Monday, August 16, 2010

Bette Davis-Legal Case

Davis was convinced her career was being damaged by mediocre films by Warner Brothers. She accepted an offer in England to appear in 2 films, knowing she was breaching her contract with Warner Brothers. Davis fled to Canada to keep from being served legal papers. After awhile Davis took her case to a court in England.

Sir Patrick Hastings represented Warner Brothers. he urged the court to “come to the conclusion that this is rather a a naughty young lady and that what she wants is more money”. Hastings incorrectly stated that Davis was getting paid $1350 per week for her quoted “slavery”. The British press portrayed Davis as overpaid and ungrateful.

Davis’ counsel presented her complaints. Her counsel suggested that Davis could be suspended without pay for refusing a part, with the period of suspension added to her contract that Davis could be called upon to play any part within her abilities regardless of her personal beliefs.

Davis lost her case.

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