There are works of art that make an indelible impression. No matter how many times you view them, they never get old, or tired. Instead, they demand your return, a fresh eye — and that returning never disappoints.
The 1950 black and white film, “All About Eve,” is just such a work. A cinematic masterpiece that is, in this viewer’s opinion, as fresh and relevant today, as it was when it first hit the theaters.
It is one of my favorite flicks of all time and I feel obligated to share it with my fellow writers.
Starring the incomparable Bette Davis, the equally excellent Anne Baxter, and a stunning supporting cast, including the great British actor, George Sanders, Gary Merrill, Celeste Holm, and Hugh Marlow, this is a film that demands multiple viewings. See it once, and you’ll understand why. The luminous Marilyn Monroe makes an appearance, as well, in what I believe was her first screen role. It’s a cameo, and she’s hilarious. To watch her here is to understand how her career took off like a comet. She truly was, as Elton John wrote, a “candle in the wind.”
The Cast:
- Margo Channing — Bette Davis
- Eve Harrington — Anne Baxter
- Addison DeWitt — George Sanders
- Bill Sampson — Gary Merrill
- Celeste Holm — Karen Richards
- Lloyd Richards — Hugh Marlow
- Marilyn Monroe — Miss Casswell
The Premise:
A young fan, and aspiring actress, (Baxter), insinuates herself into the lives of theater superstar, Margo Channing and her coterie, including Margo’s lover, Bill Sampson, a stage director who is about to direct his first film, her longstanding playwright, Lloyd Richards, and Lloyd’s wife, Karen, who is also Margo’s best friend.
One rainy evening, as Karen is about to enter the theater where Margo is starring in Lloyd‘s play, “Aged In Wood,” she sees Eve loitering by the alley-side door. In fact, she is there every night. Karen’s curiosity finally gets the better of her and she approaches the girl, who appears bedraggled and forlorn. Karen is astounded that Eve has seen every performance of the play. Deeply touched, Karen takes Eve backstage to meet Margo, she of the crusty exterior, who, after hearing Eve’s (totally fabricated) tale of woe, develops a “big, protective feeling” for the girl and takes Eve under her wing.
After that, all bets are off.
As she slithers her way through her new social circle, Eve Harrington also gains the attention of noted theater critic, Addison DeWitt, played by the impeccable George Sanders, who, at first, is taken in by her supposed innocence, but soon realizes her true character is anything but. You quickly learn that DeWitt, as he himself states, is “no one’s fool.”
As DeWitt, Sanders’ mastery of a cigarette holder is something to behold. And his crisp enunciation of every line, even the simple, “I am Addison Dewitt,” thrills me. Every single time. Unfortunately, although he seemed to be a man who “had everything,” Sanders came to an untimely end, by his own hand. In his suicide note, Sanders, wrote, in part, ”Dear World, I am leaving because I am bored.”
To me, “All About Eve” is the benchmark for writing excellence, no matter if you’re a screenwriter or a novelist. Not one line…or word, is wasted. Talk about economy of language!
Produced by Darryl F. Zanuck and written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, at the end of the day, “All About Eve” is about celebrity, and its lure, especially when applause and fandom is mistaken for love.When Margo hosts a birthday party for the director, Bill Sampson, (Merrill), he scoffs at the notion that the stage is mightier than the big screen. This leaves the starry-eyed Harrington to reply:
If nothing else, there’s applause. Like waves of love pouring over the footlights and wrapping you up.
She fairly breathes this line, both rapt and wrapped up in the moment. And, her audience is suitably entranced.Baxter plays the part of a fanatical fan with an agenda, to perfection. Her character’s arc is amazing to behold as she methodically turns friend against friend…lover against lover.As I write these words, I am eager to see “All About Eve,” yet again, as it both soothes and inspires me.When I started on my screenwriting journey, I read the script, several times. Each time, I learned something new, which is why I’m so happy to be able to share this immaculate piece of movie-making with you.
At the 1951 Academy Awards, “All About Eve” garnered 18 nominations and 23 wins, including the following:
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role
George Sanders - Best Director
Joseph L. Mankiewicz - Best Writing, Screenplay
Joseph L. Mankiewicz - Best Costume Design, Black-and-White
Edith Head
Charles Le Maire - Best Sound, Recording
Thomas T. Moulton - Best Picture
Darryl F. Zanuck - Best Actress in a Leading Role
Anne Baxter - Best Actress in a Leading Role
Bette Davis - Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Celeste Holm - Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Thelma Ritter - Best Cinematography, Black-and-White
Milton R. Krasner - Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White
Lyle R. Wheeler
George W. Davis
Thomas Little
Walter M. Scott - Best Film Editing
Barbara McLean - Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture
Alfred Newman
If you haven’t yet seen “All About Eve,” I urge you to beg, borrow, or steal a copy of the DVD. Better yet, purchase it so you can watch and rewatch it, as I have. I promise: You won’t just be entertained, you’ll be enriched.
And, if you’re interested in reading the script, here it is:
All About Eve script by Joseph Mankiewicz
Enjoy. And, thanks for reading.
Love this movie
Definitely one of my all-time faves! Watching it “soothes” me, for some reason. Thank you, Larry.