Sibling rivalry gone amok is at the heart of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (black & white, 1962). The film opens early in the 20th century, when vaudeville was still in vogue. Baby Jane Hudson, a spoiled, demanding and apparently none-too-gifted child star is the apple of her cloying father's eye. Her older, envious sister Blanche tends to smolder in the wings as Jane garners the shrieks and applause of her fans...but times change. Cut to a dark night and a fateful "accident" many years later...cut again to the early 60's, when former child star Jane (Bette Davis) and former movie star Blanche (Joan Crawford) now share a decomposing mansion...and some ugly memories. Blanche is crippled and wheelchair-bound as a result of the earlier "accident," and Jane is equally crippled, though her malady is psychological and fueled by alcohol.Director Robert Aldrich (Kiss Me Deadly, The Dirty Dozen) spins a beautifully twisted tale, adapted by Lukas Heller from Henry Farrell's novel, and creates a suspense-driven, enduring classic filled with macabre and gruesome set pieces and memorable moments. Bette Davis inhabits the title role of the aged, demented "Baby Jane." Inappropriate in every way, Jane flounces around the house and neighborhood in vintage wig, makeup and clothing that recall the era when she was a young star. Joan Crawford portrays the long-suffering Blanche who managed to achieve stardom on her own but harbors a secret and is now completely dependent upon her increasingly disturbed sister. When Jane discovers that Blanche has plans to sell the mansion and put her in a home, the situation turns deadly and the suspense takes off. It doesn't let up. And, in the tradition of some of the best of the genre, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? delivers a plot twist, though a poignant one, at the end.
A sleeper that became a sensation when it was released, the film sparked a trend in casting one-time Hollywood leading ladies in horror/thriller melodramas. However, none of those that followed were on a par with Baby Jane: Crawford in Strait-Jacket, Berserk, etc.; Davis in Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte, Dead Ringer, etc.; Olivia de Havilland in Lady in a Cage (and Charlotte with Davis and Joseph Cotten)...and even Joan Bennett in the gothic TV phenomenon, "Dark Shadows." But the film did more than make money (it was the first Hollywood film to earn back its budget in one weekend) and set a trend, it was also nominated for five Academy Awards and won for best B&W costume design.
This film is celebrated for many reasons, but it is the performance of Bette Davis that cements Baby Jane's place as a classic outside any genre. Davis "kicks out the jams" and gives a bravura portrayal, one of fascinating depth. Her Baby Jane Hudson is a grotesque, yes, she's over-the-top and she is terrifying at times...but she also has comic elements...and she is also a tragic, even touching figure. Crawford deserves attention, too, for bravely going toe-to-toe with Davis and turning in one of her most interesting performances, and Victor Buono is also notable for his magnificently repellent rendition of the corpulent accompanist Jane hires when she decides to return to show business.
This is one film that was literally meant to be seen on Halloween - it was released on October 31, 1962...
Eve thanks for the post on one of my favorite Bette Davis films. I first saw this on the big screen as a kid ,wow what a show. BTW there is a story that Bette did her own make up for Jane. My dad was working with Gordon Bau head of the make up department at Warner Bros at the time on early use of latex, but would never tell me if it was true or not.
ReplyDeleteEve, I didn't think it possible, but you've trumped your "Films in San Francisco" post. This is a excellent tribute to one of the most memorable of all Grand Guignol movies. I love your point that, despite the cruel and ugly happenings, the "bad sister" generates sympathy, too. Some of the great monsters in film and literature--like the Frankenstein Monster--are to be feared and pitied at the same time. By the way, when I saw this as a kid, the scene that really got to me was the one with the bird (no spoilers here). Also, while you're right that follow-up films with other veteran actresses weren't as good, I do like THE NANNY with Bette Davis.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great comments, guys. Love the info about BD's makeup. While checking out images of WHBJ, I came upon this blogspot - when you get there, scroll down...quite a tribute to Bette and...I mean Jane and Blanche...
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Excellent post on a great film, Eve! Bette Davis always had that baby doll face, but she scared me in her later films, mostly -- as you pointed out -- because she starred in similar horror flicks. I concur that films such as HUSH... HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE weren't as strong as BABY JANE, but Rick is right -- THE NANNY is a wonderful film, and Bette is outstanding. Thanks, Eve, for a superb contribution to the 31 Days of Halloween! I kinda wish I didn't have tomorrow's entry because I know I can't follow up this one.
ReplyDeleteVery well-written and well thought out article, Eve. Baby Jane was difficult for me to watch when I saw it -- I was still young and a huge fan of classic Bette and Joan. At first I was upset at how they looked, Jane particularly of course, but then realized how brave and gutsy these former beauties were to take these roles and act the hell out of them!
ReplyDeleteEve, a quick second comment: Your description of Victor Buono is terric ("magnificently repellent rendition of the corpulent accompanist"). Wish I had written that! Of course, I remember Buono as King Tut in the "Batman" TV series, but he was memorable as the Devil in the underrated 1978 horror film THE EVIL. Hey, Sark, you're funny...I was bummed about having to follow your SISTERS review.
ReplyDeleteSark, I was so impressed with your Sisters post that I take your comment here as a great compliment...I agree w/Becky about the courage of Davis (esp.) and Crawford in taking on these 2 roles...and Rick, glad you liked the Buono descrip... Also would like all to know that even tho it looks like I posted this yesterday, I didn't - that was when I saved the draft. I posted this morning - not sure why the draft date appears.
ReplyDeleteI have not seen this film in decades, Eve, yet I can still recall some dramatic moments from it with amazing clarity. It is a fascinating and disturbing portrait of two sisters and I think it took remarkable courage for Betty and Joan to take on these personas. It has always bothered me when someone refers to a female as Baby Something, be it "Baby Jane" or "Baby Doll" in the Karl Malden film of the same name. It just sort of creeps me out. You write so vividly, Eve, and I truly appreciate all the work you put into this blog. Excellent entry!
ReplyDeleteAaaargh! Bette not Betty. I know better! Sorry!
ReplyDeleteTruly outstanding piece! I think you hit the nail on the head describing Davis' portrayal -- it was multi-layered.I also agree with your observation about it sparking the trend of casting one-tome Hollywood leading ladies in the horror/thriler genre. I think Glenn Close and Kathy Bates both have this film to thank for the success of films like "Fatal Attraction" and "Misery." Would these films have be vehicles for actresses of their caliber without WHBJ. Bravo for pointing that out.
ReplyDeleteGilby - Good point about more recent films that owe a debt to Baby Jane. After she flipped, Glenn Close's character Alex in FATAL ATTRACTION even began to look a little Jane-like...and Toto, thanks.
ReplyDeleteEve, I can watch Baby Jane over and over. The insanity, jealousy, entrapment by an insane sister. fabulous! just a total fantastic thriller of a movie.
ReplyDeleteWell written,Eve, and I enjoyed reading this post. I have always liked this movie. I saw it once at college in an all night movie marathon in the college's auditorium on Halloween night. Everybody brought pillows and a blanket. It was the last movie shown that night. It was over at 6:30 a. m. I looked around and was shocked at how many people had fallen asleep. I would not have missed this movie for the world. I love HUSH... HUSH, SWEET CHARLOTTE. I am humming the melody John wrote for Charlotte right now. I just saw it recently on TV.
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