Bette Davis's Troubled Collaboration in 'Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte'

Directing a movie can be a challenging and demanding ordeal for even the most experienced professionals. However, amidst the chaos and the pursuit of excellence, certain individuals can hinder the process significantly. One such example is the challenging working relationship between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford in the film 'Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte'.

Bette Davis: A Talent with a Tempestuous Side

Bette Davis, one of the most iconic actresses of the golden age of Hollywood, was known for her fiery temper and demanding nature on set. This intensity often manifested in her relationships with fellow cast members and even the director. In 'Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte', directed by Robert Aldrich in 1964, Davis's on-set behavior was particularly problematic.

The Making of 'Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte'

The film was intended to reunite Davis and Joan Crawford, who had previously collaborated successfully in 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?'

Joan Crawford's Role in the Controversy

According to authors Lawrence J. Quirk and William Schoell, Davis made sure that everyone, including members of the press and distinguished visitors to the set, knew that Joan was 60 years old. Davis also frequently made negative comments on set while she was next to the director, Robert Aldrich. This adversarial relationship led Joan Crawford to feel manipulated and undermined.

One memorable incident occurred when Crawford woke up from a nap on set to find that the entire production had left the location without her. Crawford believed that Davis was behind this move, and she further suspected that Davis was controlling Aldrich behind the scenes.

“She’s practically directing the picture for him right in front of me. So God knows what else she’s up to behind my back. I might wind up on the cutting-room floor.”

These suspicions were confirmed when Crawford was ultimately replaced by Olivia de Havilland, another talented actress. Davis's strategic maneuvering to ensure Crawford was replaced was a calculated move designed to strike a powerful blow to Crawford's ego.

Bob Schiffer’s Perspective

Bob Schiffer, a makeup expert, described his experience collaborating with Davis in his book 'Bette and Joan: The Divine Feud'. After Schiffer came up with his own makeup concept for Davis, it lasted "about five minutes. She would say to me, 'Don’t f—- with my face.'"

These incidents highlight the intense and often antagonistic working relationship between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Despite the challenges, the film 'Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte' remains a notable entry in both actors' filmographies.

Joan Crawford's Response

Despite the adversarial atmosphere on set, Crawford maintained a level of professionalism and poise. When recalling the events, she said:

"I still get chills when I think of the treachery that Miss Davis indulged in on that movie, but I refused to let anger or hate enter my heart."

This statement demonstrates Crawford's maturity and wisdom in navigating the challenges of her career and dealing with her professional competitors.

Conclusions

The collaboration between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford in 'Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte' is a testament to the complexities and challenges inherent in the film industry. Their intense working relationship, filled with mutual distrust and manipulation, provides valuable insights into the pressures and challenges that professional actors face. While it may have been a tumultuous experience, the film still stands as a noteworthy piece of cinema.