The Beales of Grey Gardens

Mother and daughter Big Edie and Little Edie Beale inhabit a crumbling East Hampton house with six cats. In her 50s, Little Edie wears scarves and bright colors, sings, mugs for the camera, and addresses the filmmakers Al and David Maysles. Big Edie, in her 70s, recites poetry, comments on her daughter's behavior, and sings "If I Loved You" in fine voice. She speaks in short sentences; her daughter in volumes. The film unfolds episodically as friends visit, a small fire erupts in the house, and Little Edie goes to the shore and swims. She talks about the Catholic Church. She's ashamed that local authorities raided the house because of all the cats. She values being different.