All About Eve (1950)

Mankiewicz's witty, cynical tale of theatrical rivalries features first-rate performances and especially clever dialogue that today's audiences revel in. Minor flaws in the flashback structure and Anne Baxter's performance are outweighed by its status as a sophisticated classic.

The film dissects the narcissism and hypocrisy of the spotlight as sharply as Sunset Blvd, with equal attention to the challenges of enacting womanhood. Anne Baxter's Eve is the wide-eyed hanger-on who insinuates her way into Bette Davis's world.

The film is a caustic critique of New York theatre folk that skewers their pomposity with devastating accuracy, but a superlative cast, witty screenplay and top-drawer direction from Mankiewicz make it one of the most entertaining.

Mankiewicz's showbiz bitchfest remains rousing and endlessly amusing thanks to its witty script and strong performances, especially the showdown between Baxter and Davis. The merciless demythologising of fame's trappings is acutely relevant.

The critic finds the film a thoroughly entertaining movie thanks to Mankiewicz's ingenious treatment of the familiar story. He singles out Bette Davis's high-voltage, authoritative performance that transforms a difficult character into a sympathetic one.

The critic praises this withering, witty and mature satire as the movies letting Broadway have it with claws out. He singles out the gallery of dazzling, horrifying and fascinating characters, especially Bette Davis's central performance as the focal figure.

The critic calls it a literate, adult film of the calibre that will do big league, big town business with all the elements for the general runs. He singles out the exceedingly well-cast performances and the purposeful, intelligent intra-trade references and dialogue.

The critic praises the film's script and performances, particularly Bette Davis's nuanced portrayal of Margo Channing and the witty, poignant dialogue, calling it a bona fide classic. They single out the gender politics monologue for praise.

The review hails it as one of the most enjoyable films ever made, praising Bette Davis's towering, acid-tongued performance as Margo Channing and the pyrotechnic dialogue. It notes the restored print and timing with Davis's centennial.

The critic praises the film's sharp dialogue, precise performances, and cynical portrayal of ambition and feminine power, noting its classic status and Bette Davis's iconic role, while acknowledging it feels stagey and lengthy by modern standards.

The critic finds All About Eve a wonderful classic whose witty, quotable dialogue and strong performances more than compensate for any visual shortcomings. They single out the crackling script and the cycle of ambition it depicts for particular praise.