Bette Davis bitches about suspension clauses

FROM WIKIPEDIA: Convinced that her career was being damaged by a succession of mediocre films, Davis accepted an offer in 1936 to appear in two films in England. Knowing that she was breaching her contract with Warner Bros., she fled to Canada to avoid legal papers being served upon her. Eventually brought to court in England, she later recalled the opening statement of the barrister, Sir Patrick Hastings, who represented Warner Bros.. Hastings urged the court to "come to the conclusion that this is rather a naughty young lady and that what she wants is more money". He mocked Davis's description of her contract as "slavery" by stating, incorrectly, that she was being paid $1,350 per week. He remarked, "if anybody wants to put me into perpetual servitude on the basis of that remuneration, I shall prepare to consider it". The British press offered little support to Davis, and portrayed her as overpaid and ungrateful.[23]

Davis explained her viewpoint to a journalist, saying "I knew that, if I continued to appear in any more mediocre pictures, I would have no career left worth fighting for".[24] Davis's counsel presented her complaints - that she could be suspended without pay for refusing a part, with the period of suspension added to her contract, that she could be called upon to play any part within her abilities regardless of her personal beliefs, that she could be required to support a political party against her beliefs, and that her image and likeness could be displayed in any manner deemed applicable by the studio. Jack Warner testified, and was asked, "Whatever part you choose to call upon her to play, if she thinks she can play it, whether it is distasteful and cheap, she has to play it?" Warner replied, "Yes, she must play it."[25]

The case, decided by Branson J. in the English High Court, was reported as Warner Bros. Studios Incorporated v. Nelson in [1937] 1 KB 209. Davis lost the case and returned to Hollywood, in debt and without income, to resume her career. Olivia de Havilland mounted a similar case in 1943 and won.

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[bannon1000]

Dressed in black with the Cartier brooch finished with the hat. She oozed class and had such wisdom and intelligence.I could listen to her all day she really knows her stuff.Imagine in the 1930,s and 40,s a WOMAN having the balls to speak her mind and challenge established systems,it was un heard of!!!and kick ass(and boy) could she kick ass.She was and remains as good as it gets in acting and as a person she is just a diamond-rare,precious and valuable.Miss D you are the buisness xxx

[bweb6]

Todays actresses appear so dull during interviews in comparison to Bette. I could listen to her stories all day.

[millers3888]

B.D. Hyman is such a bitch.

[uranian99]

@xanthoxylaceae And you're an illiterate moron.

[sweet161402]

Love you Bette! I don't like women's Lib either.

[videoaa99]

I love her boots, they are so beautiful.

[Milton754]

Love her. A true STAR!

[bdavis4life]

It always hurts my heart, these interviews where she speaks so lovingly about BD. Maybe she wasn't the greatest mother in the world, but is any woman? Bette gave BD everything, she wanted for nothing. What a way to repay her by breaking her heart.

[xanthoxylaceae]

@bweb6 agreed! Celebrities now in days are afraid of being interesting and tend to be safe. Boring!

[xanthoxylaceae]

@bannon1000 your ghey...

[Discoboy504]

She was So Funny...she had a "naughty" sense of humor too....Oh I would have loved to have sat around with her at a party with some drinks...I am sure that would have been a real hoot! I am so happy this interview was posted here....I never get tired of watching it.

[mjwells100]

I have always loved Betty Davis' acting, and after I watched her interview I love the person even more. She's delightfully unpretentious.