After seeing the original documentary Grey Gardens, I had my reservations about the movie version {free on Amazon Prime}, but I LOVED IT!!! If you haven’t heard of Grey Gardens, it’s about two women in Jackie O.’s family, who lived out most of their days in a dilapidated mansion in the Hamptons. Edith Beale and her daughter Edie are two of the MOST eccentric {and mostly nutso} women ever really chronicled–honestly, the original documentary came out in the 70’s and it puts modern “real t.v.” to shame. It’s almost hard to believe the women exist in real life. They lived in poverty like conditions in this massive house–but they didn’t really seem to know it.
Even more interesting, when Edith died, Edie sold the house for $220,000 {it’s a 14 room mansion}. They had kept over 300 cats during their lives there, and the new owners found not only evidence of that, but also skulls of critters in the house. It apparently smelled like death, and basically needed a complete overhaul {though, Edie maintained that the house only “needed a fresh coat of paint.”}
Seriously, watch both. You will be blown away.
Let me know what you think if you decide to watch it–or if you have already seen it.
Peace out Girl Scouts & have yourself a great weekend,
~Mavis
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Sue says
I have seen both, and loved them both! (I have a hoarder in my family so was especially interested in that aspect).
I agree with watching the documentary first, and then the hollywood depiction afterwards. But they were both very well done and fascinating.
RebekahU says
Definately NOT a feel good movie! 🙂
Diana says
I wasn’t aware of the Hollywood version before this, but found it and watched it last night. I thought it was exceptionally well done. What a haunting story. I agree with Sue, that the documentary should be seen first before the movie. As for the movie, I’m not much of a Drew Barrymore fan, but she BECOMES Little Edie. It’s uncanny. And Jessica Lange, who I love, truly becomes Big Edie. Great recommendation, Mavis.
Lana says
I live in Florida now but grew up on Long Island and went to the Hamptons every summer. I saw the original a few years back and had forgotten that they made a movie from the original documentary. I am going to watch it right now. From what I have seen in the trailer you posted, Drew Barrymore does quite an excellent imitation of Edie, especially the voice.
Amanda says
I ADORE the Edies. We named our baby Edie after the fabulous women of Grey Gardens!
Helen in Meridian says
I have seen both, and have listened to the Broadway Show music. Last Sunday or the Sunday before, on the TV program Sunday Morning they toured the beautifully restored Grey Garden house.
Mavis Butterfield says
Oh I would love to visit and take a tour!!
Helen in Meridian says
I forget their name, but a well known journalist news person, husband and wife you might recognize, own it. They toured it with Edie and after they exclaimed that the entrance and library were the most exquisitie. Edie said she would sell to them, since they would restore it and not tear it down.
Mavis Butterfield says
I remember that being part of the deal. Sally Quinn. Her husband died last summer. The house can be rented for the entire summer for a mere 250k. 🙂
Helen in Meridian says
So sorry to hear her husband died. You can see the new restore on CBSsundaymorning.com. Thanks you for the update. Did I see that you were listening to All The LIGHT WE Cannot See? The author is from Boise and won this year’s Pulitzer Prize.
Mavis Butterfield says
I didn’t know that about the Boise author. How cool.
cheryl says
A while back you wrote about watching an Alfred Hitchcock movie I think the title was rear view, where can I find this movie?
Enjoy your day!
Mavis Butterfield says
Rear window. 🙂 Here is a link to all the movies: http://www.stage.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/category/friday-night-at-the-movies/
cheryl says
Thank you.
Helen in Meridian says
You can go to cbssundaymorning.com and view the show from last Sunday’s Sunday Morning about Grey Gardens. I don’t know how to highlight it for you, but you will be able to do this.