A cinematic subgenre of the 1930s to the 1960s. To qualify as a bitchfest, the film has to feature at least two, and preferably several, star actresses in its leading roles; and these characters must engage in vicious rivalries for men, money, success, or bare survival. Examples include The Women (Norma Shearer vs. Joan Crawford), Mildred Pierce (Crawford vs. Ann Blyth), All About Eve (Bette Davis vs. Anne Baxter), and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (Crawford vs. Davis).
I was going to turn in, but then I saw TCM was showing The Women and I stayed up until 4:30 savoring that fine old bitchfest.
by BackrowDiva September 23, 2012