Who was a better actress - Bette Davis or Joan Crawford?

[7_Sorrows]

I recently watched a Bette Davis movie Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte and a Joan Crawford movie Daisy Kenyon. They were both big Hollywood stars and played some interesting women. I have always been a bit more partial to Bette Davis though. I don’t know if they were friends or rivals. Joan Crawford always had such a hard look on her face. They were both about the same age I think. Both had daughters that wrote unflattering biographies of their mothers.
They were career driven. I am more of a Bette Davis fan though than a joan Crawford fan.

 

[meltzerboy]

I recently watched a Bette Davis movie Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte and a Joan Crawford movie Daisy Kenyon. They were both big Hollywood stars and played some interesting women. I have always been a bit more partial to Bette Davis though. I don’t know if they were friends or rivals. Joan Crawford always had such a hard look on her face. They were both about the same age I think. Both had daughters that wrote unflattering biographies of their mothers.
They were career driven. I am more of a Bette Davis fan though than a joan Crawford fan.

While Joan Crawford’s acting ability was far from negligible, I agree with you that Bette Davis was the better actress. She played a much wider variety of roles. Of course, her acting was generally larger-than-life and over-the-top, but that was the dominant style in those days. Today the more realistic, natural style of acting is preferred.

According to the media and film critics, they were not friends, to put it mildly. But, as we know, the media often has a tendency to exaggerate celebrity disputes and rivalries or just plain get it wrong with regard to show business as well as politics.

 

[7_Sorrows]

I don’t know if they were ever under contract with the same studio ir not or if they ever had to compete for the same role. They could both play very stubborn and strong willed women.

 

[Isca]

I have read that their ‘feud’ started because of a man, Franchot Tone - Bette fell for him first, then he was lured away from her by Joan (who married him).

 

[Tarpeian_Rock]

Davis. At some point I think Crawford just started playing herself.

 

[kozlosap]

Bette’s performance in Now Voyger was simply breathtaking. I think that all of we baby boomers will forever remember Joan from Mommie Dearest, which is sad.

 

[johnnyc176]

Bette Davis…and it’s not even close imo.

 

[Catholic1954]

Bette Davis–Jezabel!

 

[7_Sorrows]

Bette’s performance in Now Voyger was simply breathtaking. I think that all of we baby boomers will forever remember Joan from Mommie Dearest, which is sad.

yes I think the book and movie Mommy Dearest did tarnish Joan’s image. The actress who played her was very convincing.
I did not read the book by Bette’s daughter.

Now Voyager was an excellent performance as was her southern belle in Jezabel. So many memorable performances.
I wonder how the two of them got along on the set of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. By that time they were both aging starlets.

 

[7_Sorrows]

I have read that their ‘feud’ started because of a man, Franchot Tone - Bette fell for him first, then he was lured away from her by Joan (who married him).

ouch! that would be painful.