What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

Release date: 1962-10-31
Country: USA
Language: English
Director: Robert Aldrich
Production Co: The Associates & Aldrich Company
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Drama
Rating: 8.1/10
Length: 2h 14min

Storyline

In a tale that almost redefines sibling rivalry, faded actresses Blanche and 'Baby' Jane Hudson live together. Jane was by far the most famous when she performed with their father in vaudeville but as they got older, it was Blanche who became the finer actress, which Jane still resents. Blanche is now confined to a wheelchair and Jane is firmly in control. As time goes by, Jane exercises greater and greater control over her sister, intercepting her letters and ensuring that few if anyone from the outside has any contact with her. As Jane slowly loses her mind, she torments her sister going to ever greater extremes.

Plot Keywords

sibling rivalry, psychological horror, wheelchair, abusive relationship, sister sister relationship, dysfunctional family, jealousy, physical abuse, los angeles california, mental illness, washed up star, insanity, filmmaking, price of fame, handicapped person, domestic violence, isolation, social isolation, actress, recluse

Short Review

A lurid melodrama of hate, revenge and murder, a high-class horror film, in the Hitchcock vein, with virtuoso performances from Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, and moments both searing and poignant.