The Great Performances Mankiewicz Elicited: Creative Collaboration with Bette Davis, Marlon Brando, and Ava Gardner

'All About Eve' and the Revival of Bette Davis's Career

Joseph L. Mankiewicz was known as an 'actor's director' and excelled at drawing the finest performances from many great actors. A leading example is his collaboration with Bette Davis on 'All About Eve.' In 1950, Davis had just ended her long-term contract with Warner Bros. and reached a turning point in her career. Now in her forties, her former status as a leading actress had begun to waver. After reading Mankiewicz's screenplay, however, Davis acclaimed it as the best she had ever read and ardently wanted the role of Margo Channing. Mankiewicz completely understood Davis's ability and personality, creating a complex, compelling character that seemed written for her. On set, Mankiewicz and Davis treated each other with profound respect, and the director said of her, 'She was extremely cooperative and understood that there was no need to change a single word of the dialogue I had written.' He brought the whole production into exquisite balance, making use of Davis's powerful personality without diminishing the appeal of costars such as Anne Baxter and Marilyn Monroe. The resulting role of Margo Channing became one of Davis's defining performances, and she herself expressed gratitude by saying, 'Mankiewicz resurrected me from the grave.' The film brought out a new dimension in Davis as an actress and established her as a great performer in her mature period.

'Julius Caesar' Opened New Ground for Marlon Brando

Another of Mankiewicz's accomplishments was casting the young Marlon Brando in Shakespeare and greatly broadening his acting range. Selecting Brando as Mark Antony in the 1953 'Julius Caesar' was a bold decision. At the time, Brando was known for the murmured delivery heard in films such as 'A Streetcar Named Desire,' and many considered him unsuited to classical drama. Mankiewicz, however, recognized Brando's potential and believed that proper guidance could make him succeed in the classics as well. Before filming, he thoughtfully introduced Brando to the distinguished British actor John Gielgud so that he could receive private coaching in Shakespearean recitation. Brando humbly accepted Gielgud's instruction and trained intensely to master classical delivery. When tension arose during production because of stylistic differences between Brando and costar James Mason, Mankiewicz skillfully mediated without injuring either man's pride and maintained teamwork through his characteristic consideration. Brando's completed performance of Mark Antony's speech was overwhelming, with critics hailing it as 'the clearest and most powerful Brando voice ever heard.' The New York Times wrote that 'a great talent has now blossomed,' and Brando won the British Academy Film Award for Best Actor for the film. Through Mankiewicz's insight and appropriate direction, Brando secured his reputation as an actor of great ability.

'The Barefoot Contessa' Revealed Ava Gardner's Depth as an Actress

Ava Gardner's collaboration with Mankiewicz showed the world her true value as an actress possessing ability as well as beauty. Several candidates, including Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Collins, were considered during development of the 1954 film 'The Barefoot Contessa,' but Mankiewicz wanted Gardner from the beginning. Although Gardner was popular at the time as 'the world's most beautiful woman,' her acting tended to be underestimated. Mankiewicz recognized both her latent dramatic talent and the mystery the role required. Gardner was under exclusive contract to MGM, but Mankiewicz personally negotiated with the studio and secured her loan for the production. Filming took place chiefly in Italy, giving Gardner—who had recently divorced Frank Sinatra—a welcome opportunity to change her surroundings and immerse herself in the role. On set, Mankiewicz carefully communicated the performance plan and directed her to draw out her natural appeal and delicate emotional expression to the fullest. Gardner brilliantly portrayed the complex Maria Vargas, who transforms from a Spanish dancer into a Hollywood star and then a countess. She later said, 'I think the first film people associate with me is 'The Barefoot Contessa',' suggesting that her work with Mankiewicz was a highlight of her career. Gardner's performance had depth and conviction and helped her develop from a movie star into a true dramatic actress.

Trust with Great Actors Produced Performances That Endure in Film History

Mankiewicz could draw the best work from so many actors because of the quality of his screenwriting and his deep understanding of and respect for performers. His dialogue was intelligent and witty, offering actors rich characters worth playing. Many performers in Mankiewicz's films were indeed nominated for or won Academy Awards. George Sanders won Best Supporting Actor for 'All About Eve,' and Edmond O'Brien received the same award for 'The Barefoot Contessa.' Humphrey Bogart revealed a new side of himself in 'The Barefoot Contessa,' giving a restrained performance as a film director in decline. Cary Grant took on the role of a goodhearted but eccentric doctor in 'People Will Talk,' skillfully distinguishing between its comedic and dramatic elements. Also notable is the appearance in small roles in Mankiewicz's films of performers who would later become major stars. In 'All About Eve,' the young Marilyn Monroe appeared in a small but memorable part that captured the audience's attention. Mankiewicz was a professional who accurately identified each actor's personality and strengths and adjusted his writing and direction to display them fully. The actors, in turn, trusted Mankiewicz's talent and character and followed his guidance to deliver their finest work. This mutual trust was the source of so many great performances. Mankiewicz's sets gave talented actors a place to learn and advance, and the creative chemistry produced there remains permanently inscribed in film history.

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