Bette was critically acclaimed, had a massive talent and shined in several lead roles on the big screen. She faced the ageism and sexism of Hollywood and was struggled to find work because the entertainment industry of Hollywood did not look to cast her. In 1962, Bette was above age 50, was blown off by her agent and took out a newspaper advertisement seeking for employment in Hollywood. There were people who saw it as desperate. Other people pointed it out as a marketing strategy of her. I see it at an opposite angle, it shows me how big enough was her self-esteem, how confident of her talent she was, and did not care to rumour or disapprovals around. Behind that, she was calling out Hollywood for brushing her talent aside. Bette took out the ad in between the time "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" filmed and before it was released. At that moment, none thought the film would be as successful as it ended up being.
