The Beales of Grey Gardens

Thirty years after the release of Grey Gardens, the Maysles brothers returned to 70 hours of raw footage to craft the film's long-overdue sequel and bring the Beales back to the big screen where they belong.

Come with us as we re-enter the gates of Grey Gardens.

After being ordered to bring their East Hampton mansion up to code, Big Edie and her daughter Little Edie have let their house fall back into disrepair. When a film crew arrives, they discover two thoroughly charming characters born into privilege but content with living in squalor.

Following their original 1975 film, the filmmakers return to over 70 hours of footage to expand on the world of Grey Gardens as it crumbles around them.

Curator’s note
Following the release of Grey Gardens in 1975, Little Edie announced to journalists that the pair were both fans of the film and adored the Maysles brothers. Her one complaint was that not enough time was devoted to her singing and dancing prowess.

After Little Edie died in 2002, The Beales of Grey Gardens functions in part as wish-fulfilment for Little Edie – there's more singing and dancing to be had – but mostly as wish-fulfilment for the film's fans keen to return to Grey Gardens for one more visit.