Bette Davis-Film Career

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Davis earned her first acclaim role as Mildred Rogers in the film ‘Of Human Bondage’ (1934). Where may actresses feared playing unsympathetic characters, Davis viewed it as an opportunity to show the range of her acting skills. The film was a success. The critics loved her portrayal of Mildred Rogers, giving Davis high praised reviews. Life Magazine wrote Davis gave “the best performance ever recorded by a U.S. actress”.

When Davis didn’t get nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Mildred Rogers, many joined a campaign to get her nominate. This prompted an announcement from the Academy President, who said “any voter…may write on the ballot his or her personal choice for winners.”. This allowed for the first and only time in the Academy history that a allowed a consideration of a candidate not officially nominated for an award. It also changed the Academy’s voting procedures the following year.

In 1935, Davis played a troubled actress in the film ‘Dangerous’. The film got great reviews.

Davis’ next film was ‘The Petrified Forest’ (1936). She co-starred with Leslie Howard and Humphrey Bogart. It was Bogart, who received the critics praise in this film.

Davis played a prostitute in a gangster drama inspired by Lucky Luciano called ‘Marked Woman’ (1937) Both the film and Davis received excellent reviews.

Davis next film was in ‘Jezebel’. ‘Jezebel’ marked the beginning of the most successful phase of Davis’ career.

During the filming of ‘Dark Victory’ (1939), Davis was emotional and thought of abandoning it. I took producer Hal B. Wallis talking her to channel her emotional state into her acting. The film was one of the highest grossing films of the year and won Davis a nomination at the Academy Awards. The film became Davis’ favorite.

In 1939, Davis appeared in three box office hits ‘The Old Maid’, ‘Juarez’, and ‘The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex’.

Davis became Warner Brothers’ most profitable star. She was given important female leading roles. Davis got more close ups, putting emphasizes on her eyes.

The most financially successful filming of Davis’ career was ‘All This and Heaven Too’ (1940). The Hollywood Reporter considered ‘The Letter’ as “one of the best pictures of the year”.

Davis became the first female president of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. It was said she antagonized the committed members with her brash manners and radical proposals. She ended up resigning from the position.

In 1941, Davis starred in the film ‘The Little Foxes’ as the character of Regina Giddens. During the film, she clashed with her director, William Wyler. Wyler wanted Davis to soften the role of Regina Giddens. Davis wasn’t going to have it. It turned out Davis’ instincts was right because she received an Academy Award nomination for her performance.