What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

Director: Robert Aldrich
Starring: Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Victor Buono

Synopsis:
A former child star with a deteriorating grip on reality torments her invalid sister.

Impressions:
This movie apparently kicked off the "psycho-biddy" subgenre of horror and how. There's an amazing meta level with this film, both Bette Davis and Joan Crawford being faded stars who actively hated each other, and I think it really helps sell it. Davis was rightfully nominated for an Oscar for her performance as the spiteful, unhinged Jane Hudson. Crawford's role as Blanche Hudson is mostly understated by comparison, but she does well at portraying helpless desperation. I also liked Maidie Norman as the strong-willed housekeeper Elvira and Victor Buono isn't bad as the gold-digging songwriter Edwin, but the attention is rightfully centered on the Hudson sisters.

If you like studies in madness and the sort of horror that takes its time turning the thumbscrews, then I think you'll like this. I certainly think it's worth viewing.

Rating:
Watch It