In 1975, Albert and David Maysles' documentary Grey Gardens introduced 'Big Edie' and 'Little Edie' Beale to the world. Named after the dilapidated mansion where the elderly mother and daughter holed themselves away, the brothers' film revealed the fascinating story behind the women's lives and their ultimately unbreakable bond.
This captivating film, starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange, recounts the Edies' extraordinary story, taking us from their heyday as the toast of the New York social scene, to their later years spent as eccentric recluses.
Relations of First Lady Jackie Onassis, Big Edie (Jessica Lange) and Little Edie (Drew Barrymore) both began life as beautiful New York debutants, but eventually shied away from the spotlight, taking up residence at their East Hampton summer home Grey Gardens.
After moving back to New York for six years, Little Edie returns to discover her mother has let the house go to ruin, forcing her to choose her love for Big Edie over an independent life.
Things take an unexpected turn, however, when the Maysles' film makes the women unlikely stars. The fanciful pair become blind to the ever-deteriorating conditions that surround them and Grey Gardens is declared uninhabitable, but their well-publicised plight soon prompts cousin and aunt Onassis (Jeanne Tripplehorn) to come to the rescue.
Barrymore and Lange are outstanding in Michael Sucsy's poignant portrayal of a fascinating true story.
Barrymore won a Golden Globe® for her brave performance, while veteran Oscar® winner Lange beat her to the Best Actress in a Miniseries Emmy®.
With remarkable make-up and prosthetics work helping the actresses realise a convincing fourdecade span, this absorbing drama also won the 2009 Emmy® for Outstanding Made For TV Movie.
Grey Gardens is a Film programme that first aired in 2009 and has been classified a 12 certificate.
