MovieChat Forums > The Bat (1959) Discussion > Cornelia + Lizzie = Lesbian Couple?

Cornelia + Lizzie = Lesbian Couple?

posted 12 years ago by bj_arni
22 replies | jump to latest

The vibe I got from their relationship was that it was more than just work related. Lizzie seemed to care very deeply for Cornelia and they sometimes bickered and conversed like an old couple. The duo also seemed to replace a role which would usually be seen by a male and a female (that will eventually or have already) fallen in love.

The way Cornelia holds Lizzie and how they look into each others eyes and smile before Cornelia says "Lizzie and I share this room... for protection reasons" made me come to the conclusion that the characters were closet lesbians and a couple.

That's at least my take on their relationship.

"Don't look down on yourself, just because other people do."
youtube.com/morbidchid

[–] novastar_6 12 years ago

I disagree, Lizzie had worked for her for 20 years, of course they'd be close, she was the only servant who stayed on when all the others walked out, because she was loyal to her employer.

[–] mikeadams110 10 years ago

In all honesty Nova, ever since accusing me of "having a dirty mind" which is entirely baseless and absurd, it's become clear you're inordinately oversensitive about this entire lesbian issue and discussion. A point which is more revealing about you personally than any of the characters in this story.

So you're aware and for the record I believe these two characters were most responsible for "The Bat (1959)" being such an endearing and long-lasting success to this very day. I completely enjoyed their roles and silliness between them relative to their relationship which seems to make you so uncomfortable. I see the lesbian undertones and innuendo as being boldly and impressively ahead of its time. I'm astonished you don't share that same sentiment.

[–] Pictureshow1990 11 years ago

Lol!

[–] mikeadams110 10 years ago

Here's the way I described things in another thread on this board for which I got accused of "having a dirty mind." Sadly, we can't even speak the L-word in this politically correct era run amuck without getting chastised for it. Here goes.

Speaking of Lizzie, has anyone else wondered whether she and Cornelia were more than just "fond" of one another? After all, nearly 20 years living together is quite a long time--even for married couples!

Seems to me, they looked pretty darn cozy there together sharing Cornelia's bed. Perhaps it wasn't the first time they'd occupied it together.

[–] EdgarST 10 years ago

Yes, I agree! That is what I thought about them all the time, and the description is quite sympathetic for its time. There is another interesting "couple" in "The World of Henry Orient" (1964), played by Phyllis Thaxter and Bibi Osterwald.

[–] mikeadams110 10 years ago

Naturally, I was pummeled 18 months ago for having dared say it. I've noticed it's nearly always the closeted gays and lesbians who scream the loudest about such comments. If they're so proud and comfortable with their alternative lifestyle why would they have any justifiable reason to gripe about someone else making such an entirely innocuous inoffensive comment regarding the story's content? I wasn't attempting to be critical, flippant or condescending in any way but was merely expressing an impression and observation.

I certainly wasn't responsible for having inserted any of those undertones and innuendo into the script--the author obviously did for whatever reason.

Even after all these past centuries and millennia certain individuals (the witch hunter types) still insist upon "shooting the messenger" and "burning us at the stake" for any news they personally dislike hearing. Thanks for not having given into that same lynch mob mentality and courageously speaking out!

[–] EdgarST 10 years ago

Miss Moorehead's sexual orientation was widely known in the film and TV community...
Just thought about that.
You are welcome, Mike. Do not pay any attention to those proto-fascist minds, unless they are planning to reach power...
Edgar

[–] mikeadams110 10 years ago

Yes, that's entirely true for any of us who've been around long enough to remember. I've often wondered if that strong independent orientation and demeanor (which I've always admired about her) had anything to do with her interest in this particular script.

I strongly suspect she really liked its boldness and complete lack of shame in such regards especially for the era which is nothing like today as you well know. The movie is quite bold and unarguably ahead of its time given the subject matter and undeniable undertones.

Thanks for your insightful input and vantage points. Every one of your comments in this thread and entire IMDB history are thoroughly worth the effort of reading which is quite a rarity on any of these online forums.

[–] EdgarST 10 years ago

Thanks again, Mike.

[–] mikeadams110 10 years ago

You're welcome bud!

[–] porfle 10 years ago

Naturally, I was pummeled 18 months ago for having dared say it.

My, such martyrdom!

[–] adamdurrance 10 years ago

LOL

Was wondering if I'd ever run into you on these boards.

[–] porfle 10 years ago

😀

[–] liscarkat (19416) 3 years ago

There are no lesbian "undertones" or "innuendo" in the script or performances in this movie. Two women are long-time close friends. So what? That certainly does not indicate in any way that they are sexual or romantic partners. To assume so is idiotic.

[–] spookyrat1 10 years ago

Seems to me, they looked pretty darn cozy there together sharing Cornelia's bed.

Cornelia must have let her off the couch, to where Lizzie seemed confined, for much of the film. Mind you with the bat running around the house, I don't know why all 4 women didn't climb in to the one bed for reassurance purposes and safety in numbers.🐭

[–] novastar_6 10 years ago

Seems to me, they looked pretty darn cozy there together sharing Cornelia's bed.

Except they didn't, in every scene in the bedroom Cornelia's in the bed, and Lizzie's on the couch. My question was WHY didn't they sleep together in her bed? Dale and Judy did.

Mind you with the bat running around the house, I don't know why all 4 women didn't climb in to the one bed for reassurance purposes and safety in numbers.

I never thought about it as a kid but now it DOES seem strange that in the midst of a murder in her own home, Cornelia obviously still cared much about being a proper hostess for her house guests, otherwise maybe she would've.

[–] spookyrat1 10 years ago

Except they didn't ...

That's the point I made.🐭

[–] DorianGray502 9 years ago

___Having just seen this pretty awful film for the first time. I'll admit I did think the women were cozy, but that idea was highly influenced because of prior knowledge of Moorehead's orientation.
___I was really more surprised that Agnes actually had a starring role.

[–] 10 years ago

[deleted]

[–] ichray 8 years ago

How about the weird smile Lizzie has on her face @55:42 (I'm watching it on Internet Archive) when Agnes Moorehead wakes her up after they hear the sound of the guy hammering away at the wall...

[–] HarlemEagle42 (18430) 3 years ago

I don't think that was the intention. But it's kind of amusing to view it through that lens today.

[–] CoriSCapnSkip (2754) 4 months ago

Um...I don't think so.