This film, starring Bette Davis, concerns an aging Broadway actress (Davis) who takes pity on a young girl seemingly down on her luck, and allows this ingénue into her life, much to her later regret. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

A cracking script, written by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, coupled with Bette at the top her game, chewing scenery with the best of them, makes for riveting viewing. If you are under thirty, and the whole black-and white thing seems like a bit of a bore, stick with it; you won’t regret the time spent.

You need to bear in mind that back then, writers had to be ever conscious of the censors.For example, ever notice how in old movies, married couples always sleep in separate beds?

On the other hand, however, if you are half-heartedly throwing the smokes away, forget about watching this one – all involved in this movie are smoking like they’re going to be in front of a firing squad at first light.

That’s just one of the aspects of pre-1970’s movies that has always impressed me; the ability and ingenuity, of the all involved, to convey what is really going on in the story without coming out and saying it, as we do now. Incidentally, black-and-white cinematography, is itself an art form.

Just watch it. I’d venture the whole thing is on youtube right now, but I could be wrong… Here’s a trailer, anyway.