Frankly, My Dear, Search This Blog

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Here's to you, Anne Bancroft


"She would stop you from breathing, because there was something stunning about her." - Dustin Hoffman

Up until last December, I had always liked Anne Bancroft casually - which is how, I feel, a lot of people think of her. People love her as Mrs. Robinson but don't usually know much about her beyond that. She was private about her personal life, her filmography is fairly sparse, and she was never really a "movie star", though The Graduate (1967) immortalized her in film history and made her iconic forever. I watched 'Night, Mother (1986) last year, and that isn't a very good movie, but it got me thinking more about Anne, and I did a Youtube search of her. I found her on this episode of Password and I couldn't help be smitten with her personality ("He won a million dollars!" she yells out excitedly at one point), and after that, I've read everything about her I can get my hands on and have watched countless of her films. She was a very real, stunning, down to-earth person, the kind who wanted to pinch the cheeks of every baby she saw. Today would have been her eighty-third birthday - she died in 2005 from uterine cancer at seventy-three, far too early (in fact, she was outlived by her mother, two sisters, and Mel). It feels like she should still be with us, appearing in movies from time to time as the colorful grandmother or the astute older woman. However, today, I'd like to celebrate her, a soul so vibrant and admirable, and unfortunately one that people don't know too much about.

She was born in the Bronx, as Anna Maria Louisa Italiano, to a proudly Italian Catholic immigrant family. (Years later, she was told to pick out a stage name from a list given to her by the studio because her given name was "too ethnic", and so she chose Bancroft because it was the only one that "didn't sound like a stripper.") As a child, she scrawled "I want to be an actress," on the back wall of her family's flat, and at nineteen, after a stint at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she set out for Hollywood to make that dream true. Unfortunately, the studio was more interested in giving her a sex symbol buildup than investing in her acting potential, and she spent the majority of the 1950s muddling through B films that exploited her looks rather than her talent. She turned her career around by heading back to her hometown, New York City, and participating in the Actors Studio and HB Studio, and within a year, she was an overnight Broadway success. When she returned to movies to film The Miracle Worker (1962), there would be no more cheesecake pinups for this serious leading lady, but instead, a Best Actress Oscar. The career that followed is more of the career that we associate with Anne Bancroft - one where she was selective about the films she agreed to appear in, determined never to appear in duds like Gorilla at Large (1954) again.

Her shiny black hair, beautifully shaped mouth, winged cheekbones and intensely expressive dark eyes lent her a startling, fresh beauty. And it was a beauty that she never seemed to lose: well into her film appearances of the 1990s and 2000s, she was unfailingly lovely looking. People magazine named her as one of their "most beautiful" when she was sixty-six. Yes, she had wrinkles, and she looked her age, but in spite of that, she had aged with grace, in a way that perhaps only Mrs. Robinson could. As for her acting ability, you could get me started on my campaign for why she should have won the 1964 and 1967 Oscars as well, but I also think that Arthur Penn put it best when he said that, "More happens in her face in ten seconds than happens in most women's faces in ten years." Anne could convey so much just with the sheen of her eyes, and that's what I appreciate most about her acting. She had a vulnerability about her that she brought to every role, a part of her that never lost the little girl from the Bronx.

Anne was loving, confident, easy, warm, earthy, funny, and all the while never taking any bullshit. There are so many stories about Anne that I love. I could begin with the rapport she developed with Patty Duke while they were on Broadway doing The Miracle Worker. They learned sign language and signed to each other secret messages, which drove Arthur Penn crazy. They fell apart laughing together over a ridiculous stage prop wax ham that fell unnaturally when it was sliced. In an incident where a door onstage was locked during a performance and Anne couldn't get it open to exit the scene, she began to swear profusely, so Patty covered her her curses with Helen's guttural noises. (Eventually, Anne scooped Patty up in her arms and climbed out through a window). And each show before the curtain, Patty spent half an hour in Anne's dressing room. "Ninety percent of actors won't let you do that," Patty wrote later, "Especially not a kid, but never did she say, 'no, you can't come in now.'" Patty hung around, toyed with her makeup and perfumes, and watched Anne finish dressing for the show. "'Do we know every minute of everyday?' That half an hour I knew. The whole feeling of the room, the temperature, the smells, the perfume, the costumes, and her, just her," she recalled. Patty was struggling with abusive stage parents at the time, and "felt from Annie the sense that it was truly possible for someone to care about and accept me, to want me to be intelligent and mature." Years later, when Patty, under the strain of bipolar disorder became pregnant and was unsure of the baby's father, she called Anne, who came right away to help her. When Anne died, Patty wrote in an obituary for her, "She taught me, by example, not by lecture, the ethics and disciplines of the theater. She was also one of the sexiest creatures that ever lived. Without being too obvious, I stole as much as I could from her behavior."

Teaching by example and not by lecture was something her friend, Alan Alda, also attributed to Anne. When Anne and Mel vacationed with Alda's family, he recalled Anne collecting sea glass with his children and grandchildren, putting them in touch with nature with her own admiration of beauty. In his eulogy for her, he told of how after undergoing chemotherapy for her cancer, she knit hats of marvellous colors and textures to cover her head. Her favorite director was Arthur Penn, and she was his favorite actress. They worked together not only on the film version of The Miracle Worker, for which she won a Best Actress Oscar, but multiple times on the stage as well. Her breakout Broadway performance, Two For the Seesaw, was under Penn's direction, and he would remember with astonishment her determination and drive: "Annie changed my life not only because she brought both of us success, but because she taught me the importance of always being hungry, of always trying harder, of always defying expectations." When Anne gleefully presented her friend Sidney Poitier with his Best Actor Oscar in 1963, at the height of racial tensions, she threw her arms around him and kissed him on national television, for which she received tons of hate mail and even death threats.

Anne's marriage to Mel Brooks seemed like Hollywood's most unusual couple. When Mel told his mother he was in love with an Italian Catholic girl, she responded with, "Bring her over - I'll be in the kitchen, with my head in the oven!"  But with a second glance, when one looks beyond their physicality, religions, and divergent career pursuits, there are similarities: they were both the children of New York boroughs, of ethnic families that instilled in them similar values, and she loved to laugh and he loved to make her laugh. When you look it at that way, it's not so hard to understand why their union survived up until her death. Mel, who was head over heels with whom he called "the most gorgeous woman that ever lived", was "trapped in a pit of depression" following her death and even now, finds it hard to talk about her. He usually only manages an anecdote about that time they sang "Sweet Georgia Brown" in Polish together (for 1982's To Be or Not To Be) and she exaggerated the movements of her lips to help him learn the song. "It is very difficult to go on without her," he said last year. Their son, Max Brooks, is the author of World War Z, the book that inspired the blockbuster Brad Pitt vehicle, and is most likely today's leading authority on zombies. (Yes, Mrs. Robinson and The 20,000 Year Old Man gave birth to a zombie expert). Max is their only child, and as an only child myself, this is something I can't help but appreciate. Max, who is dyslexic, credits his mother for helping him to conquer his initial fear of reading and then inspiring him to love it, so much so he became a writer himself. Anne (who essentially gave up her career after having Max "in the nick of time" at forty-one) read to him every night before bed, and if she couldn't be there to read to him, she recorded her voice on tapes. She also took his schoolbooks to the institute for the blind and had them also translated to audio. The last page of World War Z, published the year after her death, reads simply, "I love you, Mom."

Max has also shared that Anne was a passionate gardener. Mel always told his son behind her back that her love of the land came from her "Italian peasant heritage." Max remembers his mom retreating to the garden after dinner, recruiting a reluctant Mel and Max to help her tend to her plants, crying out theatrically every time she saved one of them from being molested by a worm. Now that she is gone, Max and Mel took up the garden as a way of healing. Max finds himself as protective of the plants as mom had been, and takes pride in the organic selection of vegetables he now has to offer to his own wife and son.

Lastly, one of my favorite anecdotes about her is a fan's story from 2002, just three years before her death. Anne had returned to the stage for what would be the final time in a play called Occupant. She was a riot during her performances; when a woman started to exit through the back of the theater during her monologue, she cried out, "Darling, you're leaving? Please, dear, please, I'm almost finished! Gimme a shot, would ya?" The time of this fan's visit, a woman had been coughing continuously for minutes on end, and finally got up, perhaps, to get a drink, to which Anne said, "It's about time. Go get some water or something." After that show, this fan and her daughter waited at the stage door for Anne to come out. When a security guard told them that Anne wasn't going to be leaving any time soon, they pleaded with him just to get a glimpse of her. He told them he'd see what he could do, and he came back to say that Anne would seem them separately. They went back to see her in her dressing room, and the fan's first words were, "Quanto sei bella" at the sight of seeing Anne, who got a kick out of this and told her, "No, tu sei bella!" Anne talked with them for a long time, holding the woman's hand throughout their conversation and hugging them before they left.

I quoted Patty Duke earlier, where she said that she stole as much from Anne's behavior as she could without being too obvious - and I too, wish I could be like her in many ways, for there are just so many things that I admire about her. Finally, I'd like to suggest that if you ever have some free time, you should watch this interview she did with Charlie Rose in 2000. The interview ends with Charlie Rose proclaiming, "I am mad for you!" and you will be, too.


35 comments:

Mika said...

Aww! Great post! I really liked Anne's role as Mrs. Kendal in The Elephant Man. Even though her appearance was short, she still portrayed a very kind character who found potential in every innocent soul she saw. May she rest in peace.

Rick29 said...

Terrific profile of the always impressive Anne Bancroft. I never truly appreciated THE MIRACLE WORKER until a decade ago. She deserved better roles and more comedic ones. She was fabulous in the the remake of TO BE OR NOT TO BE.

Rianna said...

Isadora: Aw thanks! I loved her character in The Elephant Man, too. I thought the movie overall was very touching.

Rick: Thank you! I wanted it to be better, though. Her performance in The Miracle Worker is stunning. To Be or Not To Be was a lighter role for her than usual but people forget she was great at comedy as well!

said...

Bravo! I'm always glad when I read something written by you.
Anne has "it": beauty, talent, charm, whatever. Her image is magnetic, no matter the role. I also have a deep love for "Garbo Laughs", and somehow this movie gives us a glimpse of
Anne's last moments: never ceasing to fight.
Kisses!

Rianna said...

Le: Aw thank you! :) I wish I had more time to update on here. I agree with everything you say about Anne - and all those things seemed to come so naturally to her! I loved Garbo Laughs, too. It's sad in a way, knowing that she would actually die of cancer about twenty years after that, but, like you said, I also love that it shows us a glimpse of her resilience in fighting her cancer that I'm certain she must have had till the end.

firestar said...

This is wonderful! I was in the same boat you were - I had seen The Miracle Worker but that was it - until my English professor showed the class a scene from The Graduate (now I plan to watch that this summer - and eventually all of her films). I also started watching Max's Q&A's on YouTube - he also seems like a lovely person (and very funny) I love his story about her helping him through school despite his dyslexia; I think it's a prime example of a mother's love. Thank you for this post! (And sorry for the long post haha).

katlinamalik said...

Welcome to the universe of a portion of the most blazing housewife escorts in the city of Goa through these housewife escort Service. In the event that you have had understanding of getting a charge out of the camaraderie of housewife escorts previously, you should know about the life-changing knowledge they give you both candidly and in addition physically.
Visit :- Goa escorts
Escorts in Goa
Goa escorts services
Independent Goa escorts
Goa independent escorts
Goa call girls
Call Girl in Bangalore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILI8IrMaUzQ&feature=youtu.be

Unknown said...

I am Shina Today I am a desire for each agent, legislator and respectful individuals, my beguiling look, straight to the point conduct and awesome

correspondence expertise. Make me fit all sort of event that is the reason when any VIP individuals fill alone that time her first call come at me.

When I join this administration that time I am just 19 years and my adorable face and undeterred comportment make me so far reaching in college and

each young men and instructor need to converse with me and they attempt to contact me.
Visit :-
Delhi Escorts
Uttam Nagar Escorts
Noida Escorts
Sahibabad Escorts
Tughlakabad Escorts
Rajiv Chowk Escorts
okhla Escorts
Mayur Vihar Escorts

divyadas said...

I am ankitaoberoi Housewife Escorts in dwarka is your premier dwarka escorts service. Have you ever called an escort service in dwarka and not gotten an answer?

Dwarka Escorts,
Dwarka escorts service ,
Escorts in Dwarka ,
Faridabad escorts

Seema Singh said...


Canon Printer Customer Service Phone Number
epson printer customer service phone number
HP Printer Customer Care Phone Number

rokcloud said...

Udaipur Escorts
Udaipur Escorts

Aiyshakhanna said...

Connaught Place Call Girls Escorts Online Book the hottest sexy Girls in Connaught Place Escorts for the one-night stand. Aiyshakhanna Call Girl in Connaught Place Escorts Agency available 24x7 at 9711199171 service incall & outcall.
Connaught Place Escorts
Escorts in Connaught Place
Connaught Place Escorts Service
Call Girls in Connaught Place
Connaught Place Call Girls
Female Escorts Connaught Place
College Call Girls Connaught Place
Russian Escorts Connaught Place
Foreigner Escorts Connaught Place

Tanu Sharma said...

If you want to make some fun in your different lifestyle then Chandigarh escorts services is a place to hire a special girl who is bold, beautiful and charming.

Haridwar escorts
Rishikesh escorts
Dehradun escorts
Mussoorie escorts
Panchkula escorts
Call girls in Chandigarh

Simi Kaur said...

While we hiring new models for our Chandigarh escorts agency we take care of the requirement of our clients and we see that talent in these new girls which our clients want.

Chandigarh Escorts
Mohali Escorts
Zirakpur Escorts
Panchkula Escorts
Call Girls in Chandigarh

Budayakan Membaca Dulu said...

https://medium.com/@toniantonio18327/0813-1241-0242-jual-sabun-klinskin-asli-pontianak-cod-5c3ca722cb0d
https://medium.com/@toniantonio18327/0813-1241-0242-jual-sabun-klinskin-original-surabaya-cod-16650967ad88
https://medium.com/@toniantonio18327/0813-1241-0242-jual-sabun-klinskin-original-ke-bogor-cod-5f7fae4623ed
https://medium.com/@magastrolforte/0813-1241-0242-jual-sabun-klinskin-banjarmasin-bisa-cod-1c6e09e6c686
https://medium.com/@magastrolforte/0813-1241-0242-jual-sabun-klinskin-asli-makassar-bisa-cod-cb500337d5a7
https://medium.com/@magastrolforte/0813-1241-0242-jual-sabun-klinskin-original-jogja-cod-849b851c5f32
https://medium.com/@fa8676206/0813-1241-0242-jual-sabun-klinskin-original-lampung-cod-3d082b272681
https://medium.com/@fa8676206/0813-1241-0242-jual-sabun-klinskin-asli-jakarta-cod-da18fc444da5
https://medium.com/@fa8676206/0813-1241-0242-jual-sabun-klinskin-asli-pekanbaru-cod-6d831cc82c84

Salma Ji said...

https://bandzone.cz/fan/celebboxing1
https://hearthis.at/celebboxing/
http://groupspaces.com/celebboxing/
https://artistecard.com/celebboxing
https://crooksandliars.com/user/celebboxing
http://flyfreemedia.com/forums/users/celebboxing/
https://www.gapyear.com/members/celebboxing/
https://bibliocrunch.com/profile/celebboxing/
https://mru.org/users/155669
https://www.adsl2exchanges.com.au/forums.php?thread=217&page=26

Elite Escorts Agency said...

We are one of the best Escorts Service provider in Noida and Delhi/NCR .Get the best collection of Noida escorts Service Girl, meet high profile and famous outcall noida escort girls in 5 star hotel room. Our Noida escorts agency is offering high-profile VIP call girls in Noida at cheap rates. Book at :
👉 Noida Escorts Service

Tina Rawat said...

We are giving escort service to our real customers since many years, In this time of understanding, we come to comprehend what men need to loosen up his every day pressure from work. We give sensual young ladies for escort service, evening gathering, late-night gathering, bars, and clubs dating and so on for our customers.
Nehru Place escorts agency
Connaught Place escorts agency

Aerocity escorts service said...

Hi I am veena oberoi best escorts in Aerocity if you are looking for best

Independent escorts service in aerocity contact us for lot of sexual pleasure.
Aerocity escorts agency

Aerocity Escorts said...

Hi am Aisha Goyal best aerocity escorts provide a full physical and mental satisfaction with my skinny figure so contact me to grab fun.

Aerocity escorts agency

Diyanka Call Girls said...

If you love to get physical pleasure with sexiest girl, then visit our website and book a sexy call girl for you.
Dwarka Escorts Service
Escorts in Vaishali
Call Girls in Hauz Khas
East of Kailash Call Girls
Connaught Place Escorts

Dolly Saxena said...

saket escorts

laxmi nagar escorts

nehru place escorts

paschim vihar escorts

dwarka escorts

Mutthu said...

When you are eager to hire one from our agency then give us the chance to provide the most elite independent models and highest rated Facts About Independent Delhi Escorts for your best moments in life when visiting Delhi

ophunter.net said...

You are my inhalation, I have few web logs and very sporadically run out from to post .

휴게텔

massage.blue said...

A powerful share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing a little bit evaluation on this. And he in truth bought me breakfast because I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thanks for the deal with! However yeah Thanks for spending the time to debate this, I really feel strongly about it and love studying more on this topic. If doable, as you turn into experience, would you thoughts updating your blog with extra particulars? It’s extremely useful for me. Big thumb up for this weblog post! 스포츠마사지

크레이지슬롯 said...

Your ideas inspired me very much. 크레이지슬롯 It's amazing. I want to learn your writing skills. In fact, I also have a website. If you are okay, please visit once and leave your opinion. Thank you.


Selena4 said...

Hi , “Thank you for your assistance with/attention to this matter. We look forward to hearing from you shortly. ”. آهنگ برای روز پدر (یکجا)

Cyra Khan said...

Visit Our Site: visakhapatnam model girls

switzerland - vip escort girls said...

Your guest post is good, on extra ordinary topic. Great work!

Here's my website : -- bunnymodels.com

dursun said...

kralbet
betpark
tipobet
slot siteleri
kibris bahis siteleri
poker siteleri
bonus veren siteler
mobil ödeme bahis
betmatik
7PZ

Dubai SEO said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
hotel escort service in delhi said...

Thanks for shareing comments

Online Cricket Id said...

Online Cricket Id wee looking for this content quality...

Anonymous said...

rticle'수집가이고 때때로 그것들을 흥미롭게 읽습니다. opstar

Anonymous said...

شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بالاحساء dAJQuP9sDg

Post a Comment

I love getting comments and appreciate them so much. Comments don't require moderator's approval but I will remove your comment if it is spam or offensive. Thank you.