But it's not just the dramatic characters and the extravagant fashion that align Davis with Camp aesthetics. It's also her profound knack for making the ordinary appear extraordinary.

Remember "Now, Voyager" where Davis played Charlotte Vale? Here was a woman transforming from a dowdy, repressed spinster to a fashionable, self-assured lady. The transformation itself was so dramatic that it could be a show in its own right! As Andrew Sarris noted in The Village Voice, "Davis turned Charlotte's transformation into an operatic display of emotional intensity. It was Camp at its best."

In fact, Davis's unique style of acting, her larger-than-life portrayals, and her dramatic personal life, all contribute to the Camp aesthetic. She was unapologetically herself, embracing theatricality both on and off the screen. As Sontag might argue, Davis’s entire persona was steeped in Camp.

It's essential to note that Camp isn't about mockery or parody. Rather, it's about finding joy and humor in artifice and exaggeration. It's about breaking away from convention and celebrating the unique and the extraordinary. And isn't that what Bette Davis did her whole life? As professor and film historian Jeanine Basinger told The New York Times, "Davis was always uniquely herself, a study in contradiction and unabashed exaggeration. She was Camp before we even had a term for it."

In a world that often insists on understatement and subtlety, Bette Davis was unapologetically over the top. She relished the dramatic and celebrated the extraordinary, embodying Sontag's notion of Camp. Her influence endures, inspiring all those who believe that life, like the movies, is a stage to be embraced in all its Camp-filled glory.

How Bette Davis Got Started

Alright, buckle up, because the story of Bette Davis getting started in Hollywood is like finding a rare diamond in your backyard – it's wildly improbable but utterly fabulous. Bette Davis, with eyes so dramatic they deserve their own soap opera, didn't just waltz into stardom; oh no, she clawed her way in with the tenacity of a cat chasing a laser pointer.

Before the Oscars, there were rejections. Lots of them. Imagine this: a young Bette Davis gets rejected from Hollywood studios not once, not twice, but repeatedly. It's like swiping left on a future legend! She auditioned for Universal Studios in the 1930s, and they said, "Thanks, but no thanks." t?

Acting school wasn't all roses either. Here's a juicy tidbit: her acting school thought she wasn't cut out for the big screen. They literally told her she had "as much sex appeal as Slim Summerville," who, in case you're not a classic film buff, was about as far from a 1930s heartthrob as you can get.

Persistence is her middle name (not really, but it should be). Bette didn't let rejection letters wallpaper her room. She hit the Broadway stage, where she finally started turning heads. Her performance in "The Earth Between" was like a neon sign saying, "Hollywood, you've made a huge mistake."

One crucial role flipped the script. It was her role in "The Menace" on Broadway that got Hollywood's attention. Suddenly, Universal Studios remembered her number and said, "Hey, about those rejections, we were just kidding."

And just like that, a star was born (well, not quite yet). Her first film, "Bad Sister" in 1931, wasn't exactly a blockbuster hit, but hey, everyone's got to start somewhere, right? It's like making pancakes – the first one is always a bit wonky.

Here's the kicker: she almost wasn't Bette Davis. Yep, she considered changing her name to Bettina Dawes. Can you imagine? Bettina Dawes in "All About Eve"? Sounds like a character who'd bring you tea, not the fierce queen Bette Davis was.

So, from the school of hard knocks to the pinnacle of Hollywood, Bette Davis' start in the industry was anything but smooth. It's like finding out your favorite diva had to sing at dingy bars before hitting the big time. It’s not just inspiring – it's a lesson in never giving up, even when Hollywood gives you the cold shoulder.

KEY ROLES AND PROJECTS IN THE RISE TO STARDOM

"Of Human Bondage" (1934) was the turning point. Let's start with the big bang in Bette Davis' career galaxy. "Of Human Bondage" was the film that made people sit up and say, "Whoa, who's she?" Playing the manipulative Mildred, Davis chewed up the scenery and spit it out with gusto. Critics went wild, and even though she didn't snag an Oscar nomination (a snub that caused an uproar), it put her on the map like GPS for Hollywood.

"Dangerous" (1935) brought home the bacon, aka the Oscar. A year after being snubbed, Davis won an Academy Award for Best Actress for "Dangerous." It was like Hollywood saying, "Sorry about last year, here's a shiny statue." This win didn't just boost her ego; it catapulted her into the A-list stratosphere.

"Jezebel" (1938) solidified her as a force of nature. Playing Julie in "Jezebel" earned Davis her second Oscar. It wasn't just the award that mattered; it was the role. Julie was strong, willful, and complex – traits that became synonymous with Davis herself. The film was a box office hit and a critical darling, proving that Davis was no one-hit wonder.

The Contract Battle of 1936 was more than legal drama. Here's where the plot thickens. Davis didn't just act; she fought for better roles. In 1936, she took Warner Bros. to court to get out of her contract, seeking better, more challenging roles. She lost the battle but won the war, gaining public sympathy and better roles from Warner Bros. afterward. This move showed her as a trailblazer for actors' rights, adding to her public recognition.

"All About Eve" (1950) was the cherry on top. Fast forward to 1950, and Davis delivered one of her most iconic performances in "All About Eve." The film was a critical and commercial hit, bagging 14 Oscar nominations. It was the quintessential Bette Davis film, showcasing her talent for playing strong, flawed women.

Critics, Fans, and Industry Pros: A Mixed Bag of Opinions.

Critics loved her for her raw, unapologetic performances. They saw her as a versatile actress who could elevate any role she played. Fans adored her for her on-screen charisma and off-screen sass. She wasn't just an actress; she was a personality.

However, not everyone was on the Bette Davis bandwagon. Some industry professionals found her difficult and demanding, but even they couldn't deny her talent. The contract dispute with Warner Bros. painted her as both a diva and a hero, depending on who you asked.

The Cumulative Effect: Not Just One Defining Moment.

It wasn't just one role or film that made Bette Davis a star; it was a series of them. Each project added another layer to her fame, showcasing her range and drawing in more fans. Her off-screen battles and outspoken personality only added to her allure, making her a legend not just for what she did on screen but for who she was off it.

Career timeline

1931: Bette Davis makes her film debut in "Bad Sister," playing the character Margaret.

1934: Stars in "Of Human Bondage," portraying Mildred Rogers. The role gains her significant critical acclaim.

1935: Wins her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Dangerous," playing Joyce Heath.

1936: Engages in a legal battle with Warner Bros. over contract disputes, setting a precedent for actor studio relationships.

1938: Wins her second Academy Award for Best Actress for "Jezebel," in the role of Julie Marsden.

1939: Appears in "Dark Victory," receiving another Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Judith Traherne.

1940: Plays the lead role in "The Letter," earning another Academy Award nomination.

1941: Nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in "The Little Foxes," portraying Regina Giddens.

1942: Stars in "Now, Voyager," earning yet another Academy Award nomination for playing Charlotte Vale.

1944: Appears in "Mr. Skeffington," receiving an Academy Award nomination for her role as Fanny Trellis.

1950: Stars in "All About Eve," playing Margo Channing. The film is a major success, earning 14 Oscar nominations, and solidifies Davis's status as a Hollywood icon.

1952: Receives an Academy Award nomination for "The Star," playing Margaret Elliot.

1962: Stars in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" alongside Joan Crawford, revitalizing her career.

1977: Returns to the stage in "Miss Moffat," a musical adaptation of "The Corn is Green."

1979: Wins an Emmy for "Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter."

1983: Is awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award, one of the highest honors for a career in film.

1989: Bette Davis passes away, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest actresses in the history of American cinema.

2024: Bette Davis continues to be celebrated and remembered for her significant contributions to film and her pioneering role in actor's labor rights.

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS

• Bette Davis was a skilled painter. That's right, the queen of drama was also a dab hand with a brush. When she wasn't stealing scenes on screen, she was creating art of a different kind.

• She was an early advocate for gender equality in Hollywood. Long before it was a mainstream movement, Davis was fighting for equal pay and better roles for women in the industry. She was a feminist before it was cool.

• Davis had a peculiar love for coca-cola. She reportedly drank about 30 cans a day! That's like having your own personal fountain of Coke on set.

FASCINATING PERSONAL ANECDOTES

• Bette Davis threw the best Hollywood parties. Her gatherings were legendary – a mix of the elite and the eclectic. It was said that if you got an invite to a Bette Davis party, you'd made it in Hollywood.

• Her witty comebacks were legendary. Once, when a director commented on her being difficult, Davis quipped, "I am difficult. I'm impossible; but don't worry, I'll fight even harder for you than I do against you." Mic drop!

INTERESTING TRIVIA

• Davis was the co-founder of the Hollywood Canteen. During World War II, she helped establish a club offering entertainment and food for servicemen, often serving them herself.

• She was the first woman to be president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Talk about breaking glass ceilings with style!

• Bette Davis has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But here's the twist – it was stolen in 2000! It's like something out of a Hollywood heist movie. Luckily, it was replaced, because you can't keep a good star down.

Her Attention-Grabbing Quotes

"Old age ain't no place for sissies."

Context: Bette Davis famously dropped this line in an interview. It's a testament to her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude towards life, aging, and the challenges that come with it.

Reactions: This quote became a mantra for aging gracefully and with grit. It's often cited in discussions about aging and is used to inspire a bold approach to life's later stages.

"Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work."

Context: Davis said this when discussing her approach to acting and choosing roles. It reflects her fearless attitude and her willingness to push boundaries in her career.

Reactions: This quote resonated with many in the creative fields, encouraging artists to take risks and step out of their comfort zones.

"The key to life is accepting challenges. Once someone stops doing this, he's dead."

Context: In an interview, Davis discussed her philosophy on life and career. This line encapsulates her fighting spirit and determination.

Reactions: The quote is often used as motivation, particularly in the entertainment industry, embodying the relentless pursuit of goals and continuous self-improvement.

"I'd marry again if I found a man who had fifteen million dollars, would sign over half to me, and guarantee that he'd be dead within a year."

Context: Known for her sharp tongue, Davis delivered this line when asked about remarriage. It's a classic example of her quick wit and somewhat dark humor.

Reactions: The quote was met with laughter and admiration for her candidness and humor, although some criticized it for its brashness.

"I survived because I was tougher than anybody else."

Context: Reflecting on her longevity and success in Hollywood, Davis made this statement in an interview. It highlights her resilience and determination in a tough industry.

Reactions: This quote has been a source of inspiration for many, particularly women in the industry, highlighting the importance of resilience and toughness in the face of challenges.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES ANECDOTES FROM HER SHOWS & MOVIES

• The Voice Change Accident: During the filming of "All About Eve," Bette Davis had a raspy voice due to a shouting match with her then-husband. This unintentional change made her sound like Tallulah Bankhead, leading to rumors that her character was based on Bankhead. The husky voice became a defining feature of her performance.

• Unexpected Real-Life Romance: On the set of "All About Eve," Bette Davis met Gary Merrill, who played her director and boyfriend. Life imitated art as they married in real life and even adopted a baby named Margot, after Davis’ character in the film.

• Marilyn Monroe's Nervous Episode: Marilyn Monroe, who played a small role in "All About Eve," was so nervous around the talented cast that she needed 11 takes for one scene. After finally completing it, Davis's sharp comment led Monroe to exit the set and vomit.

• The Real-Life Friendship and Rivalry: While Davis and her onscreen rival Anne Baxter became fast friends off-camera, Davis and co-star Celeste Holm, who played her best friend in the movie, actually disliked each other in real life. This off-screen dynamic was the opposite of their on-screen characters.