Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)

My Review

“Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” is a psychological horror film about a former vaudeville child star tormenting her paraplegic sister, a former film star who eclipsed her as a movie star, while they live in an aging Hollywood mansion, hoping for a comeback. The chemistry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford is stunning in this black-and-white film, which represented a comeback of sorts for both of them in their long careers.

Director Robert Aldrich (“Sodom and Gomorrah” 1962) expertly crafted this film from a marvelous screenplay by Lukas Heller, adapted from the 1960 novel of the same name by Henry Farrell. He gave room for both stars to deliver their performances, in their own styles, without stepping on each others toes. Crawford and Davis had an alleged rivalry, and some of it may have been channeled into the performing.

The supporting cast includes Victor Buono (in his film debut), Wesley Addy, Anne Barton, Bert Freed, Anna Lee, Maxine Cooper as the bank teller, Robert Cornthwaite as Dr. Shelby, and B. D. Merrill (Bette Davis’ daughter) as Liza Bates. The very watchable “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” was a big hit at the box office for producer Robert Aldrich, Seven Arts Productions, and Warner Bros. Pictures. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one for Best Costume Design. This was the final of ten Oscar nominations for Davis.