Grey Gardens

Big Edie and Little Edie establish residence at Grey Gardens, their Long Island estate, signaling a retreat from New York City society. The house, once a symbol of opulence, hints at neglect to come as the Beales settle in. The sisters assume ownership of the property and begin to shape its eccentric domestic life.

Phelan Beale, the Beales' husband, divorces Big Edie, leaving her to navigate life with Little Edie mostly on her own. The separation loosens the family's traditional structure and foreshadows the estate's future troubles. This fracture sets the stage for the Beales' isolation at Grey Gardens.

Little Edie travels to New York to pursue an acting career and an ill-fated romance with Cap Krug. Her father pressures her to find a husband to support her lifestyle. The move marks a turning point where hope and pressure collide, pushing her toward a life with her mother rather than independence.

Her father explicitly tells her she must find a husband to support her lifestyle, narrowing her dreams of independence. The advice underscores the social expectations that trap Little Edie. This moment foreshadows the tension between ambition and practicality that runs through the story.

After Phelan's death, their two sons tell their mother that there is little money left and that she should sell Grey Gardens and move to Florida. Big Edie resists, clinging to the house as a symbol of status and memory. The financial pressure intensifies the looming eviction and decline.

Big Edie proclaims that the house is in her name and that she will not leave it behind. The daughters' attempts to help clash with her pride, deepening the isolation of Grey Gardens. The decision seals the mansion's transition from family home to relic.

The mansion becomes decrepit as stray animals and mountains of garbage accumulate, signaling decades of neglect. Suffolk County's health department arrives with a warrant to inspect the home and issues an eviction notice. The threat of eviction forces a confrontation between the Beales and the outside world.

Jackie Kennedy Onassis visits Grey Gardens with her sister Lee Radziwill and is shocked by the conditions inside. They decide to help by paying for cleanup and restoration of the mansion. The intervention marks the turning point toward reclaiming some dignity for the Beales.

During one of Radziwill's trips, the Maysles are introduced to Big and Little Edie. They express interest in documenting their lives for a film. A year later, they return, convinced that the Beales are the most compelling subjects.

The Maysles begin filming, capturing intimate scenes of the sisters in their decaying home. The documentary follows the women as they navigate memory, pride, and eccentric routines. The project transforms their lives from private to cinema history.

Little Edie plans to attend the premiere of the documentary, insisting on being part of the event. Big Edie discourages her out of spite, leading to a heated quarrel that features their fraught relationship. The moment underscores the tension between mother and daughter.

After the confrontation, Big Edie reconciles with Little Edie, giving her blessing to attend the premiere. She also passes along her wedding earrings and necklace to wear, signaling a final act of generosity. The moment redeems their bond and sets the stage for the film's culmination.

Little Edie attends the premiere and receives a standing ovation from the audience. The film's success brings attention back to the Beales and their strange saga. Big Edie learns of the reception through the events that unfold around the premiere.

Back at Grey Gardens, Walter Goodman of the New York Times asks for a comment about the Maysles film. Big Edie responds, 'No, Mr. Goodman, it's all in the movie,' then hangs up the phone. The moment captures her pride and sly wit.

The film ends with Little Edie performing Tea for Two at the Reno Sweeney cabaret in Greenwich Village. She delivers the line 'My mother gave me a truly priceless life,' encapsulating the film's bittersweet message. The closing scene emphasizes Little Edie's enduring resolve.