Few actors or actresses could dominate a film with raw talent as Bette Davis could, as the scene from Juarez (1939) amply demonstrates. Forgotten today is the fact that this actress of such rare ability was also an ardent patriot.
After America entered World War II, Davis organized the Hollywood Canteen that served millions of servicemen and women free of charge throughout the War. There soldiers could find stars like Bette Davis waiting on tables, serving food and chatting with them. It was an unforgettable experience and it reflected superbly on the patriotism of the Hollywood community during World War II. Davis also sold war bonds, in one memorable forty-eight hour period she sold $2,000,000.00 in bonds. When Hollywood mogul Jack Warner objected to her hard sell tactics in regard to her bond sales, she told him that the public loved her in films where she portrayed a b–ch, and thus they responded favorably to her peremptory demands that they buy bonds. (more…)
Donald R. McClarey
Paul Zummo
Almost Chosen People 