Diamonds (In The Sky)

In May 1946, "The Wisdom of Eve" appeared in Cosmopolitan Magazine. It was several pages long. Joseph L. Mankiewicz, who was thinking of his next film project, liked what he read. He approached Darryl F. Zanuck, head of 20th Century Fox. The rest was history.

Mary Orr based her short story from what Elisabeth Bergner told her. (The two were friends.) It was about a fan of the actress, who came from Austro-Hungary, whom she let her be part of her household. She regretted her generosity when the young girl tried to undermine her. Mankiewicz thought of something more sinister, about an earnest, starstruck girl who endeared herself to an actress she truly adored. Flattery turned out to be a means to steal the (older) actress' career. The director knew it would make a good story - and a great film. Stories like this aren't uncommon in Hollywood. As a matter of fact, it seems tame. (What happened in Hollywood, must stay in Hollywood.)

A glamorous, magical world

"I couldn't get your performance out of your mind. It haunted me night and day. It was almost like a religious experience - like being converted. From that moment on my life suddenly had direction. I knew that I had to come to New York where there was good theater all the time. And where Margo Crane played almost every season in a new play."

- Eve Harrington

Anyone can identify with Eve Harrington. Watching a play (or a movie) is a means of escape from a humdrum existence. She wants recognition. (Haven't we crave for it since we are kids?) She likes to be the center of attention. (It's cool to have what you want at the snap of your fingers.) But she's amoral. She can't be blamed at all, as she looks up to Margo Channing. The young woman knows her idol too well. Margo is a veteran actress, having seen her peers come and go. The experience makes her tough as nails, but she likes to be flattered. This is typical of artists.

Many would see "The Wisdom of Eve" as a satire on older actors with inflated ego, ambitious upstarts who will do anything to achieve their dreams, and those behind the stage (or camera) who can be ruthless (depending on the character). The story becomes more fascinating as the years go by. "All About Eve", Mankiewicz's big-screen adaptation, was an instant hit. It was nominated for 14 Academy Awards, a record that won't be matched until James Cameron's remake of "Titanic" (1997). The director's screenplay was witty yet sharp. After all, this was show business, which shouldn't be taken too hard.

Some things are life are stranger in fiction, but showbiz is an exception. The environment in Hollywood then and now are not much different. Don't be shocked if there are more sordid cases than Eve's. Not all stars glitter brightly.