Bette Davis

In this linguistically inept, trivial book, Moseley, theatrical agent and coauthor of several show-biz biographies, stars himself rather than the late Bette Davis. In 1958, as a man ``half her age,'' he met the actress in London and established a ``beautiful friendship,'' a relationship that lasted for 15 years, with the author frequently visiting Davis in New England and Hollywood. Although he prides himself on his championship of the ``difficult'' actress, Moseley nevertheless relates tales of Davis's outbursts of temper, drinking and often irrational behavior. It was the latter, he notes, that severed their bond in 1973. Much of the book dwells on tedious details--naming people Davis liked and didn't like--and pointless anecdotes--she once served breakfast in bed to Tina Sinatra. This putative intimate memoir, which doesn't do justice to a superb performer, inadvertently confirms that she probably had reason to end the friendship. (Apr.)