I just saw a film on HBO based on the documentary about Edith Bouvier Beale (Big Edie) and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale (Little Edie.) You might remember back in the 70's when news broke that Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis had these kinfolks, the two Beale's, living in a falling down mansion on an estate called Grey Gardens at East Hampton New York.
In this HBO film, Big Edie was played by Jessica Lange, and Little Edie was played by Drew Barrymore. They were both just great; perfect casting; they absorbed their roles and were fascinating.
The Beale's had once been wealthy high society; Little Edie had her coming out debutante bash at the Pierre Hotel in 1936. After she was abandoned by her married lover, she was coerced into moving back to Grey Gardens by her mother. Little Edie had a problem with her hair falling out and had to wear head scarves the rest of her life (but she was so creative and original they looked good.) Perhaps loss of self esteem made her vulnerable to the whims of the eccentric Big Edie.
The two women lived on a trust funded by Big Edie's ex, and when that ran out,  the two aging women lived alone and penniless in the former beautiful house of Grey Gardens, now a falling down mansion; over run with cats, broken windows, holes in the ceiling and piles of trash. They had no lights or water.
In 1972 the house failed inspection and the women faced eviction. Neighbors had long complained about the smell and trashy exterior. Two documentarians made a film of the bizarre life of the women. After the story broke in the media, Jackie Kennedy paid a visit, in which she tells the Beale's that she and Ari want to help. They pronounce her name "Zhack-leen."
Little Edie says to Jackie (and they both had that same odd cultured diction) "I could have married Joe and become first lady." Jackie said to her in all sincerity "I wish you had been Edie, I really do."  Little Edie also asks Jackie "Is it true Jack gave you gonorrhea?" Jackie remained a lady during this visit, and some repairs were made on Grey Gardens.
After Big Edie died, Little Edie moved away. She was still attractive and had a marvelous figure, but hers was ultimately a sad wasted life, under the thumb of her mother.
susil