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In 1960, Henry Farrell’s novel, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, was published by Rinehart & Company. Just a few weeks later, producer Richard Rush tried to acquire the film rights, but without success. Instead, the rights went to producer/director Robert Aldrich, who secured financing through Seven Arts Productions and Warner Bros. For the leads, the studio hired veteran actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, both of whom wanted to work together. Filming began in July 1962 on an initial budget of $600,000, which quickly rose to slightly over $1 million. Rumors began circulating of an intense feud between Davis and Crawford, despite their denials of one in interviews. Still, the general public knew of their mutual hatred, which the studio played up for marketing purposes. Despite these issues, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? premiered in Cincinnati in October 1962 before moving across the country.
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Synopsis
As children, “Baby Jane” Hudson (Julie Allred) was a big star, while her sister, Blanche (Gina Gillespie), was sidelined. However, as they get older, Jane begins to lose relevance and succumbs to alcoholism, while Blanche rises to stardom. Unfortunately, things come crumbling down when Blanche gets into a car accident that leaves her paralyzed. Years later, Blanche (Joan Crawford), now in a wheelchair, lives in a mansion with Jane (Bette Davis) tending to her. Now that they’ve reversed roles again, Jane asserts her dominance over Blanche and constantly abuses and gaslights her. Jane tries to reclaim her fame by hiring pianist, Edwin Flagg (Victor Buono), while Blanche desperately cries out for help. After learning that Blanche plans to sell the house, Jane restrains and locks her away while going about her day. Will Jane manage to reclaim her former stardom, or will her innumerable crimes come to a head?
Review
Upon its initial release, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? received mixed reviews from critics. However, over the years, people have recognized that the film is more nuanced and brilliant than was initially thought. The movie explores themes of jealousy, mental illness, rivalry, delusion, and wanting to cling to the past. Sure, nothing presented here is subtle in the slightest, but the lack of subtlety makes the film much more powerful. Given when this movie came out, it was pretty progressive in its portrayal of how Hollywood discards women over time. Especially back then, actresses would lose work because of their age or because people thought they were irrelevant. This film shows what happens when someone who was once famous loses her star power and spirals into depression. Plus, the movie also shows how their decline can affect those close to them, including family and friends.
It goes without saying that Bette Davis earned her Oscar nomination for her portrayal of “Baby” Jane Hudson. From her exaggerated makeup to the worn-out dresses she wears, she’s trying desperately to cling to her childhood fame. That said, the movie shows that underneath the frilly dresses and cutesy songs, Jane is cruel, mean-spirited, and bellicose. She acts like a spoiled child who never grew up, always needing to get her way despite what others say. By contrast, Joan Crawford gives a quiet, restrained performance as Blanche, a once-famous actress who uses a wheelchair. While Jane lost her stardom due to irrelevance, Blanche had hers taken away, which makes her more sympathetic. Seeing Davis and Crawford together makes the film more thrilling and tense, especially knowing their real-life rivalry. Also, the ending is brilliant in how it makes you question the dynamic between the two sisters.
Aside from Davis and Crawford, another standout is Victor Buono as the outsider dragged into the madness. He acts as the audience surrogate, witnessing the chaos and reacting as anyone would, but with a sardonic attitude. Robert Aldrich’s direction, though minimal, adds to the feeling of claustrophobia through his use of tight angles and long shots. The black-and-white photography heightens the sense of dread, making even something as pleasant as a beach feel eerie. Granted, many of these creative choices, including a few locations, were limited by budget, yet still work. At just slightly over two hours, a few parts drag, but it’s never dull or feels like padding. While some moments might come off as campy, the film as a whole is both frightening and tragic. Overall, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a classic psychological thriller bolstered by two incredible performances.
Buy What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4rW69hU.
Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.
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Where to watch What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
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