Steerpike Steerpike

Lauren Bacall — a true great

As so often, no one put it better than Papa. Here is Ernest Hemingway talking of all the movies made from his novels and short stories:

‘The only two I could sit through were The Killers and To Have and Have Not — I guess Ava Gardner and Lauren Bacall had a lot to do with it.’

Mr S can’t say fairer than that of Lauren Bacall, who has died at the age of 89.

Bacall was, however, rather more than a husky voice and a sultry look. In 1981 she starred in The Fan, in which she played a middle-aged film star idolised by a demented fan (played by Douglas Breem) who mutilates or kills those close to the object of his desire. But the ageing star’s beauty has faded, and bears only passing resemblance to the youthful image that captivates the fan.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in