Edith Bouvier Beale (background) and her daughter Little Edie Beale (forefront) are true East Coast legends, not to mention the "secret" relatives of the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Having been cast from society, this seriously nutty, loving, and oh so intriguing mother and daughter duo, along with a handful of cats and some raccoons, lived in Grey Gardens, a dilapidated East Hampton mansion.Having finally been exposed to the cult classic documentary on the Edies, Grey Gardens, filmed in 1975 by the Maysles brothers, Big Edie and Little Edie are today's fashion and balls-to-the-wall inspiration!
There are probably a handful of you that are thinking "snooze, where have you been? The Edies have been everywhere!" And that is certainly true, often designers have used Little Edie's bizarre fashion sense as inspirations in their own lines and the film has been a cult favorite since the 80s, and, of course there is the 2007 Tony-Award winning Broadway musical, Grey Gardens, starring Christine Ebersole. But while I was familiar with them, I just now watched this film and what a treat!
These women given insight to a powerful relationship... they bicker constantly and rehash their lives of their past..Big Edie was a recorded singer, Little Edie an aspiring dancer and debutante. In her late 50's, much to her chagrin, Little Edie moved into Grey Gardens to take care of her mother. The relationship is beautiful and truthful and so intriguing and bizarre and funny. Having never been married, Little Edie is the absolute main character, so melodramatic and full of opinions and so strong-willed. She also acts like a 10 year-old as she wistfully dances and sings throughout the mansion....I wonder if, when I am 57 that will be me and my mother....? Of course my mother is way more low-key than Big Edie.
Rent this movie if you have yet to see Grey Gardens!
Thanks to you Tube here's a little peek into the movie.
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