There are moments in life — like when you’re trying to finish writing your dissertation, revising a novel, getting your two-year-old to stop biting his sister, and figuring out what you’re going to do with the rest of your life — when you need Bette Davis.
“What would Bette do?” is a question that I have actually asked myself. The woman was always a tower of strength on screen. Sometimes she’s not at the beginning, but by the end, she’s found her way in a hostile world and she’s found her man too and she absolutely won’t apologize.
Everyone knows All About Eve — and I adore the central relationship in that film — but Now, Voyager is more focused on the romance. So this week’s fine romance recommendation is Irving Rapper’s 1942 weepie with Davis and Paul Henreid.
It’s the story of a frumpy, introverted Boston Brahman spinster who gets some new clothes, goes on a cruise to South America, and falls in love with Paul Henreid. As one does. Warning: it doesn’t feature a traditional happily ever after, but I don’t think you’ll care because Bette Davis will teach you how to live.
Emma Barry 
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