Review of All About Eve (1950) by Tim M — 10 Aug 2009

Old school was never better. It's amazing that a story about an aged actress and the woman trying to replace her could be so riveting. The script is sharp and scathing, talking about the theater but truly ruminating on Hollywood's age discrimination.

Bette Davis is self-deprecating, boisterous and hilarious as Margo Channing, the aging stage actress. Anne Baxter is fantastic in the devilish role of Eve. Baxter's not only playing a part, but her character is too and you don't see truly see "her" until the last 15 minutes.

After the two main ladies, the rest of the cast is perfectly used, every character feeling very much a part of the film - the script has a balance with the story and its characters that has no rival I've seen.

George Sanders is subtly terrific as the theater critic as is Celeste Holme as Margo's devoted best friend. The film may crackle and sizzle, but it's all-around a dark tale, and at it's heart (the final shot in tow), a bit scary when put in perspective.