Isn't this a bit harsh?

After seeing this, Joan Crawford said, "That was a bit harsh". B.D. Hymen said "Hey, that's my mother you're talking about."

I really want to know how this special is recived among fans and afficandos of Bette. On the surface, it's yet another documentary made up of news footage and interviews discussing Bette's works, and there are probably quite a few out there. However, after watching it, you have to realize just how dark it is.

I saw this for the second time yesterday (the first, I wasn't paying all that much attention). I don't expect the entire documentary to be a love in, but other than praising her acting (you can't touch her there), the film is incredibly negative towards Bette. I mean, there are a lot of insane accusations which might be true (and if not, would be libelous if she were alive) but are definately told by the point of view by people who were questionable. First, there was the second wife (and widow) of his first husband who had incredible accusations....which came from her husband. Not exactly objective. Even better was an ex-employee, obviously disgruntled....who we then found out stole her second or third husband? Wow! And the way she tells it, Bette shouldn't have been made when that happened. And just kind of gross and uncalled for was one of her directors (not Wyler) who claims she was not going well on the set...."And then I had sex with her and she claimed down!" I'm straight guy, but a senistive one and that was kind of classless. And of course there was more than just hinting at the fact that Bette killed one of her husbands?

Now maybe I'm not well informed on Bette since I didn't read either of her books. But the entire documentary paints her as manipulative yet foiled (by Jack Warner), foolish, monstrous, slutty, murderous...did I miss any? I realize she isn't a saint but considering "Stardust" is sold among in a boxed set with her name on it!

There is also the possibility that anybody can see that most of the anger is in fact coming from people who have an obvious axe to grind and these point of views should be taken with a grain of salt. Maybe, these people were even added for dramatic effect. It's funny, but I think another documentary on Bette I saw discussed how Hollywood is filled with so many stories because everyone tells it differently. That saying that would have been more fitting here! Also, it should be noted that BD really gets called out with the accusation (or implication) that she wrote the book with the assumption Bette was going to die! Again, I really want to hear what others think.