A brilliantly cynical backstage look at life in the theatre, All About Eve is a sophisticated movie gem that has become a cult classic since its debut in 1950. With a sparklingly witty script written and directed by Joseph Mankiewicz, All About Eve hinges on a consummate Bette Davis performance. Playing aging Broadway star Margo Channing, Davis is perfect as the vain, vulnerable, and vicious older actress, while delivering such oft-quoted epigrams as "Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night." When aspiring young actress Eve Harrington, played by Anne Baxter, conspires to take over both Margo Channing's part and her man, an all-out battle ensues between the two women. Co-starring George Sanders, Celeste Holm, Thelma Ritter, and featuring a very young Marilyn Monroe, All About Eve won six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. All About Eve is the cinematic epitome of Hollywood wit and sophistication.

Further Reading:

Kael, Pauline. 5001 Nights at the Movies. New York, Henry Holt, 1991

Microsoft Corporation, Cinemania 96: The Best-Selling Interactive Guide to Movies and the Moviemakers.

Monaco, James and the Editors of Baseline. Encyclopedia of Film. New York, Perigee, 1991.