Dear Bette: Advice From the Screen Queen

From, Bette: The Life of Bette Davis. "Her father rejected her. Her first husband involved her in a blackmail scheme. Her second died tragically. Her fourth faught her in a bitter custody battle. Her love affairs with Howard Hughes, William Wyler, threatened her reputation. Her mother, sister, and children made demands that threatened her health, her finances and her sanity. Yet, through it all… Bette Davis endured."

Bette Davis, the outspoken silver screen queen, was known for her unconventional style, her braisenness, and feminist views before there was even a name for it. After receiving thousands of fan letters monthly asking for her advice on personal matters, Bette decided to respond.

This book is a compilation and reprint of answers to such delicate questions from fans such as, "What should I do? I'm in love with two brothers," or, "I met a man who says he is a talent scout and wants me to come to Hollywood with him. Should I go?," or, "Is it wrong to be in love with a married man?"

These intimate letters seek advice on child abuse, interracial dating and marriage, body image, entertainment goals, loss of a loved one, wartime woes, and the reporting of a murder.

Shocking, poignant and straight-forward, Bette Davis hands out advice that may surprise you. A "must" for old-Hollywood fans and Turner Classic Movie fans.

(Questions/Responses from letters received, circa 1938-1949)