bette davis be a legend . i would always hear that grow up and but felt some disconnect from it . when i become aware of her it be late in her career after she have develop into a boozy and smoke belching and caricature of her on screen persona . so and if the bette davis or legend concept ring a little hollow with you a it do me and watch this film . i just saw jezebel for the first time on dvd . wow . i haven not see a lot of movie from the 1930 but i be pretty sure that no one else be do then what bette davis be do . it be an acting style and and skill level and that isn not see often . she be brilliant throughout but one scene in particular make the hair stand up on the back of my neck . it happen in the scene where henry fonda escort jezebel home after the ball and break off their engagement . when he tell her and goodbye and not goodnight and a look of puzzlement and humiliation come over her face . she start to turn away to leave and but decides instead to extend her hand in southern feminine cordiality to wish him well . a she do this something inside her well up . her expression change and and a they say and if look could kill . with the speed of a cobra and and unable to restrain herself and she slap him in the face . unlike a cobra however and which recoil after it strike and she lurch slightly closer and you think she might just rip his throat out . william wyler let the camera linger on her and it a powerful and and slightly disturb and moment . i do not think anyone else could have pull it off like davis do . the film be great although the depiction of slavery a a genteel southern quirk be more than a little cringe worthy . to see this movie though be to understand how bette davis become a legend . and to see this movie be to see one of the most powerful screen performance ever . who know . after all 1938 be a long time ago and i have be busy with other stuff .