First published 1995
Bette Davis claws her way through the golden age of Hollywood, transforming from a New England theater hopeful into one of cinema's most formidable stars. The young actress battles studio executives who try to control every aspect of her career, from the roles she plays to the image she projects. Davis refuses to conform to Hollywood's expectations of feminine beauty and behavior, choosing difficult, unglamorous parts that showcase her fierce talent. Her professional triumphs come at enormous personal cost as marriages crumble under the pressure of her ambition and fame. The actress struggles to balance her desire for artistic integrity with the demands of a ruthless industry that views women as disposable commodities. Through decades of career highs and devastating lows, Davis maintains her reputation as a perfectionist who never compromises her craft, even when it means standing alone against powerful men who would diminish her.
Genres: biography, drama, historical-fiction, 20th-century, american, film
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, strong-female-lead
Setting: New England
Period: Golden Age of Hollywood
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