BETTE DAVIS’ WITCHY FAMILY TREE
Did you know that Bette Davis was a direct descendant of the women of the Salem Witch Trials? That’s right! She sure was!
According to a fascinating documentary on Bette Davis called Stardust: The Bette Davis Story, she was related through her mother to the SWT.
So, the next time you think about those bewitching “Bette Davis eyes” or the next time you find yourself enjoying one of her haunting chiller classics, just remember—- you may just be under her spell!
HALLOWEEN MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS: “Straight Jacket” (1964)
This chilling, creepy movie starring the iconic Joan Crawford will amuse you and confuse you. It will disturb you and unnerve you, as you start to realize what Fay Dunaway may have based her portrayal of “Mommie Dearest” on. And, it will relieve you as you entertain the thought that maybe Christina Crawford is actually Joan’s biggest fan after all? Hint-hint…
Low-budget bravado; simple, mellow, campy, fun, tacky movie-treasure! And, all in glorious black & white! Why is that significant? Well, as the lovely Hitchcock beauty, Ava Marie Saint once said in an interview (paraphrased), “Black and white is art. B&w films can be beautiful and are particularly suited to the horror, suspense and thriller genres, because the color’s contrast to reality protects the viewer from getting too carried away, thus acting as a protective shield between fantasy and reality, keeping the viewer nicely relaxed and entertained at the same time.”
I think it’s safe to lament that the days of the A-grade, sophisticated horror film generally ended with the end of black and white. In fact, I would venture to say that the late 1950s to 1960s was the only period in film history when the horror genre could be enjoyed by general audiences (with some parental supervision, of course). And, it was also the only period in which the genre could be described as eerily beautiful rather than repulsively grotesque.
Fortunately for us though, those horror gems still exist in various formats for us to enjoy. So, when you get a chance, treat yourself to a viewing of “Straight Jacket”—-you’ll love it!
The Poltergeist Trilogyare the best scarey movies ever (esp. the first one!)! And, I don’t usually like scarey movies! I’d recommend them to anyone—esp. as a good Halloween flick!
