The Off-Set Revenge: Behind the Scenes of Movie Feuds
Off-screen life often mirrors the passion and tension of the on-screen characters. Two legendary actresses, Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, exemplify this dynamic, with their intense hatred of each other rivaling the dramatic performances they gave off the set.
Joan Crawford and Bette Davis: From Rivals to Collaborators
The intense hatred Joan Crawford and Bette Davis had for each other was so legendary that many people today believe that their relationship was faked. However, their rivalry became the prime subject of their most well-known collaboration, the film Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, directed by Robert Aldrich in 1962. Their feud allegedly started out as a result of Bette Davis' jealousy of Crawford. When Davis started her career in Hollywood, Joan Crawford was already a big star, having climbed the ranks of stardom through strategic relationships and ruthlessness.
As Davis' career began to eclipse Crawford's, Crawford's jealousy only intensified. The public and private sniping between the two women became legendary, leading to a mutual hatred that would persist throughout their careers. Both actresses saw the collaboration as a necessity given their middle-age and the need for a hit film to sustain their careers. This rivalry reached a peak during the filming of physical scenes, even to the extent of intentionally inflicting bodily harm on each other out of spite.
This enmity extends beyond just Joan Crawford and Bette Davis. Another on-screen rivalry, prominent in a historical context, involves Queen Elizabeth I and the Earl of Essex. Their relationship was antagonistic on a level that is hard to comprehend. According to actor Errol Flynn, the film The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex is a perfect example of their personal animosity. During the scene where Essex returns from Ireland, Flynn's portrayal of Essex is abruptly interrupted by Bette Davis' character, Queen Elizabeth I, who delivers a heavy-handed slap to Flynn's character as a symbolic blow to his pride.
The On-Set Brawl: Behind the Scenes of "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex"
Errol Flynn recounts the incident in detail: while filming a long dolly shot, he had to walk the length of an enormous set, approaching a throne that Davis was occupying. The scene called for him to approach her and say, "Your Majesty..." and then to the shock of the entire court, Davis is supposed to strike Flynn across the face. According to Flynn, Davis hit him so hard with her heavy, Elizabethan-ringed hand that his jaw was dislocated and he felt deaf.
Flynn recounted, I felt a horrible surge of anger that turned my stomach. I thought, My God, I have to go through this again! I must talk to her. He patiently protested Davis' actions, yet to no avail. She insisted, That's a pity! I knew you were going to complain... I can't do it any other way!
These instances highlight the intense emotions and rivalries that underpin on-screen performances. It is not just about acting skills; it is about a deep-seated, personal need to outdo each other. Both Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, as well as Queen Elizabeth I and the Earl of Essex, show how personal animosity can enhance on-screen performances and shape the legacy of their careers.
Conclusion
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The interplay between on-screen rivalry and off-screen animosity offers a glimpse into the complex nature of actors' relationships. Whether it is the enduring feud between Joan Crawford and Bette Davis or the historical antagonism between Queen Elizabeth I and Essex, these off-set tensions often become reflected in their ultimate performances. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for appreciating the depth of roles actors bring to their characters.