Jane Recker, Monthly Editor
Even the beautiful acting force that was Bette Davis slowly succumbed to the march of time, receiving fewer parts as she aged. So, in 1962 Davis posted an employment ad in the Hollywood Reporter stating "Mother of three, divorcee, 30 years experience as an actress in motion pictures, wants steady employment in Hollywood, references upon request: Bette Davis."
It's one of Northwestern English Prof. Julia Stern's favorite anecdotes about Davis and a prime example of why Davis is worthy of days of study and reflection. That's why Stern and Loyola English Prof. Melissa Bradshaw are putting on an academic conference all about Davis. "All About Bette: The Cultural Legacies of Bette Davis," will take place in Scott Hall Oct. 5-6 and examine the ways Davis was key to shaping the culture of Hollywood's Golden Age.
The conference will present papers from scholars around the country examining everything from Davis' relationships with her co-stars to the incredible longevity of her career. Friday's keynote address will feature the world's preeminent Bette Davis expert, Martin Shingler, and Saturday's keynote will be a Q&A with Davis' former personal assistant, Kathryn Sermak.