BETTE DAVIS An Intimate Portrait (6/6)

Originally broadcast on September 26th, 1996 on the Lifetime network, Bette Davis: An Intimate Portrait is one of the very best documentaries ever assembled on this remarkable woman, featuring rare and timeless interview footage alongside reminiscing from her closest friends and clips from her exhilarating body of screen work. Viewed in conjunction with 1982s A Basically Benevolent Volcano and 1993s All About Bette, it completes the definitive documentary portrait of the life and career of The First Lady of the American Screen.
Narrated by Lauren Hutton, the documentary features interviews with, among others, close friend Robert Wagner, film critic Susan Granger, Me & Jezebel author & playwright Liz Fuller, personal assistant Vik Greenfield , and her beloved son and proudest achievement, Michael Merrill.
VIVA LA BETTE!

[@fionaosborne6733]

There will never be another Bette Davis !!

[@diezeldiamond1041]

There will never be another Betty Davis

[@SuperSandiana]

I am so glad that her son loved her & appreciated her. God love him.

[@colethaswint9861]

Girls always seem to hold grudges...

[@diannenorman3132]

She was great

[@evamarra3581]

I truly love Betty Davis she is so beautiful. I grew up watch her movies all hours of the nite . She is a great movie star she lives in my heart always truly she is my hero 💗❤️💞🌻💕💞❤️😍💕💕

[@caroldry9262]

I love Betty Davis. She was a wonderful actress. Too bad we don’t have any like her today.

[@bitchiecupcake]

We could never find another woman like her. Not even one trying to be as great as she. BD is not as people make her out to be. It's a very complex story, just like everyone involved can see. RIP you fellow Yankee. BD loves you...❤

[@masongarrett3066]

The greatest actress of all time!

[@TheBee87bee]

A fabulous biography, thank you!!!!!!

[@yg-lc4ll]

Betty Davis was one of an exceptional actress in the 1940's and excelled thru the years. The movies were "ORIGINAL" no one else can redo these movies. Betty Davis u were a wonderful lady!

[@thegatestoavalon]

l just don't have the words to describe my admiration and respect for this Magnificent Lady. Whenever l think of her, a smile always crosses my face, she spoke her mind and didn't suffer fools. l read her daughter's book and was so disgusted, l threw it in the rubbish bin, what a betrayal. It was so irrelevant, l don't even remember the contents. Rest in peace, know you were very much loved, and the legacy you left behind will go on long after I'm gone. Thank you for the great honour of being able to walk with you through your films. An Australian Lady.

[@carollund8251]

Her daughter is a hypocritical religious fanatic. I saw a video of her at about age 13 when her mother was being interviewed in England, she stopped by for a minute to say hello. She seemed so sweet and Bette so affectionate. Yes, everyone has some skeletons in their closets, and all families argue, but Bette loved being a mother and tried her best, her daughter makes me sick. The only thing that bothers me is that she put her other child in an institution just because she was retarded. She wasn't severely handicapped, and there was no need.( as the mother of a disabled child, I know). But they were other times and in those days it was common practice, even recomended. The opera singer Beverly Sills did the same to her daughter. Very sad though.

[@maszlagma]

What an amazing woman was she! There ain't no other like her! She is a role-model for actresses today! So classy, yet so open! Love her! I wish she lived a little bit longer in good health! People like her need to live forever!

[@bitchiecupcake]

I love ❤️ her with all my heart. She's often 😢in my mind. Class A Yankee I hope you can see this!

[@robertgleeson6092]

Betty Davis what a legend. Genius always keeps you guessing. Brilliant Actress. My favorite movie, All About Eve.

[@mskerryanne1845]

She was a beautiful young woman.. And a Legend as an actress..

[@InFltSvc]

Hard worker, passion for her craft and never gave up . This raw talent is all but gone ....

[@meg2231]

God she was so beautiful, inside and out

[@sandyandersonadkins.9145]

I love her voice ♥️

[@renarga6886]

She was a genius, I love her.

[@cowboy4jesus3N1]

What a spectacular actress and wonderful person. Never will Hollywood capture she and the others that made amazing films .

[@Red_Rebel]

Michael is such a loving son. Through flesh and blood they may not be related, but they are one by heart and mind.

[@Cassiopea456]

She was so awesome. Love her forever!

[@ninahenderson100]

I guess BD is the greatest example of the old saying, "No Good Deed Goes Unpunished". RIP dear Lady Bette. The whole world appreciated your good work, even if your daughter did not.

[@bitchiecupcake]

I know Ms. Davis could be a mean-hearted and tough to be with. Dozens of people, family, bosses, workmates and even her daughter all say this about her. But if you take the same amount to learn about her life you will see why she would be this way part-time and a loving mother, the need of making movies, and therefore feeling the waves of love going to her , from scores of fans can see her for who she was and why. BD if you are still out there, she did love you no matter what you think. She was a complex woman. A difficult way of showing what she needed, but you my dear, she poured the love like she hasn't ever felt for another person in her world. Please excuse her difficult part of self and accept her love.

[@cranky1chick]

I think she was blessed with an excellent son and cursed by a daughter who was just not able to love her or value all that Bette did for her. Ironically, the one time Bette expressed empathy for Joan Crawford was after the release of "Mommie Dearest". How awful that she herself would have to experience what Joan never did with an awful, vindictive memoir.

[@kathrynbellerose3925]

Love you Bette, no one can come close to you. RIP.

[@scotnick59]

I like Michael: he is a very level-headed man sans ego

[@lynnemilazzo3904]

I love that woman, with a passion......

[@shanellekay8263]

Amazing actress i love this ladies movies r i p miss davis

[@karolinesmail489]

So sad what her daughter did w that book sad no matter what your mother his your mother brought you into this world I cherish Ed mine she's gone now too... Bette has always been my favorite! SHE DID IT THE HARD WAY! RIP BETTE

[@1212matt]

I could not write a book like that about anyone let alone my mother.... how shameful.

[@kimcruz1912]

1212matt evil daughter shame on you

[@maryhageman6224]

It’s another women that got hers ! Good ! That’s what she gave us !

[@rosscityofliverpool.983]

Her light still shines.

[@jamesanderson1415]

Well your Moms work stands alone ! She was good at being a great Actress ! Your a good Son , as for your sister I hope and pray your Mother forgave Her ! Your Mothers i believe pretty smart Lady ! Will see her again , in Heaven

[@francistubolino8810]

Wow, so moving❤

[@franceskellu3503]

Love Bette Davis the best simply the best ,

[@MARKWWALBIR]

A DIVA - A LEGEND - THE BEST - SHE DID IT THE HARD WAY - X

[@yasisaa2125]

we never know what happens in people private life, being a movie star like her is beautiful and also sad because of the jealousy issues ;) i love her acting is from heart god bless her .. :*

[@GuilhemGatien]

The best ! Magnifique Bette Davis !

[@gulmerton2758]

Isn’t that wild that her own flesh and blood betrayed her and her adopted son remained faithful and loving?

[@laylaali5977]

Michael is a good son god bless him

[@leemclaury6251]

Her son loved her . Bette was a fighter a true Yankee

[@toddcanton9537]

The Bette Davis Foundation, imagine that! What a woman, what a broad!

[@Lolabelle59]

I read B.D.'s book and it only made me love Bette more. xo

[@robertpayne4435]

A one sided view based on a one sided view that claims to.know the reality...deep stuff...joke--meant

[@richierichnumber1]

It called "selling out your mother." Joan and Bette were and are great American actresses of their time.

[@dharter100]

Joan was very cruel to her adopted children. There is no comparison to Betty Davis.

[@WarRogers]

8:21 She looked GREAT w/ short hair. Loved that photo

[@douglasvilledarling2935]

I find it funny she was not considered pretty or glamorous at the time. I have always thought she was a beautiful lady.

[@1212matt]

even in that mean nasty book, B.D. does not deny that her mother gave her everything... how could ones life be filled with such disregard for ones feelings....

[@lisamichelle8413]

She gave her daughter too much .. I made the same mistake with mine 😔

[@1212matt]

@@lisamichelle8413 Very sad

[@MarthaMansbridge]

She was greedy and she thought Bette was going to be dead by the time it came out.

[@ncavlleguy]

Bette was beautiful. But fierce!!

[@user-mj8nf2vp7q]

(0:07) ...One of my favorite pictures of Miss Davis. Her son is a handsome guy too. 👍🏽💯😊

[@flossygalloway5967]

What a life . What a lady !

[@janbishop4301]

Absolutely to end. Perfection at's it's best!!!!

[@hammadoolass]

Bette Davis was a beautiful, wonderful actress --- my favourite!!!! I miss her!!!!

[@reneebraxton1032]

Me too.

[@reneebraxton1032]

I also liked Joan Crawford. Those two ladies rocked the movie industry!

[@brendawoods4750]

My goodness. She really was amazing. Wasn't she.

[@kaze_cat]

I loved this vignette on Bette Davis’ life and her life work in film. It was well done. I stumbled upon it while looking up the movie All About Eve. The look up was for the UK theatre version of All About Eve, which I was too young to know when released as a movie. Wanting to know more about the movie, did a net search which lead me to the movie version and Ms. Davis’ role. I was immediately hooked on this short bio, and will say that I will definitely seek out more of Ms. Davis’ past movies. I certainly will not be reading what appears to be her daughter’s malicious book. Ironically, I bought an oval picture frame due to the very pretty scroll design of the frame. It’s dark with touches of forest green accents. There was a photo of a very beautiful glamours woman that came with it, with a fur hat and big fur collar, basically an upper body shot. The woman is looking up to her left. I didn’t recognize the woman when I purchased the photo and thought that I’ll replace the photo with another. After getting it home, I realized it was a much younger Bette Davis! The photo is so striking, that I decided to keep that photo in the frame that now has permanent residence on my nightstand. Ms. Davis had a deservedly long and illustrious career, and was quite a beauty in the sunshine of her life and beyond.

[@BlytheWorld1972]

look up legend in the dictionary you will see Betty Davis

[@theKeshaWarrior]

I like to think that she and Joan are finally friends in heaven. I don't think Bette ever admitted how she actually liked Joan until her death, because she knew that people wanted to hear about that feud. Clearly that hasn't changed in 2017.

[@debbiemullen2574]

A real superstar! RIP Bette Davis.

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

Always a candle in the dark. I wonder what she would have to say about "Me too."?

[@sandib4234]

What a Wonderful Son and Disgusting daughter .Some kids are never happy n have to blame it on someone. I LOVED BETTE DAVIS!!!

[@bitchiecupcake]

Sandib4234. Do you have any idea what Ms. Davis would say to you about your remark regarding BD?? She would be appalled for referring to the love of her life as 'disgusting '. dear should learn to understand how deep, complex, and yes, difficult, and possibly mean she could show when she was frustrated or feeling needed. Yes, she was deeply loved but as I said she's didn't always feel it. She sure was complex and Michael is a good man we all feel that way. But if he was to tell all then people would just call him something different. Kudos for handling it the way you're mom would like. BD just forgive and let yourself feel that love. Some people have hurtful baggage and let it out she was a tough Yankee. Even when she was on talk shows she was acting some people don't realize that...

[@niniitread8691]

Wow... My favorite Actress, hobby and entertainment in my 20's & 30's❣❣... Whatever Happen to Baby Jane, The Nanny, and many many more.. She had class with that firmness & fire I believed she loved hard, and wanted to put forth understanding that prevented the fall of others

[@kamistewart6615]

Terrible her daughter did such a thing .

[@dancamp1531]

JOAN LOVED YOU

[@DrCarr-nb1tf]

BD Hyman killed her mother Bette i hope she can live with that in her conscious for the rest of her life and suffer tremendously.... for that pain which she caused our beloved Bette

[@joycew1560]

Dr.Dalton Carr

[@Adrianasmth]

@BDEye81 thank you so much for posting this!

[@hmaltravers]

B.D. and Christina Crawford are birds of feather. Two women horribly jealous of their famous and talented mothers.

[@MadRushMusic]

Yes lady and it was work, which not everyone appreciates x

[@garywarmee4367]

I don't hate BD like I'm supposed to. Her book is fascinating, funny and dumbfounding(!) and she is as interesting as the storyteller as is Bette, subject. Bette imposing on BD's family becomes outrageous. BD is always saying, 'never again', but always comes back for more! Those wacky 'kick me' Hymans! I was able to feel BD's pain in reading the book, but later, in interviews, she became so harsh. Bette Davis loved BD so much, writing the book was a terrible decision. After BD became born again (nothing against becoming 'born again') she became more self righteous and unyielding. In forming a ministry (here on KZbin) she came to link poor Bette with the devil, believing her erasable self to be demon possessed, appearing as if by magic on terraces, etc. BD all but ran away screaming! I don't believe any of this! Get a grip, BD, your mother is not a literal witch!

[@carollund8251]

She is a nutso religious fanatic as are most born agains..inflexible, rigid, seif righteous, intolerant. And yet they call themselves Christian! They are the opposite of what Jesus taught.

[@janetmoutrey2540]

Alice Cooper was once her neighbor. This was when he was just starting to make it.

[@RiquetRudeau]

B.D is you ever read this: How could you??? For all the people in the world who have had it harder than you ever had it back then, How could you??? I bet you regret it and if so forgive yourself!!!

[@mrkongsimr]

I wonder how her daughter feels today ? Is she broken or did she justify her self , I wouldn’t want to live with heaving done something like that to break the persons heart who loved her the most . My mother certainly was not perfect ,like me and more , but to attack rip one down as she did is very evil . I never want to hear that she is anChristian unless to hear she repented . Did she ??

[@dharter100]

I dont think so.

[@margaretr5701]

No, she did not. B.D. is on many KZbin video's, her so called Christian video's are awful, saying her mother was practicing witchcraft and was awful to have around, she banned her from seeing her grandchildren, didn't attend her funeral and says she didn't miss her mother after her death.

[@rubendiaz3482]

My Beautiful Bette 😍

[@Ivan-fj1pe]

I watched this beautiful tribute to the great Bette Davis. I saw almost all her movies and of course she was and she'll remain for ever a unique and amazing example, that when you have such a talent and glamour and class... None and nothing can't stop you!! 💞💞💞 I didnt know and I'm very surprised about that really cheap and free wrong action from her daughter, about the book she wrote about her mother. It's really hard to understand how come, the daughter of a such an icon, could be so stupid and blame on her mother. Even if she was not Betts Davis, it's always disgusting to see how sons can be so unfair. Shame on you daughter! It was better I guess, you'll born from an ordinary or low level person. At least cheap with cheap attitude was more acceptable 🙄🙈⬇️⬇️⬇️

[@gregboone6158]

I loved The Whales of August.

[@MrFilipFabulous]

Her and Joan had a lot in common, and I'm not talking about their daughters

[@jackieloufman8140]

La vrai star.l'unique star.

[@annadurkee8607]

The daughter B.D has to be a pretty cruel and unloving person to write such an abomination of a book.Betty had a stroke and the book came out rt after.I read B.D believed or hoped her mother would be dead before the book came out.It was all about greed and cruelity.Her daughter as a new christian should have LOVE D her mother to the Lord.Instead to this day B.D talks badly about her mother.

[@seanburke5805]

B.D is a nasty, disgusting worthless piece of shit! I hope she rots in hell! ( Kimmy Hawk)

[@karolinesmail489]

@@seanburke5805 as they say karma! Gonna get her so sad to do that to the one brought u into the world

[@tangajTANG]

B.D.'s father was a jealous and abusive husband and his daughter was a chip off the old block with out of left field attack.against Miss Davis the daughter's aim it seems is to tear down any positives that others saw in Betty Davis.

[@dharter100]

What a difference in response to their mother. Definitely, he loved his mother whereas her daughter used her name to financially benefit from. Hopefully Betty remove her daughter from her will.

[@carollund8251]

Yes she did

[@born2lateboohoo]

omg that's brilliant and SO true

[@zxingzxing]

Bette Davis RIP

[@84ccipollini]

That book sucks by the way. A grown woman who can't get over herself. Christina Crawford at least had SOME legits complaints.

[@paultomzak]

Neve read the book but love Betty Davis

[@cowboy4jesus3N1]

Actually Christina Crawford, was full of B.S. so much so it was ridiculous. Too much to write about it here. Maybe they have it on here.

[@sxnico]

Bette had a GOOD SON

[@juliamcintyre5012]

It amazes me how some people call her 'Bet' when it's really 'Betty'.

[@carollund8251]

She said on Dick Cavett or some other show I forget which, that either way is correct, but that she prefers Betty.

[@joycew1560]

she was tough👌

[@dennisleporte2327]

It is very easy to forget that there are two sides to every story. Bette was brilliant actress no doubt but I'm sure she could be a real force to be reckoned with. The same with Joan Crawford and Christina. There is always going to be tensions between mothers in daughters. It's just bigger than life when it's on the silver screen.

[@jmbutler5]

shame on her daughter 😥

[@shmuli9]

BD's book was just bizarre.

[@seanburke5805]

B.D. is a disgusting worthless bitch!

[@toddcanton9537]

Michael Merrill is truly a gentleman, what that boy must've seen in his gentle life, BD and Bette are like Wynonna and Naomi, the Judds. Two very stubborn and determined women.

[@jasonkennedy2840]

No mention of her daughter, Margo which is strange?.... B.D can choke for all i care. Love to Bette, always.

[@karolinesmail489]

Unfortunately Margo was institution for most of her life Bette always went to see her.... Iam not quite sure but I believe Margo has since passed away 😥

[@ArthurBrinkman-c5z]

My sister and I are 3 years apart her being older. We grew up in the same house with the same parents. It was the 1960's and we were a typical middle class family. If I were to describe our childhood through teenage years you would hear the story of a typical family during that time. However, if you were to talk to my sister you would get an entirely new version of what it was like for her growing up in the same house. We had many conversations and I have told her. We obviously don't have the same parents! My parents were always loving, supportive and careing. Not the two ogres who were hateful, mean and abusive. As with her son and daughter one of them has a different interpretation of their mother. The same as with Joan and Christina Crawford. My sister to this day can't get along with my 92 year old Mother.

[@jessicadavis9177]

love the shot @ 08:25!

[@Joeromans116]

Wicked stepmother was her LAST film.

[@amaraland1]

What a horrible person: Her daughter, B.D.

[@Sexyladybug42]

@lovelyjoints it is a possibility that she was acting, however, for me, Betty need played those games. if you look back on her life, she didn't have to she was that good. Those tricks was performed by such stars as Ms. Crawford.

[@frankrossi9255]

The whales of August was Not her final film.. Her final film was "Wicked Stepmother", she still looked good in the film, but she quit before it finished filming. They rewrote the ending, using all the footage they had of Bette !!

[@BillyAlabama]

I’m so glad that she had Michael’s love and support until the end. She deserved it from her daughter. BD is a poor excuse of a human being.

[@78JimRey]

Was your comment a freudian slip? You refer to Bette Davis as Miss Davies. Bette and Marion Davies made two films together and Bette was very vocal about how she despised Marion Davies.

[@williamf4544]

Bette despised a lot of people - Joan Crawford , Mirrium Hopkins , Marion Davies - all great actresses - maybe they made her feel insecure

[@youngyhasard3219]

Elle est rester belle jusqu'à la fin de vie

[@anthonybutto1925]

Doctors are amazed when they see cancer disappear. Doctors believe that cancer does not go away by itself, something must happen first and it is all from the supernatural. They all believe that something happened and do not know why and it is from the supernatural. When they see no cancer Doctors are amazed.

[@fashionhistorylover]

@lovelyjoints why wouldn't she be upset?

[@brianfrank7022]

Her actually accredited last movie was, “wicked stepmother,” a complete flop but still her last movie.

[@maryhageman6224]

There is somthing about bet Davis ! Sure you were a start . A star a are a a star ! ! Like no other star this book could never be publis but it’s not true no one can ever prove this !

[@debbies5030]

Music too loud, want to hear about Ms Davis

[@giraffasavana2275]

😘😘😘😘😘😘😘🌹