“Bette Davis, we love you.” – Madonna

BETTE DAVIS TTM AUTOGRAPHS

I’ve got over a dozen Bette Davis autographs (including a handwritten note), at least 20 books about her, almost all her movies and of course several autographs of her co-stars AND daughter.  Because of my long-time admiration, this entry will turn into a multi-star essay with all of Bette’s satellite stars and a lot more pix of Bette Davis memorabilia and autographs.  For now, I’ll do just the tip and tease with a few from my collection that I received from her in 1979 and the early 80’s.  

The envelope behind the Jezebel photo is the envelope she sent to me in response to my first fan letter to her in 1979.  She included a latter-day picture inscribed fully to me.  Can you imagine just writing to ANY celebrity today and asking them to send you a signed autograph – and they would do it FOR FREE, pay the postage AND include their own photo?!?!  It sure would be a rarity.

You’ll also see the note from her in response to “My dad says I shouldn’t bother wasting my time writing to you, because she will never respond.”  Well, dad was wrong.  (P.S. She’s referring to “Bette Davis Eyes” where she says “think the song is great”)

Here’s my shitty Cher imitation of “Bette Davis Eyes” singing along with part of my Bette Davis collection

BETTE DAVIS EYES

Since Bette answers my question about the song in her note, I thought I should give a nod to “Bette Davis Eyes” itself!  Of course, the hit record by Kim Carnes is a classic – and the original rendition by Jackie DeShannon is nice.  But the remakes!?!?!  There are sooooo many!  From the uninspired Gwyneth Paltrow karaoke version on “Duets” (meriting an Australian import CD single) to unknown group “Cover Up”, JoJo Siwa (ummm), even Taylor Swift (on “Speak Now World Tour – Live”) and so many hyper-kinetic gay “let’s do a bump and dance” versions.  It’s mind boggling.   Personally, I like this intriguing brief Italo-disco vocal by Sonia Davis sounding like an accented Bonnie Tyler

JACKIE DESHANNON AUTOGRAPH

Jackie DeShannon has always been one of my favorites; even as a little boy with “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” – and then later finding the video of “When You Walk in the Room”.  Gorgeous, fun, talented – and she wrote Bette Davis Eyes.  What’s not to love?  I had to buy an autograph, and it took a while to hunt down a nicely signed, authentic version with her full vintage signature.  But it was worth it.  Now check this cutie out – watch the dance moves, the high-pony and the direct camera eye-contact - LOVE!

ANNE BAXTER AUTOGRAPHS

Let’s kick off the satellite of Bette Davis connections with Anne Baxter.  The conniving “Eve Harrington” was delicious in “All About Eve”.  So much so that she was nominated for Best Actress in the movie as was Bette Davis.  1950 was a banner year for Best Actress and Bette was a front-running contender along with Gloria Swanson in “Sunset Boulevard”. Poor Eleanor Parker in “Caged” didn’t have a chance.  Judy Holliday walked away with the prize! Shown here are a couple of Anne Baxter autographs that I’ve bought in collections over the years.  (P.S.  She plays a fantastic, rich older woman with a serious drinking problem in “The Late Liz” (1971) – It’s overlooked and some of it is so campy.  Her wigs steal some scenes!)

The two 5x7 photos shown here signed in green (one with the original studio envelope from Twentieth Century Fox) are studio secretarials.  The red 10x8 is a downright bad attempt at her authentic signature. Luckily, I found that a collection I bought of index cards for less than $3 each included an AUTHENTIC Anne Baxter. YAY!!!