One-line Summary:
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) by Robert Aldrich
Two aging sisters, former child star Baby Jane Hudson and her wheelchair-bound sister Blanche, live together in a decaying mansion. As their bitter rivalry escalates, Jane’s mental instability leads to a series of shocking events that unravel their dark and twisted past.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Robert Aldrich
- Writer: Lukas Heller
- Key Actors: Bette Davis as Baby Jane Hudson, Joan Crawford as Blanche Hudson, Victor Buono as Edwin Flagg
- Music Director: Frank De Vol
- Director of Photography: Ernest Haller
- Producers: Robert Aldrich, Kenneth Hyman
Plot:
Set in 1962, “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” tells the story of two sisters, Baby Jane Hudson and Blanche Hudson. In their youth, Baby Jane was a successful child star while Blanche became a renowned actress. However, after a tragic accident that left Blanche paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair, their lives took a dark turn.
Years later, the sisters now live together in a dilapidated mansion in Los Angeles. Baby Jane, now an alcoholic and mentally unstable, takes care of Blanche, who has become a recluse. As the tension between them grows, Baby Jane’s resentment towards her sister intensifies, leading to a series of disturbing events.
Baby Jane’s deteriorating mental state becomes evident as she torments Blanche, isolating her from the outside world and subjecting her to psychological and physical abuse. Blanche, trapped and helpless, desperately tries to escape her sister’s clutches.
As the film progresses, the audience learns about the sisters’ troubled past. Baby Jane’s jealousy and resentment towards Blanche for stealing the limelight during their childhood fuels her sadistic behavior. Blanche, on the other hand, harbors guilt for the accident that ended her sister’s career and struggles with her own secrets.
The climax of the film reveals the shocking truth about the sisters’ relationship and the extent of Baby Jane’s madness. In a final act of desperation, Blanche manages to send a letter pleading for help, leading to a thrilling and tragic conclusion.
Themes and Motifs:
“What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” explores themes of jealousy, obsession, and the destructive nature of fame. The film delves into the psychological complexities of the human mind, particularly the effects of childhood trauma and the consequences of unfulfilled dreams. The decaying mansion serves as a metaphor for the sisters’ deteriorating mental states and their entrapment in a twisted reality.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release, “What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” received critical acclaim for its dark and suspenseful narrative, as well as the exceptional performances by Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Davis.
The movie’s success paved the way for a resurgence of interest in psychological thrillers and female-driven narratives. It remains a classic in the genre and has influenced numerous films and television shows that explore similar themes of obsession and sibling rivalry.
Recommendation:
“What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” is a gripping psychological thriller that showcases the exceptional talents of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. With its intense performances, twisted plot, and haunting atmosphere, the film is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful cinema and classic Hollywood.
Memorable Quote:
“But you are, Blanche! You are in that chair!” – Baby Jane Hudson
