Grey Gardens

This 1975 documentary by Albert and David Maysles, showing in the True Stories strand, tells the true story of Edith 'Big Edie' Bouvier Beale and her daughter Edith 'Little Edie' Bouvier Beale, aunt and first cousin to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. Although they lived in the select opulent suburb of East Hampton, New York, through a combination of failing finances and illnesses both physical and mental, they allowed the mansion to fall into decay until in 1972, the neighbours complained at the stench and animal infestation. The national press covered their plight and Jacqueline Onassis stepped in to assure their future. The Maysles became interested in their story and received permission to move in for two months, filming the pair every day. The product is a fascinating and affectionate portrait of two women who have become dependent only on each other but still retain a sense of wit and style throughout all their trials.