Hold on tight, folks, because the making of the iconic film All About Eve was anything but smooth sailing. Released in 1950, this wickedly sharp drama about Broadway star Margo Channing, played by the legendary Bette Davis, and her conniving fan Eve Harrington, portrayed by Anne Baxter, went on to win six Oscars, including best picture and screenplay. But guess what? Behind the glitz and glamour of the silver screen, this backstage drama had its fair share of real-life drama, complete with on-set rivalries, an extramarital romance, and more. Let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster ride!
The Early Days: A Warning About Bette
Even before the cameras started rolling, screenwriter and director Joseph L. Mankiewicz had been given a heads-up about the "difficulty" of working with Bette Davis. Now, Bette was originally hired to replace an injured Claudette Colbert, and let me tell you, she was absolutely thrilled about the role. At 42, she was worried that her Hollywood career was fading fast, so she was incredibly grateful for this opportunity. To everyone's surprise, Bette and Mankiewicz hit it off from the start, creating a productive and harmonious working relationship. It was a match made in cinematic heaven!
Clashing Personalities: Bette Davis and Celeste Holm
Not everyone on set got along as well as Bette and Mankiewicz. Celeste Holm, who played Margot’s best friend, didn’t exactly hit it off with Bette. The two met cordially at first, but things took a turn when Celeste, a cheerful morning person, greeted Bette with a cheerful "Good morning!" According to author Sam Staggs, who wrote the book All About All About Eve, Bette glowered at her and snapped, "Oh s--t, good manners." Ouch! Celeste claimed she never spoke to Bette again after that. Despite both receiving Oscar nominations for their roles, the tension between them never really dissipated. In fact, years later in the 1980s, when the topic of Celeste came up, Bette reportedly referred to her using an expletive. Yikes!
Read also:Unpacking The Power Of Ups W2s Your Ultimate Guide
Marilyn Monroe: A Rising Star Amidst the Drama
Now, here's where things get interesting. Alongside the Hollywood veterans, All About Eve also featured a then little-known blonde named Marilyn Monroe. George Sanders, who won a supporting actor Oscar for his role as a sharp-tongued theater critic, claimed that Bette took an instant dislike to Marilyn. According to Sanders, during one scene, Bette allegedly whispered loud enough for Marilyn to hear, "That little blonde can't act her way out of a paper bag." However, Sam Staggs, the author, doubts the authenticity of this story. At the time, Marilyn was just a starlet, and no one could have predicted she’d become a global sensation. Staggs believes Bette wouldn’t intentionally insult a young actress who clearly seemed timid and unsure of herself.
Romance on Set: Gary Merrill and Bette Davis
Let’s not forget about the love story that unfolded during the filming of All About Eve. Gary Merrill, who played Margot’s fiancé, saw beyond Bette’s reputation as a diva. The two met during a makeup test, and as the filming progressed, they fell deeply in love. Now, here's the twist: Bette was in the process of divorcing her third husband, but Gary was still married. In fact, during the divorce proceedings, Gary’s wife claimed he went to San Francisco, where part of Eve was filmed, with the intention of having an affair with Anne Baxter. Despite these allegations, the romance between Bette and Gary was undeniably real. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, making their relationship in the film all the more believable. Just weeks after Eve wrapped, the couple tied the knot in Mexico on July 28, 1950. Although their marriage lasted only 10 years, their on-screen chemistry remains unforgettable.
