Cause A Frockus

Why we love All About Eve

Jun 23, 2014 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns

This 1950 film boasts an all-star cast with the amazing Bette Davis in the role of Margo Channing, a brilliant but unpredictable Broadway star; Anne Baxter as Eve Harrington, a seemingly innocent but manipulative super fan; George Sanders as Addison DeWitt, promoter to the stars; Gary Merrill as Bill Simpson, talented director and Margo’s lover; Hugh Marlowe as Lloyd Richards, extraordinary playwright and friend; and lastly Celeste Holm as Karen Richards, Lloyd’s wife and Margo’s best friend. (And we have to mention Marilyn Monroe in a small role as Ms. Caswell, an actress who uses her seductive flair to her professional advantage.) The plot takes off when Eve starts to work her way through these friends, introducing herself as a wide-eyed innocent, content to bask in the glory of Margo Channing’s diva-like shadow. But in time she uses this trust to scheme her way to the top. Bette Davis’ performance is captivating and vivid as she delivers rapid-fire dialogue and brilliant one liners: “Funny business, a woman’s career – the things you drop on your way up the ladder so you can move faster.” Anne Baxter plays Eve so coolly; her modesty is played like a fiddle and she can turn it into something evil and desperate on a dime. The interactions and chemistry among the cast feels like fireworks. So let us present why we love All About Eve and share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Persistence pays off

While we don’t condone Eve’s approach per se, we have to admit that her persistence is legendary. She had a singular focus: become a star. Her efforts paid off: waiting outside the theater night after night in sleet and darkness, ingratiating herself to Margo Channing, studying Channing’s craft and her relationships, and understanding every component (and every player) of the theater – all this work resulted in a successful career. Granted her exact method involved a lot of cunning, trickery, and blackmail, but if you squint your eyes and look at the rough picture a lesson can be learned. If you have a dream you must put forth the effort. Hard work is required. Pay your dues and be respectful of those that have come before you.

Don’t trust first impressions

Eve manipulated Margo into thinking she was a humble fan, thrilled to help out and just be a fly on the wall. Everyone was taken in by this story and genuinely wanted to help and foster this young lady who seemed so kind and so selfless. In time the polish faded and the honeymoon was over. By the time the truth bubbled to the surface Eve was already woven into the heart of their group. The takeaway here is two part: embrace your true self and don’t be afraid to be yourself to everyone you meet (you are great! trust in that) and recognize that someone else may not have that comfort or security. It may take time for them to show who they really are, so in the meantime create a supportive environment and be positive.

Don’t let your age define you

You’re more than a number. Margo is paralyzed by her age and lets that insecurity plague all aspects of her life. She is so consumed with worry that she doesn’t bother to listen to everyone else. Her lover Bill doesn’t consider her age an obstacle to their relationship and Lloyd still sees her as his glorious muse. If there are things in your life that burden you take a few pointers from Margo’s experience: don’t worry about stuff you can’t control in the first place and pay attention to the kind words from the people who care about you.

It’s all about networking

Building a social network is great – it’s how you meet more friends and it can even be a great resource for finding a job. But take caution: networking for networking’s sake can backfire. If you step all over everyone to get to the top you’ll never feel true success. Once Eve arrives at the pinnacle of her career she quickly realizes she can’t enjoy it. Margo’s quote captures it best: “Nice speech, Eve. But I wouldn’t worry too much about your heart. You can always put that award where your heart ought to be.” When you are building your support network it’s like all other relationships in life: be genuine and remember it’s a two way street. If people are kind enough to help you, do what you can to return the favor. Everyone gains by being part of that kind of environment.

You only fight with those you love

When you believe in someone and care for someone, you encourage their goals and celebrate in their successes. The friendship between Karen and Margo is a great example of this. They are friends through thick and thin. Karen’s the first person to tell Margo when she’s getting out of hand and everything she does for Margo is done from a place of love. Everyone needs a great pal like that – someone who will be your voice of reason when you face the unreasonable.

True colors will always come out in the wash

Eve casts quite a spell over the men in the film. Lloyd sees her as his next great star who aims only to read his lines with accuracy and passion; Bill sees her as the perfectly obedient actress. Bill doesn’t understand Margo’s loathing for Eve and chalks it up to insecurity and jealousy. But when Eve clumsily tries to seduce him he sees her underlying intentions. Addison and Eve’s fiery exchange the night before her big performance shows the depth of Eve’s desperation for fame. It’s hard not to feel sad for the lonely path she’s chosen. So even though it may be hard to do, try to be patient with those around you who are not rising to their best potential. It may take time and you may get frustrated wondering when reality will come into frame, but eventually things come to light.

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Cause A Frockus would like to thank their tremendous resources: IMDB and the people who post their imagery without restriction.

For our readers: What’s your favorite Bette Davis film? Do you think the world of Broadway can be this cut throat?

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