Elizabeth Montgomery

 Elizabeth Montgomery had a deep appreciation for both film and television, but her tastes were often more focused on the quality of storytelling and the complexity of characters rather than just popular trends. Though she was best known for her role on Bewitched, she was an avid viewer and had a personal interest in films and TV shows that showcased strong performances and thoughtful narratives.

In terms of favorite films, Montgomery admired classic cinema, particularly the works of actresses like Bette Davis and Katharine Hepburn, whose strong and nuanced portrayals of women influenced her own approach to acting. She appreciated films with depth and substance, often gravitating toward those that featured complex characters and compelling emotional journeys. For instance, she admired Now, Voyager (1942), a film starring Bette Davis, which is known for its exploration of self-discovery and emotional growth. Montgomery’s interest in roles with layers and depth mirrored her desire to take on more challenging material in her own career.
On the TV side, while Bewitched was obviously the pinnacle of her success, Montgomery also had an interest in more serious dramas. She was known to appreciate the work of other actors who pushed the boundaries of television at the time. In interviews, she expressed admiration for shows that dealt with important social issues or showcased strong characters, though she was also conscious of how TV was evolving from the "simpler" days of the 1950s into more complex storytelling by the late 1960s and early 1970s.
As for how she viewed the evolving entertainment landscape, Montgomery had a keen awareness of the changes occurring in Hollywood and television during her career. She was part of the transition from the more lighthearted, family-friendly content of the 1950s and early 1960s to the edgier and more complex narratives of the 1970s. She noticed how TV shows and films were beginning to take on more social relevance, and she had mixed feelings about how the industry was changing. While she welcomed the opportunity for more nuanced, adult roles and more innovative storytelling, Montgomery was also aware of the pressures the industry placed on actors, particularly women. She saw how the entertainment world could sometimes be both empowering and limiting, and she often chose to take on roles that reflected her desire for more meaningful and multidimensional characters.
Throughout her career, Montgomery maintained a sense of integrity and preferred to focus on work that resonated with her personally, rather than simply chasing after fame or trends. She was a thoughtful and discerning actress who kept her eye on the bigger picture of both her career and the larger shifts happening in the entertainment world.