I watched with fascination. They were in a world of their own. They often seemed content but we can see how difficult their lives must have been. I would like to know how they eventually ended up (prior to passing if that has happend for the daughter)

If you like this. There is a part 2. "The Beales of Grey Gardens" These 2 movies aren't for most. It's a train wreck, hard to watch, even harder to turn away. Big and Little Edie Beale are good people. They mean well. Their communication is often hard to watch and digest. That's what makes it so appealing. I recommend them both, but be forewarned. You might have to take breaks.

This is the documentary NOT the film of the same name which attempts to fill in the backstory of this the documentary. Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange do NOT appear in this nearly hypnotic documentary.

I fell in love with Little and Big Edie after watching this documentary. It's heartbreaking to watch how these women live and see what they were reduced to, but also to witness their fierce support of each other along with their strange relationship together. I can see why this garnered a cult following of sorts. The Maysles did an excellent job!

I'm confused by people calling this a documentary. It's cast with Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange who take only a skerrick of the Beales' very sad real life and turn it into a movie. The ladies are very well cast - at last a movie where Drew actually acts more than a goofball. However it doesn't give any glimpse into the reasons why the mother & daughter retreated from the outside world into their private hell. If it wasn't for the Jackie O connection this story would never have been filmed. Worth it if you're in a serious mood. I just felt sad and empty when it finished - what a waste of two people's lives.

This movie was recommended by my aunt years ago, and we all sat down and watched it. In the days before the Hiltons and Kardashians and Osbornes, this was certainly a shocker of a movie. Very well done and deserved its place as one of the best documentaries produced. Sad, funny but real at the same time. Other than the Jackie O connection, this really could be any mother and daughter we meet on a daily basis. A must see.

Very odd. Makes one wonder what does happen to famous families....

Bizarre and oddly disturbing. However, I have now ordered the film that was produced later plus an earlier documentary. This one made me want to know more about the circumstances that led to the Beales' lifestyle.

Kind of freaky what can happen to the idle rich when they are no longer rich. Probably where they got the inspiration for TV shows like "Hoarders", and the documentary "Cat Ladies"

Amazing film made back before the days of reality TV. BIg Edie and Little Edie get more and more complex as you go through the film... the commentary was fascinating. A fashion must-see..