About Grey Gardens

Grey Gardens is a 1976 American documentary film by Albert and David Maysles. The film depicts the everyday lives of two reclusive socialites, a mother and daughter both named Edith Beale, who lived at Grey Gardens, a decrepit mansion at 3 West End Road in the wealthy Georgica Pond neighborhood of East Hampton, New York. The film was screened at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival but wasn't entered into the main competition.

Making / Production

The production of Grey Gardens was a unique venture. The Maysles brothers, known for their "fly-on-the-wall" documentary style, became interested in the Beales after a failed project about the Beale family’s childhood home. Over the course of about a month, they shot over 70 hours of footage, most of which was simply the Beales living their unusual daily lives.

Actors

• Edith "Big Edie" Ewing Bouvier Beale - The high-society dropout and aunt of Jackie Kennedy, Big Edie lived with her daughter at Grey Gardens.
• Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale - Daughter of Big Edie, Little Edie was an aspiring actress who became a cult figure after the movie's release.
• Albert Maysles - Not just the co-director but also a character in the movie, Albert was part of Beales' life at Grey Gardens.
• David Maysles - Similar to his brother, David was not only the co-director but also seen in the movie, capturing untamed moments in Grey Gardens.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The house, Grey Gardens, was named after the color of the dunes, the sea fog, and the grey shingle of the house.
• Both "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" expressed satisfaction with the film.
• The documentary inspired a Broadway musical and a 2009 TV movie.

Awards

While the film itself wasn't a recipient of big awards, its significant cultural impact was recognized when it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Quotes

• "It's very difficult to keep the line between the past and the present."
• "I only care about three things: the Catholic Church, swimming, and dancing."
• "This is the best thing to wear for today, you understand."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Tea for Two" - Big Edie is often heard singing this in the movie.
• "You and the Night and the Music" - Another song sung by Big Edie.
• "September Song" - Big Edie sings it at the piano.