Why Tallulah Bankhead Never Became a Movie Star

[@rozchristopherson648]

Tallulah Bankhead, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra were among about 8 stars who pooled their money together to purchase a hotel where African American stars could stay in Las Vegas while performing. In those days, minorities were not permitted to stay in the hotels in the area and were forced to make arrangements with private people for lodgings while performing in Vegas. After trying to get the laws changed, these stars got together and found a way around these laws. Tallulah was ahead of her time in many ways. A wonderful woman. 🧡🧡

[@bethbartlett5692]

The "Moulin Rouge" (was Downtown and a Classy Hotel), like Wilbur Clarke's "Desert Inn" now the Wynn Hotel, Steve Wynn destroyed the landmark historical property that hosted Stars and the Las Vegas International PGA Tour.) (The man dedicated the History of Las Vegas through his Narcissist Personality Disorder actions, from exploding t the Dunes and its Sign to the explosion on the DI, and countless Employees and Guests Positive Life Memories ...) But, I digress. Sinatra was instrumental in the cause that pushed the Ego Attitudes aside to make way for his close friend Sammy Davis and all African Americans to enter the front door and stay in the Strip Hotels. The Moulin Rouge was a Gateway Hotel, to give immediate Value of Casino Hotel Venue for all. ...and Sinatra routinely made his appearance in the lounge post his shows on the Strip. He was a personal acquaintance, my husband then and for 12 years was managed by his People. Great memories and much laughter - appreciate these. Your comment offers Great Value Points.

[@EvonneLindiwe]

I didn’t know this. Thank you for the tidbit 🙌🏿☺️

[@rozchristopherson648]

@@EvonneLindiwe You're welcome.

[@mrsmatthews5943]

Hi. echoes... "Tallulah was ahead of her time in many ways..." so indicative of the quintessential #Aquarius... per study *and* Observations.

[@rozchristopherson648]

@@bethbartlett5692 Thank you so much for your reply. I'm honored. 🧡

[@PokhrajRoy.]

The fact that Tallulah Bankhead was so secure in herself in every aspect made everyone insecure.

[@bkrewind]

I think, ironically (at least from what I've read) she was definitely secure, but also deeply insecure, chronically afraid of being alone. I wanted to talk about this more in the video because that's a part of her we almost never hear about...like not the fun, messy part but the kind of sad, messy part. Couldn't really find a place to fit it in.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

@@bkrewind That’s fine. I find that quality in her quite relatable actually. It’s food for thought.

[@EYE_GOTCHA]

@@bkrewind I agree that she was very insecure - she had to be, otherwise she wouldn’t have abused so many substances in order to numb herself. She burned herself out at a relatively young age.

[@DDumbrille]

Like Davis, she PRETENDED to be 'secure in herself'. Neither would've made it without their nicotine addictions, not to mention their heavy drinking.

[@Legless_Orphan]

​@@bkrewind You should talk more about her insecurities. It's interesting to look into the past through a modern lense, and see the insecurities and/or mental illness ignored in that time. You even showed clips, that when paused showed her expressing suicidal idealation.

[@margolane8529]

Its a criminal offense that Tallulah Bankhead and Bette Davis never played sisters in a movie.

[@maggiekarabel123]

Agreed.

[@Person1865]

Or girlfriends...

[@MrFilipFabulous]

Amen!

[@anthonythomas1504]

Why? Bette did that with Miriam Hopkins. They despised each other.

[@margolane8529]

@@anthonythomas1504 yep! I love her movies where she plays a sister. She's always at her best then. The Old Maid, In This Our Life, And Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. I would think something like A Stolen Life with Bette and Tallulah would have been great, but twin Bette Davis was already iconic.

[@JaymesMansfield]

Queens discussing queens

[@maggiekarabel123]

HOLY. SHIT. I love you both!

[@GilTheDragon]

is this a crossover episode?!

[@nicholasKMAmusic]

JAYMES MANSFIELD???? Worlds collide😵😵😵😵😵😵

[@sunnysun879]

COLLAB OMG PLZ

[@jessie92123]

That’s it. I’m subscribing to BKR lol

[@michaelcoyle487]

My fav story about Tallulah is during Helen Hayes' wedding reception when Helen asked Tallulah how to not get pregnant right away and Tallulah said "Just keep doing what you've been doing darling!"

[@sammygirl6910]

😂😂😂

[@talzaenvy]

Stonecold savage

[@absolutelyalice1754]

Mine is when she asked Joan Crawford what perfume she was wearing. Joan: It's called Come to Me. Tallulah: It doesn't smell like cum to me.

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

Isn’t that rather mean, or do I miss something?

[@ticoangelo]

@@sarasamaletdin4574 maybe you missed the fact that she was from another era. Funnier times....

[@VeeLondon1449]

Tallulah Bankhead was an ally to the black community always. She supported civil rights, spoke at rally’s and strongly opposed racism and segregation. And made sure her plays and films where racially integrated. Was friends with Paul Robeson, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald etc, and a lover/friend of Dickie Wells. She was also bisexual and had relationships with women of colour. This was Jim Crow America. When Tallulah was appearing at the National Theater and under the contract obligations stage actors, union Actors Equity she couldn't refuse to perform. Actors Equity got a change in contract the following year that allowed actors to refuse to work in segregated theaters. Tallulah was involved in that. And I think her outspoken advocacy for the black community partly affected her career opportunities as an actor. Tallulah was a phenomenal woman.

[@alicetulllyhall1]

Whoa there!! I did not know this part of Tallulah! Not that I see her as the "white saviour" type, but more of a woman who lived boldly by her own rules and let the world fit around her!! Thanks for your post!!

[@VCT3333]

Plus she was from the South and her dad was a powerful politician in the south. I'm sure he was antagonistic to her life, career and her politics.

[@VCT3333]

Her best performance I have seen in the movies is the Lubitsch production of A Royal Scandal. Tallulah, Anne Baxter, Vincent Price ... What a great movie!

[@ticktockbother6]

Tallulah and Billie Holiday were lovers as well.

[@bkrewind]

@@VCT3333 He wasn't really! He had wanted to be an actor at one point in his life and the whole family sort of saw her acting as like "keeping the name relevant and public." He was pretty supportive, only occasionally rankled by some her juicier quotes haha. He was also speaker of the House for FDR (and nearly his VP), so like...a pretty liberal guy himself (for the time).

[@Fiona_fml]

These non-oscar winning actress profiles are quickly becoming my favorite on your channel!!! I would love to see a video about Mae West sometime!

[@miriamtam3405]

Such a great idea!

[@myathegrandma]

I agree! ^

[@sarasamaletdin4574]

I wish she continued on the winning ones first, due to my OCD and because when she isn’t picking from a established lineup she picks usually ones that are already very famous so we know them, or ones that appeal to her who are similar in many aspects.

[@maggiekarabel123]

PLEASE MAKE THIS HAPPEN. Mae West was someone, along with Tallulah, who my feminist mother taught me about. She wanted me to see that being sexy and being intelligent aren’t mutually exclusive, and it worked. Mae was such a force.

[@MasseurDavis]

There's a great documentary about Mae Wes, I think produced by PBS, she was truly a pioneer for Women. Her mainstream career, didn't start until she was 40, when she received her first film contract.

[@themroyalbabies9538]

My 2 cents: I think Tallulah didn't care if the screen showed her self-destructiveness. And Hollywood (one of the most self-destructive places in the world) ironically didn't like it.

[@maggiekarabel123]

This reminds me in a weird way of Joaquin Phoenix. So open, such a truth teller, so unafraid to be seen as a deeply flawed human. But of course he’s a man… makes all the difference.

[@6Haunted-Days]

Well DUH. You gotta play the studio game or you can’t win. You apparently don’t know that world whatsoever…..

[@polarbearsrus6980]

Absolutely, they couldn't control her.

[@gracefullikeagazelle]

@@6Haunted-Days Why are you belittling this comment? WTH are you??

[@lhingsantiago2692]

@@6Haunted-Days do you really know who Bankhead was? The studio execs were powerful and so was Ms. Bankheads family. Her dad was a senator and her granddaddy was a politician as well. The studios can't play her. She played them. But I read she was a ga ga over Greta Garbo. Read she hosted parties just so she can invite her. And of course Garbo was Garbo -- she hated crowds. But she obliged one time and they said Bankhead was over the moon. Garbo just stayed for a little while.

[@danielflynn9141]

So glad you got to talk about Lifeboat, a seriously underrated Hitchcock film. Hitch loved working with her, and I am so happy he did because he did wonders with her. Her performance in that film disproves Cukor's remarks about her not being photogenic. My favorite anecdote about the making of Lifeboat is when it was brought to Hitch's attention that several members of the crew noticed that Ms. Bankhead was not wearing any underwear under her skirt. He reportedly remarked: "I don't know if this is a matter for the costume department or hairdressing."

[@RemoWilliams1227]

😂That's gold

[@helenl3193]

The only time Tallulah doesn't shine on screen is when directed by Cukor, so of course he'd say that. He got a LOT better as a director, but that description of Tallulah is absolute nonsense

[@helenl3193]

... & I'm sure my old gran would say that's why she caught pneumonia! 😜

[@PepeB12]

I had first seen this film in a junior high English class... out teacher was really a fan and it must be ultimately well written.

[@jorgevillavicencio427]

@@helenl3193 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@EagleRockers]

What a joy this was to watch. My introduction to Tallulah came when I was an audience member at the Merv Griffin Show in NYC. I was 14 at the time and when he introduced Tallulah Bankhead I had no idea what or who to expect. The most magical creature with bright red lips swept onto the stage and commanded it until the show was over. She was totally captivating and from that day forward, I was a Tallulah fan.

[@EagleRockers]

@MissDroplette That's about right, I was 14 in 1966.

[@jeankeats3200]

WOWEE ZOWEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's quite a post!!! I'll always love her.

[@jenniferhamm4783]

U must be very old

[@lindamaemullins5151]

Cool honey 👍❤️

[@lindamaemullins5151]

@@jenniferhamm4783 😂😂😂😉I’d say so🤔😊🥰

[@TheLaurenKat]

Beautiful essay, thank you! One of my favorite Tallulah quotes is her describing herself as "ambisextrous."

[@mariaherfst348]

I'm so glad that you made this video, because my knowledge of Tallulah didn't extend further than just having seen some vintage photos of her looking fabulous, but this video is super insightful

[@katherinelynch4193]

I can't believe I never connected Tallulah to Cruella de Vil until you pointed it out! Fantastic work as always, Ms. Rewind!

[@BigBobJames]

I think you hit on it early in the video: What made Tullulah big in London was she was NOT one of them. What hurt her in Hollywood was she WAS one of us. Great video!

[@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH]

I was born in the early 50s. When I was young my mother would often call me Tallulah when I was temperamental, which was often. I was always mystified about who she was. I wonder now if this was common parlance for misbehaving young girls or if my mother’s short lived attempt to be an actress in LA prompted her to use this descriptor. In any case, you did a great job with this video. I know more than I ever did about her and am more intrigued. Some of the comments here have also been very elucidating in terms of her personal life and political views. Bravo to you and the commenters.

[@auapplemac1976]

Mom and aunt would call me that, too whenever I was overly dramatic.

[@peculiarpumpkinsotheroddit3841]

Same with my grandmother. Would always call me Tallulah when I was particularly opinionated.

[@bethbartlett5692]

I suggest it was not "Misbehavior" that was your Mother's intention, rather - "an inner demanding of Independence that erupted" and that being seen as misbehaving by Society's Ideaoligies. There's a greater expansion of cause in this interpretation that may offer you clarity and comfort, with it and you're You... Cause - Actions - Effects of Behaviors "a Behavioral Sociologist perspective"

[@chelseaalberto5506]

My mom has always called me Tallulah as well!

[@AmberAHue82]

Growing up in Alabama, Tallulah Bankhead had kind of a mythical quality, but I didn't really know a lot about about her career. I honestly thought she was one of the first "famous for being famous" socialites. But to hear her voice in this video is almost otherworldly. She sounds like my grandmother (who is a lifelong smoker and has chronic dry mouth) putting on an air. Thanks for showcasing her career and legend!

[@lavenderamethyst6050]

Been recovering from a 1-2 punch of emergency surgery and then contracting COVID and am at home miserable. 😕 I was literally on KZbin last night wishing a new video of yours would be uploaded. My prayers have been answered! Cannot wait to dig into some soup and tea and watch! 💓💓💓

[@bkrewind]

Hope you feel better soon

[@lavenderamethyst6050]

@@bkrewind Thank you so much, means a lot.

[@randomfornow]

wow I literally feel your situation from the way you wrote this

[@samthunders3611]

Get well I'm a 2 Time COVID-19 surviour

[@SlimKeith11]

That's terrible!! Hope you're feeling better, hope you're vaccinated, hang in there.

[@davidfusco6600]

Just an interesting aside, during WWII, in the pacific island hopping campaign, Japanese troops would target American medics. Knowing that eliminating front line medics doomed most wounded soldiers. The enemy would call out, MEDIC! Hearing what sounded like a wounded American, the medics would go out searching for him, only to be killed by the waiting Japanese. American soldiers took to calling medics Tallulah. Orders were if wounded, NOT to call for the medic, but to call for Tallulah. The Japanese had difficulty pronouncing Tallulah, it seemed no matter how they tried to say it, it would never sound like an American crying out for medical attention.

[@leighcochran7303]

WOW-EE! I'm a boomer and grew up on tales of WWII and NEVER heard this one.

[@iwasanangryyoungman]

Lollapalooza also did the trick..it was easy to spot a Japanese on how they tried to struggle with all these L's strung together

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

Great fun fact.

[@anastasiabeaverhausen8220]

I hope that's true!

[@annwilliams6438]

@@anastasiabeaverhausen8220 Why wouldn’t it be! Go back to listening to your QAnon crap!

[@kenny808kine8]

Her stint on the Luci Desi Comedy Hour is beyond legendary. I've been quoting it since I was ten! "You a do revolting imitation of me!" Tallulah to Lucy, Lucy to Tallulah, "So do you!"

[@stevenmccart5455]

That was probably my favorite episode also.

[@slc2466]

It's great Tallulah really knocked it out of the park and had an iconic moment with Lucy.

[@leonoranicolaysen2784]

My favorite Lucy Desi Comedy Hour!

[@kibblemom]

My favorite Tallulah story is from Alfred Hitchcock directing her in Lifeboat. The lifeboat scenes were filmed in an elevated water tank that required the actors to climb up a ladder to get into the lifeboat. A representative from the Legion of Decency was observing the filming and somehow(!) learned that Tallulah wasn't wearing any underpants under her dress, something some of those present had observed as she ascended and descended the ladder. The representative insisted that Hitchcock force Tallulah to wear underwear. Hitchcock replied that he couldn't do that because he didn't know which department to speak to about the issue: wardrobe or hair dressing.

[@seththomas9105]

Thanks to waiting for a phone call and the KZbin algorithm I found this site and read your comment. Funny as hell and I think Ms. Bankhead would have been a hoot to have a drink with. I've always been attracted to strong women that have a certin flair. LOL.

[@lindamaemullins5151]

😂😂😉

[@JJJBRICE]

I read where there have been more than one actress that did not waer underwear . Also I read that while rehearsing for her appearance on The Lusi-Desi Comedy Hour Ms Bankhead showed up for a script conferance in Arnaz ' office and took off everything she was wearing while going over the script . In front of Ball , Arnaz , Vance , Frawley and I think the writers Carroll , Davis et, al.

[@albinjohansson5975]

This video was really enlightening! Another theater icon, whose persona has been ingrained in the public consciousness is the incomparable Carol Channing. I'd really love to see a video on her, and how she achieved her icon status.

[@callumdoherty7204]

THIS VIDEO MUST HAPPEN!!!

[@chrissearer1896]

Love Carol! ❤️⭐️

[@emmacandland9755]

YESSSS!!!!!!

[@janealexander1378]

Catch the little -known movie; 'Skidoo' with Carol Channing. Pure silly! Love it!

[@bluecollarlit]

Carol Channing appeared in an episode of The Love Boat.

[@danjlp9155]

I'm 2 minutes into the video, and I'm already obsessed with Tallulah.

[@visualdog]

Wonderfully researched and analyzed! Thank you so much!!! I went on Wikipedia and found out why she is buried in Maryland- it was where her best friend lived. She was worth $2 mil when she died which is about $15 mil in today's dollars. So glad she wasn't destitute. A short but full life of 66 years.

[@garyperkovac1002]

Hats off to "Be Kind Rewind".... The detailed examination of Tallula's career... and world... is strikingly straightforward and authentically engaging. Worth every minute.

[@toasted_.coconut]

Not ashamed to admit I binged like 5 hours of your videos AGAIN. Your impressive detailed research and how your frame each story/person keeps me wanting to learn more. This is literally one the best KZbin channels to exist. Thank you.

[@jt8819]

Getting a new Be Kind Rewind video is literally one of my monthly highlights. I love how dedicated you are to your craft and studying and wish I could have more but understand to get it perfect you need the time.

[@MG-ro5jj]

The only thing I knew about her was that she was a) a sassy smoker and b) also befriended with the Fitzgeralds during their glory time in New York. I watched the Zelda show from 2017 and I'm very thankful to you that you showed me that she wasn't only very loud and present but also very gifted. Traveling back in time to see one of her plays will be my new favourite day dream from now on

[@lhingsantiago2692]

She said she just became an actress so she can ____ (rhymes with luck) the actor Gary Cooper. That became a famous quote of her then. You might find her repartee with Larry Hagman (about sex) interesting.

[@SirThopas3]

The Cheat has an interesting history. It was originally a 1915 silent film (can be watched on its Wikipedia page) and one of the few surviving early films of silent heartthrob Sessue Hayakawa, who became a sex symbol in America despite anti-Asian racism at the time (although, because of anti-Asian racism, he was forced to do films like The Cheat, in which he plays a villainous "Burmese" businessman -- originally Japanese, until protests forced it to be changed -- who does things like brand white women).

[@SteveCarras]

BOTH were in TGHE DAYDREAMER< the 1966 Viderocraft, soion to be Rankin/Bass Hans Christian ANderson Musical, as their last appearance!(as voices of the Sea Witch in the Little Mermaid, with Hayley Mills as the mermaid), and the rat in Thumbelina with Patty Duke as Thumbelina. Patty's TV show costar Paul O'Keefe plays Hans in the Daydreamer. Isn;'t it Cosy(

[@voiceofraisin3778]

Meh, a century later and 'seductive foreign rich guy drags reluctant white bread girl into BDSM she learns to love' is still a genre. You'll never lose money on that one. Call it 5o shades of Nxivm and fans will even line up for branding!

[@ravenclaw17]

@@voiceofraisin3778 you miss out the important part where those roles are the only roles they were offered/ get to play. Of course the genre and archetype is still relevant, but actors who play them now aren’t bound by it to be the only roles they play.

[@oberonyronwood5657]

I dropped everything to watch this! The queen is back!

[@cindymora6714]

Always, her videos are so delightful

[@greg1030]

Holy Hollywood! !A huge bunch of stars, fading or not by whatever standards, were continually dropping everything to win guest villain roles on the Batman show. Happily, the show's creator/producer William Dozier chose Ms. Bankhead. A queen indeed, dahhll.

[@stuartlee6622]

Queen Pette Buttiget 💄 Queen of Transportation

[@lucena6781]

She was my great grandaddy’s cousin, he was very proud and we grew up hearing stories of how they would play together as children when he would visit them. I like to think I have her attitude LOL !

[@slowdancers]

my very first Tallulah experience was casually watching Lifeboat on TCM one afternoon after getting home from an annoying day at uni; she truly brightened my day with that performance! what a talented and incredible lady, it is also such an underrated film of Hitchcock's, it would've been great if he had casted her more often in his other works :(

[@kallen868]

She's wonderful in Life Boat😍

[@slc2466]

@@kallen868 Yes, fantastic fusion of star and role- thank God Tallulah and her image live on on screen, mainly because of this one Hitchcock classic.

[@alangil40]

I saw Lifeboat a few years ago (probably on TCM) as well and I was absolutely mesmerized by Tallulah Bankhead. Funny how chemical images on celluloid or pixels in a digital medium can have such an impact. Sixty odd years after that film was exposed, here I was captivated by the magnetic personality of someone who died over 50 years ago.

[@LizAnne1980]

That was my first Tallulah experience!

[@gloriamontgomery6900]

How wonderful she was in Lifeboat! Unforgettable. Darkly witty and compassionate. The first thing I ever saw her in was the absolutely terrifying “Die, Die, My Darling”. Granted, it is a cheesy vehicle for a star of her caliber, but she is sensational in it. The older Tallulah played a religious fanatic obsessed with her recently deceased son. She imprisons the son’s wife in her creepy house along with her equally creepy minions. She attempts to convert the trapped daughter in law to her strange , obsessive, twisted religion. Throughout the movie her character gradually goes completely mad, becoming more and more sadistic and homicidal . I was maybe 10 or so. Her performance absolutely flayed me-but, I’ve never, ever forgotten it. She committed to the part with searing intensity. Her one of a kind voice and her acting, which can only be described as a great force unleashed , is phenomenal. It’s still worth a watch

[@SunshineCoastRealEstate]

As well as being a compassionate human outraged by injustice, Tallulah was direct, smart, and tough. And her performance in 'Lifeboat' (where she was at the height of her beauty) was/is superb. And the way you've put this together @bkrewind, is excellent. Its the best overview of Tallulah's work I've ever seen. Congratualations. 😊☮🦁

[@TheSuzberry]

I admired so much about Bankhead when I was a girl: her outspokenness, her iconoclasm, her vulgarity. She has been the ideal “southern woman” I wanted to emulate.

[@IrishTexan09]

What is so great about vulgarity?

[@deactivateduser9816]

@@IrishTexan09 Just take a seat

[@lindamaemullins5151]

Yep 👍

[@lindamaemullins5151]

@@IrishTexan09 😂😂😂it has its place at times-imo

[@deliawright8626]

@@IrishTexan09 It used to have shock value.

[@CristheGirl]

I just want to say, you're my favorite discovery on KZbin. Thank you so much for your videos, you have opened a huge door for me to explore old films and the movie industry in general. I thoroughly enjoy all of your uploads and just wanted to quickly say, you're doing an AMAZING job!!!! So thank you!!

[@Slm99]

These videos always make my day and I personally love Tallulah Bankhead. She was proud of her beliefs, bisexuality, and herself.

[@maggiekarabel123]

Makes me have more respect for Bruce and Demi for naming their youngest daughter after this fabulous, outspoken woman. I raise my daughters not to apologize for being themselves and Tallulah may have been a flawed human, she OWNED it. I love her.

[@abandonedfragmentofhope5415]

She wasn't bisexual she was ambisextrous.

[@damnmuggle]

@@abandonedfragmentofhope5415 what

[@abandonedfragmentofhope5415]

@@damnmuggle That's from a quote of hers when she described her bisexuality.

[@jenynz5334]

It's seems some got offended and it's gone now 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@nhanhoang3335]

I am already shooked by this HBO Special-length artwork

[@QNICORN79]

I visited her grave today. 😢 what a lady ❤❤

[@noahgipson8641]

I am from the same city where Tallulah was born (Huntsville, AL) and I have always been so fascinated with her blunt and extravagant identity. She was so unapologetically her and it shows in everything she did, so thank you for making this video going in depth on her film career.

[@LadyMorganLavon]

Hello fellow huntsvillian 👋🏻

[@johnkilfoyle9947]

It would be interesting for you to do a video about actresses who flourished in the pre-hayes code era who aren't remembered today, like ruth chatterton for example. Also we need a Barbara Stanwyck video!

[@barbarak2836]

Kay Francis is another actress who was so popular in the 30s but who almost no one remembers.

[@sbretclark]

Thank you! You tell Tallulah's story beautifully and insightfully. I'm about to binge your channel, and I've already added several movies to my must-watch-soon list. First up, Lifeboat. Despite it's vapid enormity, I fucking love KZbin because of treasures like you and your channel!

[@jimc6054]

I enjoy this channel very much. One thing I would enjoy is a segment on Shelley Winters --- her journey from sexpot to character actress, to double supporting Oscar winner. Plus her later work on TV and multiple memorable talk show appearances.

[@kallen868]

Yes! Shelley is a wealth of content!😍

[@beerbung]

ohh yes!!

[@patricianunez5423]

Thank you for going into depth about Tallulah Bankhead. Ever since I saw "Lifeboat," I always wondered why her films never popped up on TCM. She was fantastic in that movie!

[@jaylenhill4982]

LOVE your channel!! Thanks for covering Tallulah!! I’ve always loved her and felt she never really got the recognition she deserved. Often times when there are talks of Bette, or Joan, or one of their similars around me and I bring up Tallulah, I’m often met with “who?”… thank you for this, NOW I have a reference to show them.

[@davidprado545]

When I was a very young kid I saw Lifeboat one afternoon when I was pretending to be sick from school. I was captivated by Tallulah (plus I worshipped Alfred Hitchcock!). Anyway, I never got a hang of her because of the topic of this video: She never was a movie star. And then when I was in college I adored Gwyneth Paltrow's portrayal of a fictionalized Tallulah in Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle. Thanks so much for explaining this strange iconic creature!

[@IanCasocot]

Thank you for this! I've also wondered the same thing about Constance Bennett -- how come she's not more remembered [and un-Oscared] when she basically was a heavyweight in early Hollywood. Hope you can do a video on her, too.

[@marvel096]

A video on the Bennett sisters would be great!

[@kallen868]

Yes!

[@johnwebb4655]

Fantastic video! Please make one about the career of Angela Lansbury (one of Hollywood’s biggest mistakes was not making her a big star, though the theatre and television certainly made her big!)

[@rmarkread3750]

Thank you for another wonderfully researched, wittily presented essay on a fascinating screen actor! Here's a minor detail: The music for the film "The Little Foxes" was by Meredith Willson--one of his few Hollywood screen credits--who later was the music director on "The Big Show."

[@leighcochran7303]

Creator of The Music Man, too.

[@alangil40]

There are no minor details....

[@clairedalejohn]

This is one of my comfort videos, I've watched it dozens of times, and "aren't they writing plays for nice people like me ANYMORE" cracks me up every friggin time 😂

[@EstrafaDC]

A few years ago I made a pilgrimage to visit Tallulah's very remote grave in a picturesque rural church cemetery on the Maryland shore. If memory serves she died in dire straits and was buried in an open spot owned by a relative (it's been a few years now and I don't recall the exact details). But I was struck that such an iconic person would be buried in such an out of the place location (which she apparently had no connection to) with a simple slab gravestone with *NO* mention of who she was or her remarkable life.

[@markthomas6703]

I've heard that she died with an estate of several million dollars. She made a lot of money on that radio show. I listened to one episode of it. The announcer starts off the show in astonishment. After listing who's going to be on the show, he gasps when she's brought out. "You mean she actually showed up?" I've also seen pictures of Margaret O'Brien dressed up as her side kick, mini-Tallulah. Her booze and drug problems got the best of her. Predictably, she became a gay icon for this.

[@EstrafaDC]

@@markthomas6703 If that wealth is true (and I don't doubt it) it makes the burial even odder. It's just a very random place. After making the long drive out there I was left flummoxed by the whole thing.

[@markthomas6703]

@@EstrafaDC Maybe she didn't leave instructions about where to be buried. Maybe the executor of her will just didn't know any better place. Would Estelle Winwood have done better?

[@kathyh7215]

@@EstrafaDC Her sister was living in the area where Tallulah was buried.

[@EstrafaDC]

@@kathyh7215 Oh THANK YOU!! Cannot thank you enough for solving that odd mystery. Strange she was left there all by her lonesome. But at least it's a beautiful spot. Thanks again!

[@jonnielsen1687]

I find myself yet again rewatching one of your videos and I wanted to say thank you. Yours is my favourite KZbin channel. Your videos are fascinating and obviously deeply researched and thoughtful. Please keep doing what you’re doing, I greet each new film with happy anticipation.😊

[@galolito]

It is said that once when Tallulah was at a house party she wondering off to find something and found herself, in the kitchen. She looked around and asked, "My. Whatever do they use this room for?"

[@echoinfinitydream7762]

I was first introduced to Tallulah Bankhead from the classic 1960s Batman series...as the campy villainess Black Widow. She was soooooo theatrical and witty on the show. I loved it.

[@DaarkCloud]

Just wanted to say Thank You for making this video ❤ I'm so happy you made me aware of her! I've always been in love with classic films (particularly 30s-40s) and had seen her but not much. I watched Lifeboat after being made aware of it and I'm just like omg how could she not have been a movie star. Maybe it was better for her that she wasn't, but at the same time seeing more of her would be fantastic.

[@finosuilleabhain7781]

This is a superb production, all the better for being narrated by that old fashioned curiosity, a human being. Subbed.

[@cristinamurray-radulescu658]

Thank you for taking the time to do a deep dive into Tallulah's life and career! It's a fantastic video! I'd been waiting for this for ages!

[@Merylstreep1949]

Thanks to your video, 30 years after I first discovered Tallulah, I'll get to see 5 of her early films❤❤❤❤

[@markusskand9773]

Thank you BKR, really appreciate this excellent work, i have to say i'm so honored as a human being that Tallulah existed. brings me both tears and laughs ! xoxo inspiring and bittersweet.

[@kenny808kine8]

Is there enough for a separate documentary on just Bette and Tallulah's "rivalry"? You've touch on this at least twice, but wondering if there's enough for a deep dive?

[@MetFan37]

The only reason there was any "rivalry" was because Bette Davis played the roles in the films that Tallulah created on stage.

[@anthonythomas1504]

@@MetFan37 No fault of Bette's. Miriam Hopkins was another Tallulah.

[@dulcineazulueta]

Watched lifeboat was one of the first films I watched when I was starting on my Hitchcock phase -- Tallulah stucked in my head the first time I saw her on screen; the more I saw of her, the more I was in awe of her presence -- the type of presence you'd look for everywhere.

[@j.c985]

Genuinely one of the best actresses I’ve ever seen on screen. Probably the best actually, she was a genius. Stole every single scene.

[@randieversole7402]

I drive past Tallulah’s childhood home most days on the way to work. Hometown queen 🖤 i honestly never knew much about her, it was great to hear more.

[@LadyMorganLavon]

👋🏻 howdy neighbor

[@ajvanmarle]

Honestly, I think she should have won an Oscar for Lifeboat. But the film gets overlooked a lot. When people discuss Hitchcock, it's rarely mentioned.

[@user-ox3wr6uz1q]

This was so entertaining to watch I had no idea this video was an hour long until you mentioned it. Pity she didn't become a bigger star then she was

[@catherine.marial]

“I’m bored to the point of suicide when I’m not in love. When I’m in love, I want to die. I always want to die when I’m on top. When I’m down again, I want to fight back. I wish to God I could fall in love now- find someone to fall in love with.” 26:02 God she was so smart, this almost reads like poetry

[@quadling3521]

That Scarlett O’Hara screen test fragment makes me want to see Bankhead in a Tennessee Williams play.

[@bkrewind]

She did Streetcar! I've read a couple of different versions of how the play went (some said she was great, some said she was awful) but there's a famous Tennessee Williams quote that circles around pretty often that says he hated her performance because it felt like a parody of Blanche lol

[@nikanj6]

Absolutely terrific content. 👏 The algorithm finally did something right putting you in my feed.

[@jartober]

She didn't need to be a movie star. She's still remembered by most film buffs. From her quotes to living life on her terms, she accomplished so much. She could care less what Hollywood thought. She was never a Garbo or a Davis, Crawford. No one was like her. What a legacy!

[@lisaellis2593]

Agreed!

[@KrisBryant15]

What's ironic is how ALL of her movies actually WERE good but just weren't Hollywood enough like the names you mentioned!

[@BryonyClaire]

I always look forward to your uploads and I never knew about Tallulah but now I know some movies I absolutely have to check out! Thank you for going to the extra effort of linking them

[@seattlebeard]

This was an excellent video. It was refreshing to hear a younger film reviewer who is intelligent and knows her film history. I can't wait to see what I find after subscribing.

[@bobbyantonelli7978]

I read her biography in my twenties, which was a while ago. But even then it was scandalous and sensational! What a story! What a woman ! I’m a huge fan ! Thanks for a great video!

[@DevaNeeramanii]

Thank you for drawing back the veil of mystery that I always thought enveloped the ICONIC and EXQUISITE and BELOVED Tallulah.

[@jadevinceul3433]

So much dedication in the research and thoroughness. BKR, you’re the star! Thank you for this entertaining piece

[@uma.n2680]

i stopped what i was watching just to see this video, i was waiting since yesterday when you shared your story on Instagram about a new video, and i am pleased it's about Tallulah, i adore her, she was such a character. ps: could you please make a video about Gene Tierney or Hedy Lamarr? they were magnificent.

[@greenfox42]

I’m distantly related to Tallulah and have been wanting to learn more about her and I can’t express how perfect your video was for just that! Thank you for your awesomeness! She makes me happy to be from the Bankhead lineage 🎉

[@timvest2192]

Thank you, for your engaging, and entertaining content. As a child of the fifties and sixties; I have over the years, always remembered Tallulah Bankhead, as a Snobbish Rich Gal, with a foot long cigarette holder, constantly spewing smoke; Peppering every sentence with; Darling! Pronounced DAHLING! Now I will need to rethink; some of that. Thank you!😎😻😷

[@bdpaquin2592]

Thank you! I loved this Tullulah Bankhead video and commentary.👍🏻☮️💟😊

[@misplacedstoic]

Thank you! I recently read her autobiography and was just reflecting on this topic-amazing timing.

[@brianarbenz1329]

You have done a superb and perceptive look at this complex person. All I had known about Tallulah was her Lucy and Desi appearance. I am delighted to have been enlightened about her, and how the entangled politics and economics of the movie industry could not contain her…. And this was just an accidental find while iPad searching!

[@fintan3563]

The Little Foxes and All About Eve are two of my favorite BD films! 🦊🏆❤️

[@nadyarossi5102]

Hillary is the real Regina Giddings.

[@tuffymartinez]

WOW...Thank You Isabel !!!!...What the heck am I doing here watching this channel ??? I heard a story about Tallulah Bankhead calling a taxi because she kept getting lost in London driving around in her Bentley. So she followed the taxi still driving her Bentley, HA!... What a wonderful presentation you offer all of us viewers. Your voice, delivery/timing and your obvious levelheaded intelligence. What a treat YOU are Isabel !! I have liked and subscribed because of all of the above....but .....now I need to get back to my dirty ole' oily , loud, messy machine shop as I strive to be creative in my own life (thinking what a wonderful format you have created for yourself ... yes U R a quality gal !!!).... TM

[@BrokebackBob]

So much to say. Your film analysis and the analysis of people in film is just superb. I am a lover of film like you and have watched hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of films. Honest. I absolutely love this channel and your detailed, interesting, academic, and so wonderfully researched presentations. You can be assured that I'll be a subscriber to your channel and recommend it to others for as long as you care to post such remarkable content to it. If KZbin had an academy awards, I would nominate your channel.

[@olivercarlberg9628]

As much as I love Tallulah, every single video of yours that Bette Davis even features in makes me crave more Bette content. Wonderful as always, your work is really special.

[@nonverbal562]

I first became fascinated by her as a guest villain on the Adam West TV Batman. I loved her voice and manner as Black Widow. It's a shame we can't watch more of her. Oh for a time machine and a video camera to catch her on stage!

[@braydn7822]

she was an icon, a legend, and she is the moment, come on now.

[@richardmcleod1930]

MIriam Hopkins and Tallulah Bankhead were the first two Actresses considered for the role of Scarlett O'Hara. Tallulah was from Alabama and Miriam was from Georgia. Both could have played the role as both had southern accents. But who can argue with the performance given by Vivien Leigh.

[@ad6417]

Neither had the beauty or the fieriness required to play Scarlett.

[@richardmcleod1930]

@@ad6417 I don't think fierceness is the word and don't know what word would work in its' place. What other word do you think would work?

[@ad6417]

@@richardmcleod1930 I didn't write fierceness.

[@richardmcleod1930]

@@ad6417 I wonder who did and what other word they might have used? Actually they used the word "fieriness" instead of what I originally read the word to be.

[@TheLolbot3000]

One of my favourite channels doing one of my favourite actresses! I clicked within a second of seeing it pop up in my feed!

[@alicetulllyhall1]

Thank you so much for this work!! And I can, we all can see the care and skill you've put into this video!! Thank you for this important and well appreciated examination of a truly gifted, yet underrated actress and fabulous, richly lived woman in a time and era when just being yourself could cost so much!! Well Done!!

[@alexhulubas3286]

I still use her “Some of my best friends are/were …” line from “Lifeboat.”

[@jasonraschen1109]

This is why I love your channel. I wasn’t familiar with Tallulah Bankhead. Now I feel so enlightened. Kind of sad Hollywood couldn’t figure out what to do with her. Thank you for this video, all the other videos you post and all the hard work you put into them!

[@MR._OMAR_KING]

This is great! This is great! I would love to see an essay or video essay on character actress Anne Ramsey, Shirley Stoler, Sally Kirkland and other character actors that we see all the time in movies and tv programs but never really get to know who they are and what they’re all about; and why the academy overlooked their talents. I am aware there is a video on Anne Ramsey, but I would really like to know your take on it. With that being said, thank you for these video essays, they are educational, yet entertaining. ☮️💜

[@MR._OMAR_KING]

Also, have you seen Mexican actress Sylvia Pasquel’s breathtakingly sultry, yet heartbreaking Performance in 2019 black and white film “The Devil Between the Legs” I think you’ll get a kick out of it.

[@GodheadNee]

I keep coming back for "don't think this has taught me a lesson

[@Lyndiloo]

Omg the Bankheads were family friends! I'm so excited I pulled over on the interstate to watch this.

[@Sammyandbobsdad]

I love your film retrospective essays.

[@heatherhaven1268]

The dramatic removal of the hat reminds me of how I laugh whenever Tom Hiddleston (as Loki) falls or is thrown to the ground…the way he flips his head up so his hair is never in his face…flawlessly funny

[@an_evening_star_rose5991]

I watched lifeboat when it came on TCM 9 or so years ago. I was in a shitty motel taking a break from the beach and that came on. Didn’t mean to watch the whole thing, but that movie blew me away

[@PresidentDrPeper]

I’m walking home in my downtown of Huntsville from a burger bar jack browns and see a plack with her name on it and google it. never knew about this lady first minute and a 47 seconds in and this woman’s got Huntsville written all over her. I love it.

[@MSonnyday]

It's kinda funny that you brought up Shiva Baby at the end because throughout the later half of the video for some reason I kept thinking about Dianna Agron. I don't really know why but Tallulah and her just seem to have some similarities/parallels to me.

[@trevormichael4906]

I loved this trip into the past. Thank you.

[@allegory6393]

Hitchcock has made so many great films (and a few masterpieces) that one forgets what a superb film 'Lifeboat' is. And half of its greatness is owed to casting the unique, remarkable and magnificent Ms Bankhead in the lead. 'Good night, sweet princess /And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest'.

[@lucapolimenicreative4642]

Watched it twice. This is the kind of content I’m desperate for