take a stroll around Grey Gardens

i saw a screening of the 1975 documentary Grey Gardens the other night. it is about Big and Little Edie - a mother & daughter living in a dilapidated mansion in a very posh seaside neighborhood in East Hampton. it was rather difficult not to grimace and cringe at the state of their living conditions - a bunch of stray cats and the "strays" these cats leave behind is one example. but the viewers soon develop a keen interest and even a certain fondness to this eccentric couple with their candidness. especially when reminiscing their glorious past. here's the promotional trailer:




initial publicity hung on the fact that the Edies are actually Jacqueline Onassis' aunt and first cousin. but they won the hearts of America on their own. it quickly became a worldwide hit and gained cult status soon after its release. numerous books were written, other documentaries were shot and even a number of plays were produced about and inspired by these two women. Little Edie's flamboyant and original style even inspired a number of fashion magazine editorials. the most recent one featured Mary-Kate Olsen and Lauren Hutton for the October 2007 issue of Harper's Bazaar. i also read that a movie about them starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange is due for release early 2009. even the gifted Mr Wainwright penned a song titled "Grey Gardens" about them:



but the film rather ends abruptly. leaving the viewers hanging and wanting for more. so naturally i have to Google them. the overpowering Edie Sr. lived for a couple more years since. and finally being free from her mother, Little Edie was able to pursue her dreams of a stage career. with varying levels of success. but it all ends rather tragically in 2002.


"Its very difficult to keep the line between the past and the present.... you know what I mean?" - Little Edie.