Reviews from

Ode to Bette Davis

Ghazal Poetry

12 total reviews 
Comment from tempeste
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level


Bette Davis was definitely an icon of B&W cinema which I love.

I never found her attractive like a Lauren Bacall or a seductive Virginia Lake and her eyes were never soft or loving.

Off screen, I'll take you word she had a captivating smiled but on screen
she played strong, determinant independent women like in " All About Eve".

She also played well creepy characters like in " What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? ..she freaked me out in that film ..I remember I was scared going to bed for several nights.

She is remembered in a song you most probably heard " She's Got Bette Davis Eyes"of the '80 Apparently they were blue but on the black and white screen they appeared brown.

She was a very talented actress ..it's just she played roles that I didn't really appreciate.

I like that you dedicated a poem to a cinema diva ...today's filmstars just don't have that kinda glamour and stardom of the past.

 Comment Written 16-Nov-2019


reply by the author on 16-Nov-2019
    Hi Franca... I agree that the old movie stars had a charisma and charm not found today. Thanks for reaching back and reminding me about this one. Hugs!!

    Melissa
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This ghazal, Ode to Betty Davis, has the proper set up and lauds the actress with positives throughout. That final acknowledgement to a fan cements the adoration. Nice.

 Comment Written 18-May-2018


reply by the author on 18-May-2018
    Thanks so much Bill for the good review!!
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
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This was very effective to choose the phrase to repeat. what a challenge to be able to write in this rhythm with such rigid rules. You did it well, honoring a beautiful actress. It's actually kind of good that you chose her smile to feature than her eyes. She did have a beautiful smile. For those who did not know of her, you've got them scrambling to learn more about her. Well written.

 Comment Written 12-May-2018


reply by the author on 13-May-2018
    Thank you for the great review. I really appreciate your comments.
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
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A very well-written Ghazal and ode to Bette Davis, one of the most beautiful stars of all time. With only her smile she speaks volumes and reach the hearts of her fans.

 Comment Written 05-May-2018


reply by the author on 05-May-2018
    Thank you for the comments and review!
Comment from Harry Smith
Excellent
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Great picture! This poem is loaded of both imagery and emotions and is exceptionally well written. The read really enjoyed the read.

 Comment Written 05-May-2018


reply by the author on 05-May-2018
    Thank you.
Comment from BeasPeas
Excellent
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Oh wow! This is very good. It took me a minute to figure out the form even with your good author's notes. Bette Davis was one of my favorites. She was always so neurotic in her films--wringing hands and so distraught. My favorites were Rita Hayworth and Gloria Grahame. Much luck in the contest with this fine entry. Marilyn

 Comment Written 04-May-2018


reply by the author on 04-May-2018
    Thanks Marilyn. I?m a big fan of theirs too!
Comment from Cindy McIntyre
Excellent
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Another interesting form of poetry. I like your topic of choice. Ghazal format seems like a fun one to use and you've done a great job with yours. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 04-May-2018


reply by the author on 04-May-2018
    Thanks Cindy. Much appreciated.
Comment from Thomas Bowling
Excellent
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This is very well-written. The picture that you have chosen illustrates why songs have been written about Betty Davis eyes. She had the original bedroom eyes. They were captivating.

 Comment Written 04-May-2018


reply by the author on 04-May-2018
    Thanks so much for your good review. Appreciated.
Comment from Alcreator Litt Dear
Excellent
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This speaks an ode to Bette Davis, a film actress, she was highly praised for her talented roles, her fans liked her smile, critics adored and favoured her charm; well written, well done. Keep Writing -- DR ALCREATOR

 Comment Written 04-May-2018


reply by the author on 04-May-2018
    Thanks so much!
Comment from RodG
Excellent
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Bette Davis is certainly worthy of a tribute and I am impressed you were able to do it with a Ghazal--not an easy task. Many oldsters talk about Bette Davis eyes, but indeed her smile was memorable. My favorite line:
"Calm presence and command was her stately style"--Ms. Davis in a nutshell.

 Comment Written 04-May-2018


reply by the author on 04-May-2018
    Thanks so much. This was my first try at a Ghazal and it IS challenging. I appreciate your great review!!
reply by RodG on 04-May-2018
    My pleasure. Rod