Grey Gardens

Grey Gardens captures the eccentric lives of Edith “Big Edie” Ewing Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edith “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale, the aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The Maysles brothers, Albert and David, directed this intimate portrayal of the two women living in a decaying 28-room mansion in East Hampton, New York.

The documentary showcases the daily existence of the Beales, who were once high-society figures but now reside in isolation and squalor. Their home, which gives the film its name, has fallen into disrepair, with raccoons and numerous cats as their primary companions. The Suffolk County Health Department had previously threatened to evict the pair due to building and sanitation code violations, an incident that made national headlines.

Throughout the film, Big Edie and Little Edie’s complex relationship unfolds, revealing a mix of love, co-dependence, and conflict. Their conversations touch on their past lives, unfulfilled dreams, and the circumstances that led to their current situation. Big Edie, a trained soprano, often sings songs from her youth, while Little Edie, once an aspiring actress and model, showcases her unique fashion sense with improvised turbans and eccentric outfits.

The Beales’ backstory emerges through their interactions and recollections. Big Edie was left by her husband, receiving news of her divorce via telegram from Mexico. Little Edie chose not to marry the wealthy man selected for her, resulting in her being cut off from the family fortune. Their financial troubles were exacerbated when “Black Jack” Bouvier, Jacqueline Onassis’s father, allegedly appropriated their money for his own children.

Despite their reduced circumstances, both women cling to their memories of a more glamorous past. Little Edie, at 56, still harbors hopes of a “Big Chance” and a “Big Romance,” while Big Edie reminisces about her days as a singer and socialite. Their dialogue, often filled with bickering and witty exchanges, reveals the deep bond between mother and daughter.

The documentary has since become a cult classic, inspiring numerous adaptations including a Broadway musical and an HBO film.