s later films?
Themes of aging, loneliness, the struggle for power, and the consequences of ambition are prevalent in many of her later films.
H3 Q10: How did working with Joan Crawford in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? impact her career?
The film was a huge success, but the intense rivalry between Davis and Crawford, both on and off-screen, became a media sensation, further cementing Davis’s image as a formidable and often unpredictable personality.
H3 Q11: What should a modern viewer keep in mind when watching Bette Davis’s later films?
Viewers should consider the historical context, the challenges Davis faced, and her artistic intentions, rather than simply dismissing them as “dumps.” Look beyond the surface and appreciate the nuances of her performances and the often subversive themes explored in the films.
H3 Q12: Where can I find Bette Davis’s autobiography to learn more about her perspective?
Her autobiographies, The Lonely Life and Mother Goddam, offer invaluable insights into her life and career.
Conclusion: Beyond the Catchphrase
While the “What a dump!” epithet might be a convenient shorthand for dismissing Bette Davis’s later career, it fails to acknowledge the complexities, the challenges, and the artistic triumphs that characterized this period. By engaging with these films critically and contextually, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience, the talent, and the enduring legacy of one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses. Bette Davis, even in her so-called “dump” movies, remained a force to be reckoned with, forever challenging our expectations and pushing the boundaries of what it meant to be a female star. Her willingness to embrace the grotesque, the unlikable, and the unconventional ultimately solidified her status as a true original and a legend whose impact continues to resonate today.