Kathryn Sermak was a personal assistant to Bette Davis in the actress' later years and became a close friend as well, going on trips with the star even after she was no longer in her employ. Sermak writes about how Davis, who at first wanted to fire Sermak, took the young lady under her wing (whether she wanted to be there or not), taught her manners and added some polish, and encouraged her in both her private life and love life. Like most movie stars, Davis could on occasion be difficult and unpleasant, but she was more often kind-hearted and always fascinating. Sermak writes about how difficult it was for Davis to survive breast cancer and a stroke, and then have to deal with her daughter, B. D. Hyman's, betrayal by writing My Mother's Keeper. Hyman, apparently under the thumb of her husband, whom she married at sixteen, had turned into a sanctimonious religious zealot and wanted her mother to mend her ways or she would never see her grandchildren. (One need not even comment on that!) There is some satisfaction in that Davis' fortune was divided between her son Michael and Sermak and Hyman was cut out without a dime (after receiving much financial support from her mother over the years). The book is very well-written by Sermak and Morton, and pulls the reader along, even creating suspense in whether or not Davis' exhaustively-planned weekend with her children and grandchildren will go well or not, and in whether or not Sermak herself will find a lasting relationship with her French boyfriend, Pierre. Books like Miss D and Me have to be taken with a grain of salt, of course -- not to be cynical but Sermak may have done all she did for Davis to get in her will for all we know -- but much of it rings true and is rather moving to boot.
Verdict: Bette Davis fans will want to devour this highly interesting study of the lady's last few years. ***1/2.
2 comments:
Fascinating, I must read. Reminds me of a two-person play that I saw years ago, based on a memoir, about a New England housewife who is forced to play hostess to a cantankerous Bette Davis (who was played by illusionist Jim Bailey!)whose house is being renovated, or something like that...wish I could remember the title. Bailey was a pretty damn good Bette Davis, believe it or not...
-Chris
I can believe it -- Baily was quite talented. I think the play you're referring to was based on a book written by the housewife who played host to Davis, but I forget the title as well. I think Sermak's book might make a good play, or TV movie!
Post a Comment