Tom Hanks Shares His Memorable Encounter with Bette Davis | Guest Programmer

Tom Hanks, Oscar-winning actor and author of the new novel ‘The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece’, stops by TCM as a Guest Programmer, shares his love for ‘Casablanca’ (1941) and ‘Jezebel’ (1938), his memorable encounter with Bette Davis at the Governors’ Ball, and more.
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[@bobwarzin5492]

Tom Hanks is the Jimmy Stewart of his generation of movie actors. Good man and excellent actor

[@maryannangros8834]

Yep!

[@chinanolan1529]

Yes, with the bonus of not being a misogynist racist and anti-semite that Jimmy Stewart was.

[@DiamondLil]

The first time I saw Casablanca was on a full movie screen rather than on TV like most people alive today. I walked out feeling absolutely sure I had just seen the best movie ever made!

[@jillkjv3816]

Now, Voyager will always be my favorite Bette film. Loved the novel, too.

[@NormAppleton]

Great Bette movie.

[@tejida815]

I ❤ the fact that Bette and Paul Henreid were great friends. His daughter has wonderful instagram & Twitter accounts.

[@brt5273]

It really is incredible. One of those films I love to turn people on to. Never fails to make an impression.

[@jduwayne1]

@jillkjv3816, @teida815, @brt5273: THATS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE OF A BETTE DAVIS MOVIE…”NOW VOYAGER,” ONE OF MY FAVORITE BETTE DAVIS MOVIES…I ALSO LIKED HER IN “ MR. SKEFFINGTON.” LET ME ASK YOU ALL, “JEZEBEL v. GONE WITH THE WIND?”

[@jillkjv3816]

@@jduwayne1 GWTW 😊

[@jchow5966]

Thank gof TCM was saved recently from cancelation!! TCM is the best channel ever.

[@SueProv]

I knew that nod was for La Marseilles. Before he said it. That's one of the best.

[@bobikdylan]

Last November 26 I organized a showing of Casablanca at our local 'House of Culture' to celebrate 80 years since its release. Seeing the movie on the big screen was such a treat, and it doesn't matter how many times I see the Marseillaise scene, it gets me right there.

[@bst6791]

Tom just seems like the kind of guy you could drink a couple of beers with and chat with and never get the impression that he is a movie star and one of the greatest actors of all time.

[@allouttabubblegum1984]

Professional actor = professional liar

[@MrHowzabout]

A great interview. Tom Hanks really knows his stuff and communicates it with wit and a sense of fun.

[@christopherpardell4418]

Every time I see Tom Hanks, the one memory that pops out was his role on the TV show Bosom Buddies, circa 1980, where he played a very young frustrated aspiring artist at an art show where everyone is ignoring his paintings, and ohhhing over a painting that was nothing but a white canvas with a big red circular dot. He asked the art critic what was so great about it, and the critic waxed enthusiastic prose, only to have Hanks interrupting him by loudly exclaiming “ Its The FLAG of JAPAN!” In that moment I looked at my young wife and said “ …that guy’s going to be huge”.

[@deborahdufel1664]

Betty Davis was kind to her fans, my father and mother went to see her in a play. She and her husband saw my parents and invited them up to their room for drinks. To his death, my father thought she was the kindest person.

[@DNGR369]

Wow.. How was she? Did they have a good time/laugh?

[@joansutton]

For some reason I don't understand, I had thought that Bette Davis was a mean person. But lately I've found out the opposite is the truth! She was generous and kind, according to many accounts! I'm sorry that I had misjudged her.

[@srkh8966]

@@joansutton Oh, she absolutely could be a mean person, but professionalism for her meant showing up on time to a set and being gracious to fans.

[@joansutton]

@@srkh8966 Well, what more could one ask? She showed up on time, knew her lines, and was kind to fans. Sounds good to me!

[@Ma_Ba]

Just saw the clip from The Dick Cavett Show interviewing Ingrid Bergman about Casablanca wherein she tells that she was directed to play it evenly between her love of both men because they had two different endings with each of them still in play.

[@TuckerSP2011]

Me too, I just saw that also.

[@jefflunt9615]

I believe one of Tom Hanks' greatest acting bit is probably not noticed by many. In Captain Phillips when all is over and he is being checked over for injuries he slowly gets out of survival mode and gradually starts shaking and becomes emotional. Suttle, slow moving nuance. What control. Not something that will show up as a highlight for many but a true testament of his skill and devotion to a part in a movie.

[@kcuzz4091]

Yeah, Captain Phillips was one of Hanks’ greatest performances! That scene with him reacting with the shaking and crying is so emotional.

[@mellocello187]

He has another subtle, incredible, Oscar-worthy moment in The News of the Day, when he drops the little girl with a family, and the father says there are no books for the girl in house. Hanks’s face expresses the sadness he feels, but so subtly, and you can tell in that moment that he will come back for her, and he does. Since it’s the opposite of over the top, no Oscar nomination.

[@tedsperos1620]

@@mellocello187 News of the "World"

[@user-lo9cp2kr7s]

It was noticed by everyone watching the movie.

[@maureentooher3349]

Omg I felt the same way about this scene Hanks was amazing

[@rgncajun21]

Tom hanks will always be a great storyteller

[@clairedisapia]

Debbie Reynolds tried to make a Hollywood museum for years before Hollywood caught on. I am a great fan of movies In which I got from my mother. She was born in 1936 and growing up movies where her family and friends and she could answer any trivia question asked if her. She died 7 years ago and I miss her so much but every time I watch a black and white movie I think if her. Thank you TCM

[@celiadileone2841]

Loved Bette David in the man who came to dinner. She seemed to enjoy her role and actors with her, especially monty Woolley

[@azohundred1353]

I agree with Tom Hanks, Jezebel (1938) really is a quintessential Bette Davis performance and I think it serves as a perfect introduction of her talent to those who are seeing Bette Davis act in a movie for the first time. Her Oscar was well-deserved for it. It's a fantastic movie, and if you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it.

[@NormAppleton]

Bette was hot thing, she was

[@maryrosekent8223]

I hadn’t seen it in so long that I completely forgot how stunningly beautiful she was.

[@wanyatelborn]

Absolutely ❤

[@alnazemian]

I completely agree. Jezebel was her first movie with a really great director (William Wyler) and her first movie with top production values. She was good in her previous movies, but they didn't have the classy production values of Jezebel. She always credited this film with making her a box-office star. It was the beginning of her string of greatest films.

[@srothbardt]

I’ll have to watch it.

[@leefriedman9882]

He can tell a story as well as or better than almost anyone. A true raconteur.

[@MsBamafanatic]

I LOVE Tom Hanks in just about anything, but most particularly in presentations such as this. I would love to be in Tom and Rita's circle of friends. They just seem like such a lovely couple.

[@PaullyMiller]

As a huge Bette Davis fan, it was fun to hear Hanks's take on her performance.

[@bloofan06]

I miss TCM. I was very upset when my cable company dropped it in 2019 because it was such a comfort to me after losing my husband in January of that year. I have since found another station where I can watch old movies, but of course it's not the same. Thanks, TCM for sharing these gems. Tom Hanks is the best. I just love him to pieces.

[@kayahs9342]

Mine moved it into some sports package that I will never pay for. Truly miss it.

[@lnl3237]

Do you use the TCM app?

[@Cardoo46]

I watch TCM on my laptop with the app.

[@paulaswanson13]

Wouldn’t even consider a cable company or streaming service that doesn’t have TCM. Absolutely my favorite channel! I can imagine how you felt.

[@akrenwinkle]

What's the other station? I need it.

[@merrylmarsh9037]

Saw and loved all the movies Tom has mentioned. Adored Bogart, Davis, Raines, Henried, Tom - the whole "box & dice. The Movie Industry of old is my wonderland. LOVED THEM.

[@marylousherman5471]

The number of timeless clichés that came out of Casablanca is amazing... great movie. Speaking of Claude Raines... I always felt that there was a competitive energy going on between him and Bette Davis for who could be the most emotional character... wore me out! And, I still like Tom Hank's 'Splash' and 'Money Pit' the best out of all his films... his comedic timing was great. Thanks, TCM, for all the years of movies broadcast without commercials!

[@VRRother]

And this interview is exactly why Tom Hanks is on my list of who would you like to invite to dinner.

[@bbcanuck]

I loved this!!! And yes, the scene from Casablanca is pure magic.

[@TubenIt83]

Two of Casablanca’s writers, Julius and Philip Epstein, drove to the studio every day. There was one intersection that had a long stop light. They would use that time to fix the script for whatever was being shot that day.

[@marketads1]

I think it’s harder to pick just one Bette Davis as best; it’s surely personal. I think Mr Skeffington is golden and even maybe cheesy emotional pics like Dark Victory. Can you not say All About Eve is not one of the finest Hollywood stories made all ‘round for all its scripting, wit and acting? It’s a masterpiece!

[@luminiferous1960]

I have to agree with you that "All About Eve" is a masterpiece. Not only does Bette Davis give a great performance as Margo Channing, but all of the actors are outstanding in the main roles: Anne Baxter as Eve Harrington, Celeste Holm as Karen Richards, George Sanders as Addison DeWitt, Thelma Ritter as Birdie, Gary Merrill as Bill Simpson and Hugh Marlowe as Lloyd Richards. The writing is also to die for. Even the young Marilyn Monroe in a brief appearance in the very minor role of Miss Claudia Casswell is given some exquisitely witty repartee with the other characters in her trademark naive ingenue persona as in the following excerpts: Eve : I'm afraid Mr. DeWitt would find me boring before too long. Miss Casswell : You won't bore him, honey. You won't even get a chance to talk. Addison DeWitt : Claudia, come here. [takes her aside] Addison DeWitt : You see that man, that's Max Fabian, the producer. Now, go do yourself some good. Miss Casswell : Why do they always look like unhappy rabbits? Addison DeWitt : Because that's what they are. [taking her coat] Addison DeWitt : Now, go and make him happy. Miss Casswell : Now there's something a girl could make sacrifices for! Bill Sampson : And probably has. Miss Casswell : Sable! Max Fabian : Sable? Did she say sable or Gable? Miss Casswell : Either one. Of course Bette Davis is given the most memorable line of the movie: "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night!" And what George Sanders as Addison DeWitt says of Margo Channing applies in spades to Bette Davis: "Margo is a great star, a true star. She never was or will be anything less or anything else."

[@theastewart6721]

I agree. Her talent was spectacular. To go from a movie like Jezebel to a movie like The Letter to Dark Victory to Mr. Skeffington to Now Voyager to All About Eve, just to name a few is simple amazing! Love all of her movies!

[@mariedewitt5033]

​@@luminiferous1960Of course, as she was a graduate of the Copacabana School the Dramatic Arts😊

[@markstevens1729]

Tom Hanks, as always, delightful.

[@SScott-nr9vl]

I absolutely agree about Betty Davis when I think about larger than life and Hollywood I think about Betty Davis. No one from that era comes close. That's not to say there weren't magnificent stars too numerous two name but she is the epitome of what a star is.

[@johnfd0210]

Bette

[@AuntieMamie]

Such humility. Very rare. Can you imagine being part of his family. Oh my!!!

[@stoogefest16]

His youngest son, Chet, is a far cry from him, style and persona wise.

[@tonyliston2311]

Tom Hanks,what an interesting Guy. Loves movies as much as we all do. Maybe even more. Excellent interview.

[@12classics39]

Omg somehow I never knew that story about Bogart’s nod in Casablanca. And the fact that they didn’t even know how it would end - it blows my mind that such a masterpiece was able to emerge from such an unorganized production.

[@julianmarsh8384]

The script was written and presented to the actors one day at a time....there is a story of Bogart and Bergman going over the day's script and laughing at what they considered the corny dialogue...only to find out later the audience ate up every line!

[@srkh8966]

They didn’t know how the War would end either-many of the actors, including Paul Henreid, were refugees themselves.

[@trinafirey1175]

Bette Davis was an amazing actor. She deserved many more Oscars.

[@marinawalker5745]

Actress.😡😡

[@lam6572]

No one could have played the difficult character of Scarlet O’Hara other than Vivien Leigh… not even the great Bette Davis, although Bette was.brilliant in “Jezebel.”

[@danbaranowski]

Tom Hanks is such a sweet person. From playing the title character in Forrest Gump to playing John Miller in Saving Private Ryan to voicing Woody in the Toy Story franchise to playing Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Tom Hanks can do it all. I’m proud he had the chance to meet Bette Davis

[@azimisyauqieabdulwahab9401]

He also had a make love & relationship with his wife Rita Wilson & his son Colin Hanks & he also won the 2 time Oscar winner for Best Actor from 1993 film Philadelphia & 1994 Forrest Gump

[@susanuribe1001]

I thought so too until I saw his name on Jeffrey Epstein’s Lolita flight log in. (The flight or pedophiles gather to pray on young young girls, under the age of 18 ) So is the sweet Tom Hanks, a pedophile in sheep’s clothing???

[@blueberrycobbler]

@@azimisyauqieabdulwahab9401 Try again, Azimi, I went back and forth between disturbed and confused. And as an added bonus, it made my head hurt.

[@alfandeddie]

We only see his public persona.

[@31terikennedy]

He's, definitely, a raconteur.

[@phillipbeathard9659]

Thank you TCM. Thank you, Mister Tom Hanks. Bette Davis is awe-inspiring to watch.

[@Czechbound]

That was great ! I like this interviewer.

[@stephenannese8228]

Whatta cool dude....I just watched "Cast Away"....with him and (Wilson) his costar,...haven't seen it since it first came out, still holds up and a great flick...!

[@kitano0]

I never cared for the 3rd act, but Hanks was great in it.

[@kathyhoggle8476]

Cast away. I cried like a baby about Wilson!!!😳🥺😎

[@waggsish]

thats such a fantastic movie... on all levels.

[@lisahumphries3898]

What a great mottos for work. “Solve more problems than you cause.” “Be on time and do what you’re told.”

[@madmommy]

I saw The Maltese Falcon in a room above the coffeehouse I worked at in the early 90s in Northern California. Someone had connections with the film industry and had all these great classic movies on reels. Pillows on the floor. Very art house style.

[@fcfcabral]

I'm a shade older (months) than Tom and he is so right about seeing movies in the 80's on double bills

[@johncampbell1152]

Love this. Wish the Bette Davis section section had been longer. I’m headed to Amazon now to buy Tom’s book.

[@jonboz7585]

So am I!

[@Mr21scott]

Not sure why Mankiedick thought an elderly person having trouble hearing was so hysterical however.

[@kitano0]

@@Mr21scott That's your take away from this great interview? Damn.

[@DreamCather147]

Bette Davis in Cabin In The Cotton "I'd love to kiss but I just washed my hair".

[@vec875]

Thoughtful questions and answers. Terrific interview. TCM is the best.

[@alnazemian]

I also agree with Tom Hanks that Jezebel is a quintessential Bette Davis performance. It may not be her best movie (although it's one of her best), but she is in her prime in Jezebel. She was 29 when she filmed it and it was her first time working with the brilliant director, William Wyler, who always brought out the best in her. She shows an amazing range of emotions with subtlety and nuance. You may not love the movie, but Bette Davis truly earned her 2nd Oscar for Best Actress for Jezebel. It's always great to see 1 great actor pay tribute to another great actor. Thank you Tom Hanks and TCM for this great interview. The whole interview put a smile on my face and I already started reading Tom Hanks' novel.

[@michaelmorgan9824]

Like Mr. Hanks I know where I was when I saw 20,000 Leagues under the Sea at the Alex Theater in Glendale Sept.4th 1963. Never forgotten!

[@richb313]

Thanks for keeping it real Tom.

[@NothingMaster]

Add amazingly captivating storytelling to the long list of Tom Hank’s talents and repertoire. An exceptional human being and a singularly gifted actor.

[@tallboy2234]

Terrific interview! Def gonna get this book! 👍 (In CASABLANCA where Rick walks up to the table, sees Ilsa, and his face looks like he has been punched in the gut, is THE moment 👌🥺😮)

[@mellocello187]

It’s different than you think. Just be aware.

[@thekeywitness]

Tom gives great interviews.

[@erinmalone2669]

Tom Hanks is a treasure.

[@banshee7743]

I saw the Ray Harryhausen exhibit in Edinburgh in 2021 and it was thrilling to see all the figures used to animate his movies. It was amazing!

[@gingerrobbins8743]

Absolutely outstanding interview! Thanks Ben and Tom!❤

[@Ddrhl]

Just feels like 2 guys hanging out and having a chat. Blissful to me. Ben's a heck of an interviewer, and Tom is a heck of an interviewee. Perfect.

[@peterhagan8454]

wondereful frank and charming interview

[@beverlylawyer2286]

60's a little girl, watched Black and White Movies all the time, Detroit, Bill Kennedy Showtime out of Winsor Canada, The Lady with the Hot Dog dog hosted movies

[@Snippets-of-Mendi]

I adore every interview I've ever seen Tom in. I could listen to him tell stories forever. Can't wait to read his book! Better yet I can't wait to listen to the audiobook so he can read it to me.

[@audreydaleski1067]

Greatest actor: Spencer Tracy. Cannot watch captain's courageous again. The tears. Spencer's portrayal of his character.

[@RaulAPinto]

TCM is like my little safe space. Seeing Tom Hanks here is a shock!

[@tilliemaekirk9444]

seriously, what a creep.

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

What a treat to see Tom Hanks . One of the great humanitarians of our time . (And a good actor too) :-)

[@Dallas-Nyberg]

I could not agree more about the movie "Jason and the Argonauts" (1963) - I first saw it when I was about 11 tears old. The Ray Harryhausen special effects, absolutely floored me. No CGI back then... it was done using stop/action model animation. Not long after, I got to see more of Harryhausen's magic in "Mysterious Island"(1961) and "Clash of the Titans" (1981).... Wonderful stuff!

[@Katzenhase]

I love "Pocketful of Miracles" with Betty Davis.

[@andrewtongue7084]

Superlative actor; his anecdote with Bette Davis was a treat. I have several of her films on blu ray/DVD; she (too) is the consummate actress, & of all Hollywood performers within her immediate film history, clearly my favourite. Excellent interview !

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

Great conversation, guys. One of my favorite films forever, Casablanca, and one of my favorite film stars, Bette Davis. Could listen to you talk about film all day.

[@kayku5086]

I've shown the singing scene to students before and explain to them that this movie was not a historical movie as the events of the war were occurring at the same time and that many of the extras in that scene were refugees from the Nazi occupation at the time and their tears were very real as they sang La Marseillaise. Just last night I found myself drawn to watch only that scene, as Mr. Hanks says he does occasionally, just to feel my hair stand up on end.

[@BlackPantherStudios]

Tom Hanks is the greatest

[@UnknownPascal-sc2nk]

I think he is the greatest in movies that have him properly cast. We know him as too nice to be a villain, such as in Perdition. It would take some doing to make him a truly believable dark character.

[@BlackPantherStudios]

@@UnknownPascal-sc2nk I respectfully agree 👍💯 with you. Have a wonderful day

[@katierobards7893]

So MANY OUTSTANDING performances. What an INCREDIBLE person!!

[@katherine.benson4489]

I always love watching Tom Hanks any time at all, in movies or interviews. I saw Meryl Streep say that when they first worked together, she learned what she didn't know about him and that was that he was two steps ahead of everybody else every day which I took to mean he is very intelligent.

[@kitano0]

They were great in "The Post"

[@meo21626]

Watching “The Post” today. So terrific.

[@ChrisWolff2013]

How awesome is it to have this man on here?

[@sshaw4429]

Mr. Hanks and I are the same age. Our memories of movies, is identical. Love Ben, Love Tom. Great interview!

[@audreydaleski1067]

My brother died just before Philadelphia. My sister and I cried terribly through that movie.

[@lindawilson4625]

Great enjoyable interview. THANKS!

[@sinjinadams2862]

That was a great interview! I really enjoyed it.

[@JK-xl7un]

Thank you Tom!

[@hestergreen2031]

This is a wonderful interview. Love Tom Thanks!

[@maryrobison1984]

Love this interview 💓

[@dolldoll2914]

👩‍💻The 3 movies I love to watch Bette Davis in are, 1. "The Little Foxes," 2. "Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte," 3. "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane." Fantastic movies I have watched again and again. Not to mention the fantastic supporting casts to boot.👏👏👏 🙋‍♀️:-)🥰🇺🇲🇬🇧

[@cherylbrooks7005]

Excellent interview!

[@DNGR369]

This is such amazing channel like where was this 25yrs ago. How relaxed and joyous Tom hanks is talking to him rn. This is truth, real stories, fun accounts. Please don't stop

[@terranceroff8113]

ohhh lordy hey Tom, 812 cinema in Monterey CA.. when the theaters were just as much as part of the experience mas ther movie you came to see. Great interview sir, your always a treat!

[@ronniewilson6597]

The best actor of our time. “Run forest run” 😀

[@timwhitnell7145]

Love listening to Tom Hanks talk about anything. Four words I would use to describe him: earnest and always engaging.

[@Stretch-bh8pd]

I’m from the alemeda area, born in San Jose . Love Tom Hanks. Such a great man.

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

I can particularly relate to that feeling of watching great classic black and white movies as TV "reruns." My favorite was "The 4.30 movie", perfect for after school viewing, a true extension of the educational day. I definitely remember watching The Maltese Falcon for the first time, and jimmy Cagney in White Heat. "Top of the world, Ma!"

[@lindamattioli7943]

Love Bette Davis ❤️

[@lechatbotte.]

I’m with Om I remember almost every movie I saw and where I saw it. All in southern Cali

[@TTM9691]

Outstanding interview. I love love love hearing these stories and especially hearing about these filmmaker's insights into great movies, and great moments in movies. The Casablanca story was great.

[@vasantinamdar8256]

I liked her role in All this and heaven too.She is mesmerizing 😊

[@sooz9433]

What a treat!

[@JenBriSeth]

I just love him.

[@allouttabubblegum1984]

#sarahruthashcraft

[@chelseagradney3341]

I have always believed that Tom Hanks would be great to have at a cocktail party. He tells such a great story. This short interview was a great treat to find. I

[@user-mx4kk5mm1x]

Love you Tom! Thanks Ben!

[@gregkientop559]

Problem solving IS key to any endeavor. It is understanding, intuition, communication, empathy, and dedication to values. Mr. Hanks epitomizes these...

[@rogermarcus2858]

Enjoying this interview at home in Berlin Germany, knowing Lothar Mankiewicz is my neighbor upstairs - a sound man known for "Wings over Berlin" and someone who recorded and heard JFK live "Ick bin ein Berliner".

[@jackbarry7155]

Tom Hanks is SO GREAT. What a kind and cool human.

[@karenleemallonee684]

The Bette Davis story is absolutely priceless! 😆

[@susanyork5089]

Superb

[@Diggers57]

Excellent commentary, Maltese Falcon, arguably Bogart at his best.

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

Also Ms. Astor. Wow!

[@matthewcorya7514]

Even though you might not like a movie, some where in the world it is someone’s favorite. I agree movies are personal to everyone.

[@tuancassim2168]

Honourable discussion and rather than great practical actor in Hollywood my one of favourite!

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

I love Hanks passion.

[@davedrifter416]

From the time I was a little kid seeing my first horror double feature at The Strand theater in Oakland, near Pittsburgh, Pa. Curling up into a chair in the theater, anticipation building from the moment I decided to see a film. There’s something magical that happens. Such is the movies!

[@sterlingfury]

I've been to some of those movie theatres...lived in the bay area a couple of times...born in Berkeley ❤❤❤