The Rivalry Between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford: The Making of 'Baby Jane'

Bette Davis and Joan Crawford had a notoriously tumultuous relationship marked by rivalry and animosity rather than friendship. Their professional and personal feud was so intense that even their on-screen partnership in the 1962 horror thriller What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? could not mend their strained relationship.

Famous for Their Rivalry

Both Davis and Crawford were major stars in Hollywood, but their rivalry was further fueled by their contrasting styles and public personas. Davis was renowned for her intense acting and strong-willed personality, while Crawford was seen as glamorous and more commercially appealing.

This competition between the two actresses played out publicly, with both vying for the same roles and accolades during the golden age of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s. Their rivalry became a significant part of Hollywood lore, as it demonstrated the intense pressures and personal conflicts that can arise in the film industry.

The Filming of 'Baby Jane'

When Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were cast in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, their relationship was at its lowest point. The filming was marked by tension as both actresses reportedly engaged in petty sabotage against each other. Despite the film's success and its status as a classic, their animosity persisted.

After the completion of filming, their hatred only intensified. They never became close friends, and their feud is now legendary, symbolizing the intense competition and personal conflicts within the film industry.

Early Feud and its Origins

The legendary public and private feud between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford during the production of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane was apparent throughout:

The defining incident in their mutual hatred actually began three decades earlier when Davis starred in the 1935 drama Dangerous and fell hard for her co-star Franchot Tone. Unfortunately, Crawford got to Tone first, and the couple announced their engagement during the filming of Dangerous. This early clash set the stage for the animosity between the two actresses.

Despite their professional success in the early days of Hollywood, the dynamic between Davis and Crawford continued to be characterized by jealousy and competition for roles and acclaim. Their conflicting personalities and styles made it nearly impossible for them to find common ground, and this obstinate rivalry only grew with each film they starred in together.

By the time they were cast in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane, their relationship had already been strained for years. The production of the film did not alleviate the tension; rather, it brought to the fore the deep-seated animosity that had been simmering for decades.

Conclusion

Though Bette Davis and Joan Crawford's professional achievements were undeniable, their personal feud overshadowed their on-screen success. The legacy of their rivalry is a testament to the stark competitiveness that often defines the film industry. Even long after their deaths, their controversial relationship continues to fascinate and inspire, serving as a stark reminder of the intense pressures and personal conflicts that can arise in the world of Hollywood.