All About Eve is a 1950 American drama film written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. It is based on the 1946 short story "The Wisdom of Eve" by Mary Orr, although Orr does not receive a screen credit. The film stars Bette Davis as Margo Channing, a highly regarded but aging Broadway star, and Anne Baxter as Eve Harrington, an ambitious young fan who maneuvers herself into Channing's life, ultimately threatening Channing's career and her personal relationships. The film co-stars George Sanders, Celeste Holm, Gary Merrill, and Hugh Marlowe, and features Thelma Ritter, and Marilyn Monroe in one of her earliest roles, Gregory Ratoff, Barbara Bates, and Walter Hampden.
The film held its world premiere in New York City on October 13, 1950. Praised by critics at the time of its release, All About Eve received a record 14 nominations at the 23rd Academy Awards, becoming the only film in Oscar history to receive four female acting nominations (Davis and Baxter as Best Actress, Holm and Ritter as Best Supporting Actress). The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
All About Eve is considered by many to be the greatest film ever made about the theater and the sometimes backstabbing behind-the-scenes world of show business. It remains as vital and fresh today as it did in 1950. The film is known for its stiletto-sharp dialogue and direction by Mankiewicz, and an unforgettable Davis in the role that revived her career and came to define it.
Trailer
Cast
- Bette Davis as Margo Channing
- Anne Baxter as Eve Harrington
- George Sanders as Addison DeWitt
- Celeste Holm as Karen Richards
- Gary Merrill as Bill Sampson
- Hugh Marlowe as Lloyd Richards
- Thelma Ritter as Birdie Coonan
- Marilyn Monroe as Miss Casswell
Other cast members include Gregory Ratoff as Max Fabian, Barbara Bates as Phoebe, Walter Hampden as Aged Actor, and Randy Stuart as Eve's Award Presenter.
Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Writer: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Box Office (Gross USA): $151,052
Distributor: 20th Century Fox, Fox
Genre: Drama
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 13, 1950
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013