How Is Bette Davis Justified

Bette Davis was a strong, independent women in a film industry dominated by men. She was born Ruth Elizabeth Davis on April 5th, 1908, in Lowell Massachusetts. Her parents, Ruth Augusta and Harlow Morrell Davis, divorced right before her tenth birthday; leaving her and her younger sister to be raised by their mother. They were both sent to attend the boarding school Cushing Academy. Upon graduation, and a refused admittance to Eva Le Gallienne's Manhattan Civic Repertory, Bette enrolled in John Murray Anderson's Dramatic school where she was the star pupil. She made her Broadway debut, in 1929, in "Broken Dishes". Soon after she moved to Hollywood, after being hired by Universal, where she made her first film "Way back Home" (1931). Although
after six small films with Universal her contract was not renewed. In 1932, she signed a seven-year contract with Warner Brothers Pictures.
"Warner Bros. felt their seven-year deal with Bette was more than justified. They had a genuine start on their hands" (IMDB.com). With so much success Bette started pushing for better and more meaningful roles. Although, it took a battle with Warner Brothers before they took her more seriously. After a lawsuit she was offered a new contract and her roles improved drastically. Yet by the time her contract ended in 1949 her films had gone downhill. Bette made a dramatic comeback in 1950 and continued to act until she hit a standstill, her career was resuscitated yet again in 1962. Throughout her six decade career, Bette was married four times, three of which ended in divorce, and she made it quite clear that her career came first. She also had a daughter and adopted two children. Bette passed away October 6th, 1989 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France due to breast
cancer. Bette raised the bar high as an actress who was capable of playing a variety of challenging and powerful roles.
In a career spanned out over six decades, she appeared in over 100 films and is remembered for the many famous roles she played. She had undeniable talent, but it wasn't until her appearance in "The Man Who Played God" (1932) that she became a star. More smashing hits followed, such as "Of Human Bondage" (1934) and "Dangerous" (1935). Despite her success and roles in famous movies, Bette continued pushing for better parts. It clearly paid off since her next big film, "Jezebel" (1938), won her more recognition. "Although she earned a reputation of being difficult to work with, Bette set a new precedent for woman" (Bettedavis.com). After each picture getting weaker than the last in the 40's her huge comeback came in 1950 with her role in "All About Eve". But soon after she hit a standstill before making yet another comeback in "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane" (1962). Her last big film, "Strangers: the Story of a Mother and Daughter" (1962), was just another one of her famous works. Throughout her film career, Bette earned countless awards for the complex roles she played and deserved all the fame she
obtained. The ability to play difficult roles in powerful films ultimately led Bette to continuously earn awards throughout her career. She earned her first award in 1932 and continued till 1989 when she died, and was even awarded some after her death. Such awards include nine Oscar nominations, two Oscars, three Golden Globe nominations, three Emmy nominations, and an Emmy (IMDB.com). With countless nominations and wins it was no surprise the American Film Institute voted her the second best actress of all time in 1999. This was only one of the many prestigious awards she received. "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" (Bettedavis.com). Not only did she receive awards for acting but also for being a distinguished civilian. " During World War II, Davis helped to organize the 'Hollywood Canteen', and was awarded the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal in 1980, the highest civilian honor to be granted by the Defense Department" (Thebiographychannel.com). This contribution earned her a civilian service medal and the defense department's highest civilian award. Her outstanding achievements throughout six decades brought her much recognition and allowed her to change the way the industry viewed actresses. Becoming a screen legend takes much more than just sheer talent, although Bette had an abundance of it. It was a strong attitude that made her a stand out in the industry, and gained her recognition. "During her incredible 100-film career, Bette Davis gained a reputation as a feisty actress who never backed down from a good fight" (legacy.com). This reputation came from her ability and desire to portray difficult characters and the battles she faced while doing so. Her fight for better roles and her feuds with other actors only made her more legendary. She changed the way actresses' were seen by her demands and changed the industry for future women. This change influenced how women were treated and helped them succeed in a male dominated career. Bette Davis transformed the industry through her extraordinary acting and her strong will, which is why she is considered a screen legend to present day.