Review of All About Eve (1950) by Jim H — 26 Feb 2011

A diva actress takes in a war widow, who eventually plots and schemes to steal the spotlight.

The highlights of this classic are Bette Davis's indomitable stage presence and the captivating voice of George Sanders. Davis captures the essence of this aging actress: the resistance against age, the desire for attention, and the pride of woman who will not go out anywhere except on top. And I could listen to George Sanders read the phone book.

I also liked the writing. It's often instructive and refreshing to revisit the days when characters spoke in grammatically correct and rich, poetic prose. Though I never find it realistic, it does provide some fantastic linguistic music.

However, it seems like this film is saying something about the theater; after all, there are several lines elevating theater people above others, but this statement seems muddled. Are we simply to understand that theater people are more ambitious, more head-strong, more cut-throat than others. Glengarry Glen Ross says the same thing about salesmen, so I have trouble believing there's anything unique as All About Eve seems to claim.

Additionally, though Davis is superb, there are moments when it become more about her schtick and less about telling the story. Anne Baxter is see-through from the first moments. And I think we need to know more about Margo and Bill's relationship. I was left wondering why he would stay with her.

Overall, though I think it's a bit overrated, All About Eve is less about Eve and more about Margo Channing and the great Bette Davis, and this at least provides some compelling entertainment.