This course explores the extraordinary life and career of Bette Davis, one of Hollywood’s most enduring and iconic actresses. Known for her fierce independence, magnetic screen presence, and bold choices both on and off camera, Davis redefined the role of women in Hollywood and paved the way for future generations of performers.Through a mix of film analysis, historical context, and cultural critique, students will examine
Dav...
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Few figures in Hollywood history loom as large as Bette Davis. With her trademark eyes, sharp tongue, and uncompromising approach to her craft, Davis not only shattered expectations of what a leading lady could be, but also redefined the power and possibility of women on screen.
This course invites students to delve into the rich tapestry of Davis’s life and legacy, tracing her journey from a young stage actress in New England to a Hollywood powerhouse whose career spanned over six decades. We will examine how she navigated the constraints of the studio system, taking legal and artistic risks to maintain creative control. Her performances often mirrored her personal battles, and through them we glimpse a woman who fought for excellence, authenticity, and her place in an industry that frequently sought to silence or sideline her.
Through close readings of her most iconic films, analysis of archival materials, and a study of the cultural moments she helped shape, this course will uncover how Bette Davis became one of the most important Hollywood stars.
What will we cover?
In the first week, we will explore Bette Davis’s early life, her ascent in the rigid Hollywood studio system, and how she quickly distinguished herself through bold choices that defied the expectations placed on actresses in the 1930s and 1940s. Beginning with her formative years and training, we’ll look at the tenacity that fuelled her move to Hollywood and her early clashes with Warner Bros., the studio with which she had a famously contentious relationship.
The second week will focus on Davis’s mid-to-late career, marked by resilience, reinvention, and a lasting cultural impact. We will begin with a deep dive into All About Eve (1950), widely regarded as one of the finest performances in film history. From there, we’ll examine her later roles in psychological thrillers like What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962), a film that reignited her career and launched a new genre of women-driven horror and suspense.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- evaluate extra-textual evidence and understand how it shapes Bette Davis’ persona - conduct a basic formal analysis of Bette Davis - understand and accurately articulate specialist terms used in the language of film - demonstrate skills in close textual analysis - gain insights into star theory - appreciate the impact of historical contexts in the formulation of Bette Davis’ persona
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for anyone interested in the topic of film stardom.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
There will be a short lecture with an accompanying PowerPoint. Secondly, film clips will be provided in the session and you will discuss these in both large and small groups. Lastly, there will be reading each week for further discussion and small group work.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. Film scenes will be shown in the session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please look also for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.
Ann-Marie Fleming received her PhD in Film Studies from The University of Kent in 2019. She has taught multiple film courses on film history, style, and theory. She has published two articles in the Celebrity Studies Journal and a book chapter in Star Attractions, Twentieth-Century Movie Magazines and Global Fandom.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/bette-davis-a-study-of-stardom-and-strength3071443Bette Davis: A Study of Stardom and Strengthhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/exploring-film-genres-hf102-1080.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/American film/Courses/Online courses228511771580207917311228511771580<p>This course explores the extraordinary life and career of Bette Davis, one of Hollywood’s most enduring and iconic actresses. Known for her fierce independence, magnetic screen presence, and bold choices both on and off camera, Davis redefined the role of women in Hollywood and paved the way for future generations of performers.<br>Through a mix of film analysis, historical context, and cultural critique, students will examine Davis not only as a performer, but as a force who challenged studio power structures, gender norms, and audience expectations. This course also reflects on the broader themes of fame, femininity, and resilience in the Golden Age of Hollywood.</p>003071338Bette Davis: A Study of Stardom and Strength7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/exploring-film-genres-hf102-1080.jpgInStockDaytimeSatOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2027-02-27T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allFeb 2027Culture, history & humanitiesHF1577979Bette Davis: A Study of Stardom and Strength635179Ann-Marie Flemingbette-davis-a-study-of-stardom-and-strength/hf157-2627<p>This course explores the extraordinary life and career of Bette Davis, one of Hollywood’s most enduring and iconic actresses. Known for her fierce independence, magnetic screen presence, and bold choices both on and off camera, Davis redefined the role of women in Hollywood and paved the way for future generations of performers.<br>Through a mix of film analysis, historical context, and cultural critique, students will examine Davis not only as a performer, but as a force who challenged studio power structures, gender norms, and audience expectations. This course also reflects on the broader themes of fame, femininity, and resilience in the Golden Age of Hollywood.</p>0000-Available|2027-02-27 00:00:00<p>Few figures in Hollywood history loom as large as Bette Davis. With her trademark eyes, sharp tongue, and uncompromising approach to her craft, Davis not only shattered expectations of what a leading lady could be, but also redefined the power and possibility of women on screen. </p><p>This course invites students to delve into the rich tapestry of Davis’s life and legacy, tracing her journey from a young stage actress in New England to a Hollywood powerhouse whose career spanned over six decades. We will examine how she navigated the constraints of the studio system, taking legal and artistic risks to maintain creative control. Her performances often mirrored her personal battles, and through them we glimpse a woman who fought for excellence, authenticity, and her place in an industry that frequently sought to silence or sideline her.</p><p>Through close readings of her most iconic films, analysis of archival materials, and a study of the cultural moments she helped shape, this course will uncover how Bette Davis became one of the most important Hollywood stars. </p><p>This course explores the extraordinary life and career of Bette Davis, one of Hollywood’s most enduring and iconic actresses. Known for her fierce independence, magnetic screen presence, and bold choices both on and off camera, Davis redefined the role of women in Hollywood and paved the way for future generations of performers.<br>Through a mix of film analysis, historical context, and cultural critique, students will examine Davis not only as a performer, but as a force who challenged studio power structures, gender norms, and audience expectations. This course also reflects on the broader themes of fame, femininity, and resilience in the Golden Age of Hollywood.</p><p>In the first week, we will explore Bette Davis’s early life, her ascent in the rigid Hollywood studio system, and how she quickly distinguished herself through bold choices that defied the expectations placed on actresses in the 1930s and 1940s. Beginning with her formative years and training, we’ll look at the tenacity that fuelled her move to Hollywood and her early clashes with Warner Bros., the studio with which she had a famously contentious relationship.</p><p>The second week will focus on Davis’s mid-to-late career, marked by resilience, reinvention, and a lasting cultural impact. We will begin with a deep dive into <em>All About Eve</em> (1950), widely regarded as one of the finest performances in film history. From there, we’ll examine her later roles in psychological thrillers like <em>What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?</em> (1962), a film that reignited her career and launched a new genre of women-driven horror and suspense. <br> </p><p><br> </p><p>- evaluate extra-textual evidence and understand how it shapes Bette Davis’ persona<br>- conduct a basic formal analysis of Bette Davis<br>- understand and accurately articulate specialist terms used in the language of film<br>- demonstrate skills in close textual analysis<br>- gain insights into star theory<br>- appreciate the impact of historical contexts in the formulation of Bette Davis’ persona <br> </p><p>This course is for anyone interested in the topic of film stardom. </p><p>There will be a short lecture with an accompanying PowerPoint. Secondly, film clips will be provided in the session and you will discuss these in both large and small groups. Lastly, there will be reading each week for further discussion and small group work. </p><p>There are no additional costs. Film scenes will be shown in the session.</p><p>Please look also for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>Film studiesAmerican filmvirtual637951HF157NONESat27/02/27 - 06/03/2710:30 - 13:0010:3013:002 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksWeekendOnlineOnlineAnn-Marie FlemingBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2027-02-27T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeFeb 2027Culture, history & humanities7979Bette Davis: A Study of Stardom and Strengthbette-davis-a-study-of-stardom-and-strength/hf157-2627<p>This course explores the extraordinary life and career of Bette Davis, one of Hollywood’s most enduring and iconic actresses. Known for her fierce independence, magnetic screen presence, and bold choices both on and off camera, Davis redefined the role of women in Hollywood and paved the way for future generations of performers.<br>Through a mix of film analysis, historical context, and cultural critique, students will examine Davis not only as a performer, but as a force who challenged studio power structures, gender norms, and audience expectations. This course also reflects on the broader themes of fame, femininity, and resilience in the Golden Age of Hollywood.</p>0000-Available|2027-02-27 00:00:00<p>Few figures in Hollywood history loom as large as Bette Davis. With her trademark eyes, sharp tongue, and uncompromising approach to her craft, Davis not only shattered expectations of what a leading lady could be, but also redefined the power and possibility of women on screen. </p><p>This course invites students to delve into the rich tapestry of Davis’s life and legacy, tracing her journey from a young stage actress in New England to a Hollywood powerhouse whose career spanned over six decades. We will examine how she navigated the constraints of the studio system, taking legal and artistic risks to maintain creative control. Her performances often mirrored her personal battles, and through them we glimpse a woman who fought for excellence, authenticity, and her place in an industry that frequently sought to silence or sideline her.</p><p>Through close readings of her most iconic films, analysis of archival materials, and a study of the cultural moments she helped shape, this course will uncover how Bette Davis became one of the most important Hollywood stars. </p><p>This course explores the extraordinary life and career of Bette Davis, one of Hollywood’s most enduring and iconic actresses. Known for her fierce independence, magnetic screen presence, and bold choices both on and off camera, Davis redefined the role of women in Hollywood and paved the way for future generations of performers.<br>Through a mix of film analysis, historical context, and cultural critique, students will examine Davis not only as a performer, but as a force who challenged studio power structures, gender norms, and audience expectations. This course also reflects on the broader themes of fame, femininity, and resilience in the Golden Age of Hollywood.</p><p>In the first week, we will explore Bette Davis’s early life, her ascent in the rigid Hollywood studio system, and how she quickly distinguished herself through bold choices that defied the expectations placed on actresses in the 1930s and 1940s. Beginning with her formative years and training, we’ll look at the tenacity that fuelled her move to Hollywood and her early clashes with Warner Bros., the studio with which she had a famously contentious relationship.</p><p>The second week will focus on Davis’s mid-to-late career, marked by resilience, reinvention, and a lasting cultural impact. We will begin with a deep dive into <em>All About Eve</em> (1950), widely regarded as one of the finest performances in film history. From there, we’ll examine her later roles in psychological thrillers like <em>What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?</em> (1962), a film that reignited her career and launched a new genre of women-driven horror and suspense. <br> </p><p><br> </p><p>- evaluate extra-textual evidence and understand how it shapes Bette Davis’ persona<br>- conduct a basic formal analysis of Bette Davis<br>- understand and accurately articulate specialist terms used in the language of film<br>- demonstrate skills in close textual analysis<br>- gain insights into star theory<br>- appreciate the impact of historical contexts in the formulation of Bette Davis’ persona <br> </p><p>This course is for anyone interested in the topic of film stardom. </p><p>There will be a short lecture with an accompanying PowerPoint. Secondly, film clips will be provided in the session and you will discuss these in both large and small groups. Lastly, there will be reading each week for further discussion and small group work. </p><p>There are no additional costs. Film scenes will be shown in the session.</p><p>Please look also for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>Film studiesAmerican filmconfigurable
20791580American filmhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/film-studies/american-film1/2/285/1177/1580/20791/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/American film
