Oscar Week: Anne Bancroft

Tonight's post is kind of a twofer. You've got Anne Bancroft accepting her best actress Oscar for playing Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker in 1963 (a role that also won her a Tony Award on Broadway) from past winner Joan Crawford (Mildred Pierce.)

The story behind their meeting is kind of interesting. Bancroft was nominated along with Crawford's Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? co-star Bette Davis. Crawford who was not nominated, famously clashed with Davis while making the picture. When word got out that Bancroft would not be able to attend the ceremony because she'd be appearing on Broadway in a production of Brecht's Mother Courage and Her Children, Crawford somehow finagled her way into reading a brief acceptance speech  on Bancroft's behalf should she win. 

Much to Bette Davis's consternation, Maximilian Schell opened the envelope and announced Anne Bancroft as the winner. Crawford sashayed from the wings up to the podium and had her moment in the sun. But she didn't stop there. Eventually she made her way to New York and presented Bancroft with her Oscar during a curtain call for Mother Courage. 

This was one of those good news/bad news moments for Bancroft. Sure, she finally got to accept her Oscar, but she did so in a tattered potato sack-of-a-costume, with dirt caked on her face and streaks of grey hair poking out of a natty beret while her presenter once again pulled focus in a custom gown and designer jewels.  

Tea For (Number) Two

December, 2007

I'm sitting around the kitchen table at a home for the elderly having tea with my father's siblings, my Uncle Tom and my salty old Aunt Marie. Poor Kaye Ballard, also a resident of the home, has confided in me that she has not been able to make a bowel movement in several days. Even now, while the rest of us enjoy tea, she is upstairs suffering alone in her bedroom.

I mention Kaye's condition to the others at the table. Uncle Tom sees this as a great opportunity to make fun of Kaye, and he happily jumps out of his seat and rushes upstairs to do just that.

"But now Kaye will know I broke her confidence, " I protest.

"Oh please," Aunt Marie admonishes. "In this house everyone knows everyone else's business."

Anne Bancroft, who has joined us at the table wearing a faded housecoat, smiles and nods in agreement as she sips her tea.