Joan Crawford in Torch Song vs. Bette Davis in Beyond the Forest

[valerief]

[Demoiselle]

1. "Vs" in what regard, exactly?

it can't be acting. Joan Crawford was a pathetic self absorbed ham. Yes, even in Mildred Pierce.
Bette Davis, on the other hand, could make the most mawkish corny stuff sound real.

[valerief]

2. I think they're both great, but you're right. I narrowed it down to two of their

most over-the-top films.

[Demoiselle]

3. Oh my, I think I misread your original post!

I've never seen "Another Part of the Forest," but I grant you that Bette over the top would have to be way way way too far over.
But Crawford never ever convinced me that she was playing anything but a movie star. Maybe her willingness to change her look so drastically with the times has something to do with my aversion. I almost saw her as a clown. ie, all makeup no heart. (My apologies to Crawford fans. I'm sure it's my limitation.)

[valerief]

4. Davis was around 40 when she made Beyond the Forest, her last Warner pic.

It's WAY over the top. It's where she says, "What a dump," and she's bad, bad, bad.

I won't give it away in case you see it. However, it's a real toss-up between the two movies.

[valerief]

5. Crawford had a few wonderful pictures. A Woman's Face is fabulous. I think it would

change your mind about her. Humoresque was quite good, too.

But I think it's her 'acting like a movie star' that I really, really like. She was totally devoted to her fans. Davis was more apt to have tantrums, but she's the one I'd rather have that imaginary drink with. However, I prefer Torch Song for its outrageous camp value over Beyond the Forest's outrageous camp value.