Bette Davis

As Hercule Poirot enjoys a luxurious cruise down the Nile, a newlywed heiress is found murdered on board. Can Poirot identify the killer before the ship reaches the end of its journey? Based on the Dame Agatha Christie novel, our favorite Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot (Sir Peter Ustinov), is on a cruise up the Nile. He is surrounded by an interesting assortment of characters, including a wealthy heiress and her husband, on their honeymoon. It appears that everyone hates the heiress. —grantss As brilliant Belgian detective Hercule Poirot enjoys a lavish cruise down the Nile, an arrogant, newlywed millionairess is found in a pool of blood, murdered on board. With every one of the eclectic passengers on board the luxurious SS Karnak having a good reason to want the wealthy heiress dead, meticulous Hercule Poirot arms himself with patience and dogged perseverance to ferret out the killer in their midst. Surrounded by clues hidden in plain sight, can Poirot shed light on the knotty case of the death on the Nile before another one ends up dead? —Nick Riganas Almost everyone on the S.S. Karnak, cruising the Nile, has a reason to want spoiled, selfish and beautiful heiress Linnet Ridgeway Doyle (Lois Chiles) dead. Her jewels are coveted by elderly Mrs. Van Schuyler (Bette Davis); her maid, Louise, is upset because Linnet won't give her a promised dowry; writer Salome Otterbourne (Angela Lansbury) is facing a libel suit brought by Linnet; Salome's daughter Rosalie Otterbourne (Olivia Hussey) wants to protect her mother; Andrew Pennington (George Kennedy) has been embezzling from the Ridgeway family; and former friend Jacqueline De Bellefort (Mia Farrow) is more than a little angry and upset that Linnet stole her fiancé, Simon Doyle (Simon MacCorkindale). Renowned Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot (Peter Ustinov) must unravel the mystery when Linnet (and some others) turn up dead. —Ron Kerrigan <mvg@whidbey.com>

In 1917, nine-year-old "Baby" Jane Hudson (Julie Allred) is a vaudevillian child star. She performs to adoring crowds and inspires the creation of a rather expensive Baby Jane doll. Jane is shown to have become a spoiled brat whose doting stage-father Ray Hudson (Dave Willock) gives in to her whims and demands while her disapproving mother and jealous, overlooked 11-year-old sister Blanche Hudson (Gina Gillespie) watch from the sidelines. By 1935, the now grown sisters' roles have reversed. Both are movie stars, but Blanche is the successful and glamorous one, while Jane's films have flopped. Unable to establish her talent as an adult actress, Jane has taken to drinking. One night after coming home from a party, their car pulls up the driveway to their mansion and one of the sisters steps out to open the gate. When she reaches the gate, the sister who is driving steps on the accelerator, smashing the car into the gate. In 1962, a wheelchair bound Blanche (Joan Crawford) and a severely aged Jane (Bette Davis) are living together in a creepy mansion in Los Angeles. Blanche lives primarily in her bedroom watching her old movies on television and reliving her former career. Jane is an antagonist who fights with her sister constantly, drinks excessively, and wears caked-on makeup in an effort to appear young again. Blanche is heavily dependent on her bitter, abusive sister, except for her friendly relationship with their cleaning woman, Elvira Stitt (Maidie Norman). Elvira is concerned for Blanches well-being at the hands of "crazy" Jane, but Blanche defends her. Elvira tells Blanche that she has discovered her sister has been opening her mail and dumping it in the trash, but Blanche is slow to condemn her and shows concern for her sister's welfare. In her own world, Jane is reliving her childhood success in a dark, disturbing manner. She is lost in her memories when she sees her reflection in the mirror and is horrified. At that moment Blanche calls for her sister with an annoying, repeated use of a bedside buzzer from her room: She wants to know why she cannot call out on the telephone was it left off the hook downstairs? Jane is annoyed when Blanche informs her she may be selling the house. Jane fights with her sister, fearing what will become of her, and rips the telephone cord from the wall, further isolating Blanche in her room. When Jane brings Blanche's lunch afterwards, Blanche finds under the silver serving dish lies her beloved parakeet, dead on a bed of tomato slices. Jane makes herself up to go out and place an advertisement for a piano player so she can restart her performing career. While she is out, Blanche tries to get the attention of her neighbor, Mrs. Bates (Anna Lee), who is tending her flowers below Blanche's window. When Blanche cannot get her attention, she writes a note pleading for help and throws it from her window. Unfortunately, Jane returns at that moment and the distraction of the car coming up the driveway prevents Mrs. Bates from seeing the crumpled paper. Jane finds the note, however, and when she brings Blanche's dinner up, she argues with her sister again, telling her the house is hers and it will never be sold. Jane mocks her sister's kindly concern and drops the folded note in her lap. Jane leaves the room, and when Blanche goes to her serving tray for dinner, she cannot bring herself to touch it. The next morning when Elvira arrives, Jane tells her she can have the day off. Jane's abuse of Blanche continues and they fight again when she brings Blanche her lunch. Blanche has not touched her dinner from the night before and wants to know why her breakfast had not been brought. Jane responds because she had not eaten her dinner and Jane tauntingly eats from the previous night's plate. As she takes the dinner tray away, she tells her sister they have rats in the basement, and when Blanche goes to eat her lunch, she finds a dead rat on the plate. Blanche screams and Jane laughs evilly at her sister's despair. Meanwhile, a talented, down-and-out, overweight young man named Edwin Flagg (Victor Buono) sees Jane's newspaper advertisement and phones the Hudson house to make an appointment for that afternoon. Edwin lives with his mother and hopes to use this opportunity to land some cash for himself and his mother. When Edwin shows up at the house, Jane grotesquely performs her signature song from her childhood, "I've Written a Letter to Daddy," with Edwin playing the piano. Edwin tries to conceal his disgust. Jane brags about who she was as a child and shows him a scrapbook of herself. At this time, Blanche uses her buzzer repeatedly to call her sister, wanting to know who the visitor is. Enraged, Jane goes upstairs, confronts Blanche, and rips the buzzer out of the wall and slaps her sister. Back in the living room, Jane and Edwin agree to his salary and they plot their moves. Jane then drives him home. While shes out, Blanche goes into Jane's room looking for food (by now, she hasn't eaten in a couple of days) and discovers that Jane has practiced forging her signature and is writing checks under Blanche's name. She works her way down the stairs to the telephone. Blanche calls Jane's doctor and tells him that she needs help and asks if he could come to the house right away. Jane comes home to find Blanche on the phone, talking to the doctor. Blanche abruptly ends the conversation and tries to make excuses in front of her enraged sister. Jane beats her as she lies on the floor, kicking her in the head and stomach until she is unconscious. Jane then calls the doctor back and, disguising her voice as Blanche, tells him not to come because "Jane found another doctor". Then Jane drags her sister to her room, ties her by her arms, gags her, and leaves her there. The next day, Elvira arrives to see Blanche. Jane tells her that her services are no longer needed and dismisses her. Suspicious, Elvira sneaks into the house when Jane leaves for the bank to get money to pay Edwin. She finds Blanche's room locked and is attempting to remove the door from the hinges when Jane comes home and catches her. Upon Elvira's demands, Jane gives her the key, and as the maid enters the darkened room to find Blanche bound and gagged, Jane uses a hammer to kill Elvira. Jane sinks deeper into her delusions, saying, "If only they had loved me enough." Edwin rings the doorbell, but Jane does not answer, "Not now Edwin, not now," and when he leaves, she sobs in despair. She drags Elvira's dead body from the house and disposes of it by dropping it some distance away in a garbage bin. One week later, the police phone the Hudson house and tell Jane that a cousin of her maid reported her missing. Jane tells them that she hasn't seen Elvira in a week. A panicked Jane then prepares to leave with her sister, fearing the police will discover what she's done. Suddenly, a drunken Edwin shows up at the house, demanding to receive his first payment. While he is there, a weakened Blanche is able to knock over a bedside table in her room. Edwin hears the noise, goes upstairs to investigate, and finds Blanche tied to her bed. He is shocked at her "dying" condition as she begs for his help. Edwin runs from the house and gets away from Jane. Desperate, Jane puts her sister in the car and drives to the beach. The next morning, the search is on for the missing Hudson sisters. Elvira's body was found by the police, and there are bulletins on the radio. Blanche, starved and dehydrated, is lying on the sand with Jane sitting beside her, oblivious to her plight. Aware that she is dying, Blanche tells Jane the truth of what happened years before. It was she, Blanche, who tried to run over her drunken sister. Jane, however, moved out of the way in time and Blanche had slammed into the gate and snapped her spine, but managed to drag herself out of the car and up to the wrecked gate. Because Jane was too drunk to realize what happened, she has long believed that she was responsible for her sisters condition. Jane sadly asks, "You mean all this time we could have been friends?" However, this revelation comes too little too late for Jane, whose mental health has completely deteriorated by this point. Jane runs to a beach-side concession booth to get ice cream cones for the two of them. Two policemen arrive and intercept Jane as she is returning with the ice cream cones. As a crowd of beach-goers begin surrounding her, Jane realizes that she again has the attention she's long craved, and she dances before the onlookers, joyfully happy at last, in her decayed imagination. The police spot a motionless Blanche lying on the sand and break through the crowd to help her as the deranged Jane continues to dance. THE END

The day before her wedding, a pampered young woman absconds with her sister's husband. Her sister begins seeing the woman's former fiancé. A young woman, Stanley Timberlake, dumps her fiancé, Craig Fleming, and runs off with her sister Roy's husband, Peter Kingsmill. They marry, then settle in Baltimore, where Stanley ultimately drives Peter to drink and suicide. Stanley returns home to Richmond and learns that her old flame Craig has fallen in love with Roy and they plan to marry. Jealous, selfish Stanley attempts to win back Craig's affections, but her true character is revealed when, rather than take the rap herself, she attempts to pin a hit-and-run accident on Parry Clay, the young African-American clerk works in Craig's law office. —Bonnie Barber <bonbar@mit.edu> Adult sisters Roy Kingsmill and Stanley Timberlake are the daughters of Asa and Lavinia Timberlake. Roy takes after her father's side of the family--compassionate and thoughtful if somewhat "soft"--whereas Stanley takes after her mother's side of the family: cutthroat and selfish. The differences between these two sides of the family can also be seen in the former business dealing between Asa and Lavinia's brother, William Fitzroy, who came into wealth at the expense of Asa's side of the business. William dotes on his niece Stanley, who adds excitement to his life. Stanley is about to marry Craig Fleming, a lawyer without much professional ambition. Roy is already married to surgeon Peter Kingsmill and they live in the Timberlake family home. Just before Stanley and Craig's wedding, Stanley and Peter, who have been having an affair, run off together. Peter felt stifled in the marriage because of living at the Timberlakes' while Roy allowed her family to control their lives. After Stanley and Peter run off, Roy and Craig try to get on with their lives. Just as Roy and Craig feel that they have left this dark part of the lives behind them, Stanley re-enters their lives, insisting on satisfying her selfish desires at the cost of anyone who gets in her way. —Huggo As her marriage to Craig Fleming approaches, vivacious, carefree Stanley Timberlake runs off with her sister Roy's husband, surgeon Peter Kingsmill, then divorces him. He marries Stanley, but their life together isn't happy; her selfish, spendthrift ways drive him to drink--and ultimately to suicide. Back home, Roy has rebuilt her life and she and Craig are in love and plan to marry. Stanley returns home and sets her sights on getting Craig back, but after she accidentally hits a mother and child with her car, she points the finger at Parry Clay, a hard-working young Black man studying law while working as a clerk for Craig. Her story soon breaks down and she runs off, with tragic results. —garykmcd In Great-Depression-era Richmond, industrialist Asa Timberlake is cheated by his brother-in-law and partner William Fitzroy and loses his business to him. His spoiled daughter Stanley Timberlake, Uncle William's pride and joy, is about to marry idealist lawyer Craig Fleming--but then she flees to Baltimore with surgeon Peter Kingsmill, her sister Roy's husband. After a short period of happiness, Peter cannot afford to support Stanley's expensive tastes and commits suicide. Roy divorces Peter and gets close to Craig, who proposes to her. Parry Clay, a Black teenager who works for Timberlake, dreams of becoming a lawyer, and Craig hires him to work in his office. the shopping of Stanley and commits suicide. Meanwhile, Roy divorces Peter and gets close to Craig who proposes to marry her. Stanley returns home and unsuccessfully tries to seduce Craig, inviting him to have dinner with her in a tavern. However, Craig does not arrive, and Stanley, upset, speeds back home, committing a hit-and-run that kills a child. When the police comes to Asa's house, Stanley accuses Parry of driving her car, and the innocent youth is arrested and jailed. What will happen to him? —Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Wealthy young socialite Judith "Judy" Traherne spends her time partying and horse riding. She has many friends but no one really close, except for her cousin Ann, who serves as her companion. But Judy is hiding symptoms which are rapidly becoming worse. For several months she has headaches and memory loss. Then her vision becomes affected. Trying to laugh it off, Judy confides in Ann. But Ann takes it seriously, especially after Judy is injured in a horse riding accident. Dr. Parsons, the family's elderly physician, believes her to be seriously ill. He recommends that she see Dr. Frederick Steele, a neurologist. Judy refuses until she falls down the stairs. Reluctantly, she agrees to at least meet Dr. Steele. Although Dr. Steele is closing his office to move to Vermont and do research, he makes time to see Judy. She is flippant until he asks her why she is so afraid. Whatever is wrong won't go away by ignoring it. He asks about her symptoms, which she tries to dismiss but finally admits to having. After performing a few simple tests in his office, he wants her to have a series of x-rays. Between these appointments, she is to go about her life as usual. For Judy, that means giving a party at her home. Dr. Steele calls in two other neurologists to look at the x-rays and all agree that Judy needs immediate surgery. By this time, Dr. Steele is in love with Judy, although he manages to hide it. He is certain that surgery will reveal a malignant brain tumor, a glioma, and this proves to be the case. But he tells her she will be fine now, not wising to upset her by telling the truth. Ann senses he is holding something back and at last he tells her. They both agree that Judy should not know, even though she only has a few months left to live. Frederick reveals that she won't be in any pain, and that when she starts losing her eyesight, the end is near. Frederick and Judy admit their feelings for each other and make plans to marry. Judy visits Frederick's office while his nurse is packing for the move to Vermont. She catches sight of a file folder with her name on it and can't resist peeking. To her horror, she learns that her case is considered "prognosis, negative" and asks the nurse what it means. After learning that it means the patient is likely dying, Judy runs from the office and confronts Frederick. He tries to explain but there is really nothing to say. She thinks he wants to marry her out of pity. They quarrel and Judy returns to her old life of partying and drinking. Her horse trainer, Michael O'Leary, who is secretly in love with her, kisses her and asks her to forget Dr. Steele. But Judy realizes she can never forget Frederick. One of Judy's more serious boyfriends, playboy Alec, invites Frederick to his apartment for a drink. They discuss Judy. Alec has loved her for years but he can't help her now. Just then the bell rings and it is Judy. She came to talk to Alec and is startled to see Frederick. Alec tactfully excuses himself, Judy apologizes, and Frederick says there is nothing to apologize for. They decide to carry out their original plan, to marry and move to Vermont. Three months later, Judy is still feeling well and is very happy in her marriage. Ann comes for a visit. She is trying to sell Judy's apartment and horses, but so far hasn't found a buyer. Frederick has a chance to speak with Ann alone and warns her not to say anything to Judy about her terminal condition. They never discuss it and he doesn't want it brought up now. During Ann's visit, Michael the horse trainer stops by. Judy reminds him that her horse should win the upcoming Grand National, even though he doesn't think so. He tells her he's been praying for her, which seems to displease her. Frederick is going to a medical conference in New York and Judy is expecting to go with him. But while outside helping Ann plant flower bulbs, she remarks that a storm must be brewing, as it's getting dark. Ann instantly knows what is happening, and Judy realizes it too. She orders Ann to say nothing to Frederick, that he must make this trip because it is important for his research. They go inside and Judy tells Frederick that she's changed her mind about accompanying him. Although nearly blind, she manages to conceal this from him and even helps him finish packing. After he departs, Judy asks Ann to help her plant the hyacinth bulbs, as they are Frederick's favorite. Ann digs the holes and Judy plants several bulbs. She asks Ann to always stay with Frederick, as he will be so lonely. If Judy's horse wins the Grand National, Ann is to give a big party for all their friends and serve champagne. Then Judy asks to go inside. At the door, she says that she wants to be alone and asks Ann to leave for a while. Ann runs off down the road, unable to hold back her tears. The housekeeper, Martha, checks on Judy and find her kneeling in prayer beside her bed. Then she lies down. Martha covers her with a duvet and quietly leaves the room. The last scene is of Judy awaiting death.

In 1850s Louisiana, a free-spirited Southern belle loses her fiancé due to her stubborn vanity and pride, and vows to win him back. In one of her most renowned roles, Bette Davis portrays Julie Marsden, a spoiled Southern belle who risks losing her suitor with her impetuous behavior. Engaged to successful banker Preston Dillard, Julie pushes him away with her arrogant and contrary ways, leading to a scandalous scene at a major social event and his subsequent departure. When Preston eventually returns and Julie attempts to win him back, she discovers that it may be too late. —Jwelch5742 Set in antebellum New Orleans during the early 1850's, this film follows Julie Marsden through her quest for social redemption on her own terms. Julie is a beautiful and free spirited, rapacious Southern belle who is sure of herself and controlling of her fiancé Preston Dillard, a successful young banker. Julie's sensitive but domineering personality--she does not want so much to hurt as to assert her independence--forces a wedge between Preston and herself. To win him back, she plays North against South amid a deadly epidemic of yellow fever which claims a surprising victim. —Adam Brodsky <adam_brodsky@hotmail.com>