Women's History Month--Remembering Bette Davis

When we think of former independent women in film, we tend to think of Katherine Hepburn, but it was Bette Davis who risked her career to be free of the studio establishment. Though Davis's personal life was somewhat ugly, her professional life was exciting and interesting. When her career with Universal was not renewed, she went to Warner's and was very successful, but could not get good roles, so in 1936, she left for England so that she could make better films. Warner's sued her for breach of contract, but upon her return, she received a new contract and much better opportunities.

Eventually, Davis freed herself altogether from the studio system, though she did not always use good judgment in the roles she selected for herself. She is remembered, however, for her superb acting talent, and for the breadth of roles she played. Elaine Stritch said of her: "Bette Davis taught Hollywood to follow an actress instead of the actress following the camera, and she's probably the best movie actress there's ever been."

By 1942, Davis was the highest paid woman in the United States. Years later, she was awarded the Civilian Distinguished Service Medal for organizing the famous Hollywood Canteen during World War II. She was the first woman to receive the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award, and the first woman to be president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Because of Bette Davis, women learned they could make demands on the brutal Hollywood system and still survive. And because of Davis, we can enjoy the company of Leslie Crosby, Judith Traherne, Charlotte Vale, and Margo Channing forever.