More On HBO’s Grey Gardens: “The Hallmark Of Aristocracy Is Responsibility”
HBO’s Grey Gardens — premiering stateside April 18 — satisfies the hunger fans have for more on the Beale women better than pâté, ice cream and hotplate-boiled corn. We know, cause we got a copy.
Almost everything uttered by the mother and daughter in the Maysles’ 1975 documentary, on which HBO’s film is based, is quotable, but much of it came off as the delusional ramblings of two women suffering from folie à deux. But by digging into their backgrounds in the new film (starring Jessica Lange and a lispless Drew Barrymore), their motivations and bon mots become much clearer, and often brilliant. Like when Little Edie said, “The hallmark of aristocracy is responsibility.” Her parents were pressuring her to get married, as soon as she turned 18, to a man who could secure her future and provide her with the same kind of lifestyle in which she’d been raised. Her father Phelan told her mother that marrying off Little Edie was her job and her “sole responsibility.”
Little Edie had a pipe dream of entering show business and didn’t want her ambitions to be stifled by marriage and children, the way that her mother’s were. However, Big Edie’s philosophy on life was a little shrewder, essentially telling Little Edie to marry for money, which will give her the freedom to do whatever she wants. This shed a whole new light on the conversation the two had in the documentary, in which Big Edie told her daughter that she’s “not free if [she's] being supported, to which Little Edie replied, “I thought you said you’re not free when you’re not being supported.”
The film shows how and why Little Edie gave up her life in Manhattan (which included an affair with married man Julius Krug, Secretary of the Interior, played by an aptly cast, bloated Daniel Baldwin) to live with her mother at Grey Gardens, as well as the breakup of Phelan and Big Edie’s marriage of convenience, a situation that became increasingly inconvenient for Big Edie when she refused to scale back her lifestyle and burned through her Bouvier inheritance. She and Phelan never legally divorced — although he did eventually get a “fake Mexican divorce” — and Big Edie lived off the meager $US150 allowance her ex-husband provided for her until his death, when all of his money was left to his “new fake wife.”
The Beales’ lack of financial stability was evident in the documentary, but no one really knew why they didn’t just sell their massive East Hampton estate, as the land alone would’ve provided plenty of money for them to live comfortably. Here, Big Edie explains her reasoning, when her sons are pleading with her to be more financially responsible in the wake of Phelan’s death.
After the county raided their home, Jackie O (Little Edie’s first cousin and Big Edie’s niece) finally stepped up to the plate and paid for cleanup and renovations to the dilapidated mansion. The relationship between Jackie and Little Edie was a tense one, due to Edie’s jealousy over Jackie’s celebrity. Her acrimony toward Jackie (played by dead-ringer Jeanne Tripplehorn) is seen here:
Perhaps the biggest question fans of the documentary have had is “What the fuck happened to Little Edie’s hair?” It turns out that she had some kind of anxiety condition since she was young, which caused her hair to fall out. After her father died, she was left bald.
The best part about HBO’s Grey Gardens is that — like the documentary — it shows these women to be nonconformists who would rather cut themselves off from society, than have to give in to its rules. They’d rather forfeit luxury than their dreams, even if it meant that they were just dreamers living in squalor. Finally getting to see the limited choices that life presented to them, their eccentricities now seem seem relatively sane.
It was also fun to see recreations of how the infamous estate looked before they let it go to pot.
And of course, there are plenty of Little Edie’s fashions on display. And while this isn’t the most revolutionary costume, I think it’s the best costume for the day, you understand.
clips
drew barrymore
edie beale
exclusive
grey gardens
grey gardens movie
jacqueline kennedy onassis
jessica lange
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Comments (AU Comments | US Comments)
@Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.: either have I. I never heard of grey gardens until jez said something about it. i feel lost and sad that i don't have HBO.
Also, Britney Spears would have been a better choice for Little Eadie's role. No hair, crazy like a fucking loon...
Also, folie a deux reminds me of Bugs and creepy Michael Shannon.
Look at you with your preview! Thanks for sharing. Looks really interesting and well done. Although I always get sad about these women, and fascinated by their choice of house-paint colors later on.
OH! And did Drew have to learn the Virginia Military Institute march for the part?
Man, this looks great! It's nice to see Drew actually getting an interesting role, too.
Trivia!!!! Did you guys know that the Grey Gardens home is now owned by Ben Bradlee, the former executive editor of the Washington Post (he was Woodward and Bernstein's boss during the Watergate investigation)? It's like his summer home or something. He purchased it in 1979.
I'm ashamed to say I have no idea who any of these people (with the exception of Jackie O) are or were. I am off to Google and will be back with witty and insightful critiques which will make you forget all about this droll comment (although by that time they will probably be on the 4th page so you will have to search)
In my dream world, there would be a Grey Gardens viewing party with only Jezzies invited. We would be required to wear skirts as headdresses and other Beale-tiful clothing.
OMG. I'm in Grey Gardens Heaven.
The house has been totally restored though, right? Did they use the actual restored house for the film?
It's really interesting that the film shows Little Edie choosing not to marry out of rebellion because in I felt the bulk of the documentary was her explaining how her mother ruined all her opportunities of marriage. As to suggest that her mother didn't want her to leave the family and get married.
I thow a birthday cake and wine in a paper cup party every now and then for my friends...or you know, when I'm broke.
I squeed SO HARD when I realized Jeanne Tripplehorn was Jackie O! First wife, First Lady, awwwww shit.
OMG This movie looks AMAZING.
Do they include the raccoons?
happysquid
Can I come over someone's house to watch this, PLZ!?
Mary McCarthyite
@Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.: I've never heard or seen the documentary either, atleast not until recently. Now excuse me while I get off your lawn.
SevenNationArmy has made a huge mistake
@[en.wikipedia.org]
applejuice
@Mary McCarthyite: I don't have HBO, but I adore your icon & screen name.
ragincajun67
@Mary McCarthyite: Me too. Damn you television set, with your lack of HBO!
@Mary McCarthyite: Sure! I have HBO. Grey Gardens party at my house. Capes and scarves will be required attire though.
octobersky is electric barbarella
So did she have Alopecia? I know someone with that and they were told it was probably triggered by stress.
applejuice
@hortense: According to IMDB, the Valley Halla estate in Toronto stood in for their house.
@linnyt is a walking cliché: I just looked it up and it is a documentary about two women who lived in a squalid manor. Apparently they were related to Jackie O and it sounds like a fascinating flick, so off to Netflix I go.
not to harp but some of the wording, "meager allowance" "stepped up to the plate", it seems that this lifestyle was a choice and there have always been plenty of people living in involuntary squalor who had little to no choice over their circumstances, or the security of a home. i don't think jackie or her ex-husband should be held responsible for other adults or criticized for "not being helpful enough"
milominderbinder
I have never seen the original documentary, and only learned of these women through Jez. However, I can't even explain how excited I am to see this. I must find the documentary asap.
@happysquid: and their white bread feast?!
I've been waiting forever for this! My costume designer friend & I are going to watch it "together" via chat.
For some reason, Jessica Lange as Big Edith reminds me of the grandmaman in The Triplets of Belleville. In a good way.
@Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.: The documentary was controversial for a number of years because some people thought the Maysles brothers were exploiting the mentally ill. I believe this held up distribution of the film for some years (on VHS, but don't quote me on that). Are people relating more to the Beales these days with their grand mansion falling down all around them (and filled with cats and racoons)?
@Fatwetdog: Oh, duh, April 18. Ignore me. I thought it said April 10. The documentary will be at my house in plenty of time for the 18.
I have a question for people who know more about this story/documentary/movie than I:
So, I haven't seen the documentary, but it is at the top of my Netflix queue. I want to watch this movie, but is it OK to watch it first? Or should I TiVO this movie and save it till after I've seen the documentary?
@Mary McCarthyite: Maybe we should have an open thread?
hello.kitty
@mervbaby: Srsly we need to hang out sometime! best part of the movie was the raccoons.
happysquid
@hortense: No, they built a house for the film. The original house is lovely now. Sally Quinn purchased it from Edie. Edie knew that Sally and Ben would take good care of her home.
hello.kitty
@octobersky is electric barbarella: it really is the best outfit for the day.
You know, I'm excited for this, but what I REALLY REALLY want out of life is a film version of Grey Gardens The Musical, with Christine Ebersole, who is second only to my beloved Patti Lupone in my heart.
+ Watch video
From this clip I can't tell if she really did learn how to not talk out the side of her mouth for this role.
@poires et poireaux: I would like to join you in said dream world. I've got the perfect skirt!
I was looking forward to this, but as someone who never fell in love with Drew Barrymore, my anticipation was measured. Now I CAN'T WAIT!
@hortense: I was wondering if they planted/reconstructed the actual grey garden, I'd love to see that.
@hfree: I agree, I'd recommend watching the documentary first.
I predict a Golden Globe for Drew! :)
@octobersky is electric barbarella: I have a mean scarf collection and would love to do this. I need to get some pins first...
@ragincajun67: Thank you! Are you a fan of her books.
@BabyJane: I shake my fist at the TV!
@hello.kitty: BINGO.
Mary McCarthyite
i'm so excited! i got advance screening passes for being an entertainment weekly subscriber.
@Fatwetdog: The movie might not have the same resonance without having seen the documentary (Drew seems to have Little Edie down pat. It's uncanny)
@mervbaby: that's what i thought too.
@Mary McCarthyite: I damn the fact I live in Europe. DAMN! I so need to see this.
BlondeGoddess
I must've written it in Grey Gardens thread before, but the documentary itself made me so sad. I wept. However, I'm really excited for the movie - somehow, for me, it makes the story "less" real and, less sad. I'll have to hunt it down on the internet somehow:)
Tu-lip
@stacyinbean: YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
Mary McCarthyite
Watching Grey Gardens, I slowly came to the idea that Little Edie might have suffered from a crippling anxiety disorder. Which is especially difficult for someone wanting to be in show business. I still wonder if that's the tragedy of her life. Mentioning "anxiety" as reason for her hair loss adds to this impression.
She also seems throughout the film to be rationalizing this, blaming others, somewhat in denial. Which is quite sad, but compelling.
As for selling the house, it's important to remember, there was a time when a "house in the Hamptons" didn't mean they were sitting on a gold mine. In fact the phrase "the Hamptons" was never even used when I was growing up there. Its mass celebrity and stratospheric real-estate values are relatively recent.
GG was filmed through 1973, and it's clear by then that the women were permanently settled there, psychically. Their staunch refusal must have set in some time earlier, let's say a decade. East Hampton was still remote, the LIE did not have a mass extension until 1970, just the "Old" Montauk highway. It wasn't considered a year round place by "city' folk. I'm sure the Beales knew there was already a certain ignominy in living in their summer place all year, in the eyes of "society".
Selling their home would not be some astronomical payday, then. Compared to today, they'd make a little to live on, not much, and they'd be homeless too. They wouldn't get then what we think the place would be worth now.
(Sorry for going on!)
@Jezebabe: Yes, we knew.
In the 3rd clip, Jessica Lange looks so much like Big Edie it's scary!
BlondeGoddess
I think I remember watching part of the original documentary - it has to be the same pair - kooky mother and daughter living in a dilapidated EH home w/ ivy all around it and singing and dancing around - it must be the same, right? anyway, I'm watching it and you're all invited but someone has to put the kids to bed
franimaljones
@LAkebandit: I will bring the little American flags.
These clips make me wish we hadn't gotten rid of HBO in an effort to downscale everything. Crap! I'll have to wait for the DVD to come out.
inkpixie
@stacyinbean: I believe it's available in segments on YouTube, but you ain't heard that from me.
@stacyinbean: Netflix has it. I've even seen it at the library, if you like free stuff.
@applejuice: yes, that is believed to be it. Same thing that afflicted Princess Caroline of Hanover (nee Monaco) for a while.
@Baroness: YOu added good info and points to this subject. You're spot on about the Hamptons not being the Hamptons of today.
hello.kitty
@stacyinbean: it will haunt you. The first time you watch it, you will howl with laughter. The second time, you will be fascinated. The third time you will realize that you and your mother are just like the Edies.
@HuckleberryFriend: I truly believe this was the role she was born to play.
HeatherNumber1
I totally ordered HBO only to watch this! I will be cutting it off as soon as I have had my fill.
Elspeth
I am going to be a S-T-A-U-N-C-H supporter of this movie whenever I finally see it. I don't get HBO at school, so my lovely parents will be DVR-ing it for me. That way, when I'm an unemployed college graduate next month I can watch it as many times as I want.
Janet.Jopler.is.on.my.mind.grapes
Does anyone know where the writers got the info that is missing from the documentary- ie who filled in the gaps? I was always so curious about little edie's brothers...
hollygirl
@hortense: Sally Quinn and ed bradlee of Washington post bought the house, said they could never get rid of the cat pee smell.
hollygirl
I am so excited to watch this movie. I'll probably end up seeing it like three times. Yay for having HBO.
I have an early copy, too, but I haven't watched it. Now I feel I should.
I read in an interview with Lee Radziwill that jackie never visited grey gardens, so I'm kind of predisposed not to belive stuff in this movie. I don't need to watch what someone imagined would make an intersting "round-out" to the original
hollygirl
@Vivelafat says Sweep the leg, Johnny.: I only discovered it a few years ago, when I looked up what the most rented Netflix movies were in New York and other cities on the East Coast. This movie was always near the top, so I finally rented it just to see what the fuss was about.
JessaFields
The house was in Architectural Digest once after it was renovated and Sally Quinn talked about the weird people who would stop- once she came home and there was a woman standing in her living room who said something like, "Edie is pleased with what you do with the place."
cdmunch
@brendastarlet is on it: OMG! I totally thought I was the only one who'd had that realization!
ShanghaiLil
@mervbaby: At one point, when little Edie is hurling accusations, Big Edie actually says something like, "I woulda been left all alone!" which has always made me think that she did, in some way, sabotage her daughter.
ShanghaiLil
@hollygirl: I prob read the same interview (in Vogue), and understood that Jackie never visited GG with Ari Onassis - which doesn't mean she didn't go by herself or with her sister.
BlondeGoddess
@Baroness: Ditto from a New York native. Selling the house and going to a Manhattan apartment, for example wouldn't have helped. The point for me, is, that these were two women who were born and bred to be helpless outside of marriage. That they somewhat realized it, too late in life, is the tragedy, and warning, of the movie. And sneer if you want at Jackie O, but she took care of herself financially (through shrewd marriages)but also worked before and after her marriages. And made sure her kids were taken care of.
SarahHeartburn
@hollygirl: Jackie DID visit GG, and paid for the roof. Princess Lee is just -- and has always been! -- jealous of her sister... just ask Truman Capote. (!)
Bunsy
@i heart pop culture: Well, since no one ever actually wants to get married, in mainstream pop culture, they had to change that part. To make it more "true to life". Little Edie obviously had no idea what she wanted and thank heavens Hollywood could clarify.
The Hamptons weren't the big-dollar location they are today, which is why they didn't just sell.
Lulupasternak
@Mary McCarthyite: I met the real Mary McC years ago at Vassar... she signed my copy of The Group, and told great great stories about who they were all based on (in real life) from the women her year at school.
Thinking about it now -- a great memory. I think the wanted to be an actress but, as she later admitted, could only play one role: "herself." She sat and chatted with me (all by myself) for about 45 minutes.
Bunsy
@Baroness: Very good explanation, and accurate.
Lulupasternak
@hello.kitty: For a very good deal. Sally didn't waste any of Ben's money on the place.
Lulupasternak
@poires et poireaux: I have an old bathing suit that I'll wear as a dress!
garconne
Clips. Too. Short. Need. More. GAH.
@Cortina: If you love Christine Ebersole's take on Little Edie, then you need to track down the episode of the Big Gay Sketch Show where she appeared as Little Edie for an Extreme Home Makeover: Grey Gardens sketch.
It is brilliant.
"Is it true that Jack Kennedy gave you gonorrhea?" - I've found my Facebook status.
mariamariamaria
@Cortina: She was brilliant. Mary Louise Wilson, too. I saw the pre-Bway version at Playwrights Horizons, but have since memorized the entire soundtrack.
So are a lot of the scenes invented? That doesn't bother anyone? The performances look good.
1.1.1.
@Cortina: sadly a whole lot of stupid backstage/producer infighting kept that from being filmed for PBS. It's a damn shame, too. Those two ladies were brilliant.
cmd
For those who can't get enough, there is a doc called "The Beales of Grey Gardens" with original, unused footage and even some follow-up interviews with Edie! I just got it from Netflix and it was fantastic.
Anne Salisbury
I thought the hallmark of aristocracy was decadence and sexual perversity.
Nom D. Guerre
@SarahHeartburn: I'd never sneer at Jackie, far from it! But you're quite right. I think that's what's heartrending about the story in part. That Little Edie was encouraged to find a proper husband, she rebelled- but something seems to have impeded her, scarred her even. And she seemed to retreat from this vibrant boldness, and retreated to her safe place with her mother.
By then, perhaps by the rigid format of that society, it was "too late" for her- that upper class spectrum was merciless about who was marriageable, and Edie's rebellion might have been held against her quite palpably. She was probably not yet 30. A playwright couldn't make it up.
An imaginative girl rebels, wants to be an artist and a star instead of a wife, but is beset by her fears and anxieties, and brought low. She won't "show them all" after all, comes home to mother. and her class turns their back. They consider her crazy, outcast. No wonder they preferred the wilds of East Hampton. "Polite society" was a cruel joke to them.
Wow, hurry up HBO! Looking forward to this.
@poires et poireaux: My best friend and I are having a party. And in true Beale fashion, there will only be two revelers.
I can't wait for this!!!
I can't wait to watch this!
nancykc
@JessicaLovejoy: Laughing, riding, cornholing!:
Oh this makes me heart you although I don't know you.
Amorette1125
@HeatherNumber1: Or, more aptly, the role she was bred to play.
I have zero interest in watching this movie.
@poires et poireaux: There's got to be at least one young Marble Faun present - for good measure!
But I'll be watching at home with my best scarf pinned at the nape of my neck.
@BlondeGoddess:
Where in Europe? Because SKY italy does air many HBO films. Maybe the BBC will air it as they share programming?
@BlondeGoddess: Ah! thanks for the clarification. I'm still not sure I need more than the original.
hollygirl
"The hallmark of aristocracy is responsibility" is actually a quote from a half- invented genealogy written by Edie's grandfather that aggrandized the Bouvier name as being descended from French royalty.
[www.greygardensonline.com]
Pterodactyl
I couldn't even make it through the documentary, so as much as I love these actors, I'm not sure I'll be watching this version. Watching the original, I could only feel sad because I felt like they were completely mentally ill, unable to care for themselves, and had intentionally alienated the people who might be willing to help them. Basically, reminded me too much of my family.
I don't see how this could measure up to the original. Jessica Lange is too good for these remakes ("Sybil") she has been doing.
reggattagirl
all you philadelphia and south jersey jezzies...come see the Broadway musical version of GREY GARDENS at Philadelphia Theatre Company from May 21 - June 28th - it's gonna be awesome!! The musical based on the documentary is really amazing, it wone several Tony AWards. I can't wait. Check out PhiladelpiaTheatreCompany.org for the details!
nhlmom