What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962)
Grade: 69
"Baby Jane" is a wicked comedy and thriller starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. It is a good film, full of suspense and humor. It is probably the most important film that either star made after 1960, as its success led to a series of older actresses in macabre roles.
The story begins in 1917. Baby Jane (Julie Allred) is a child star and spoiled brat, pampered by her smarmy show-biz dad (Dave Willock) while older sister Blanche (Gina Gillespie) is ignored. By the mid-1930s, the tables have turned. Blanche is a moviestar, while the alcoholic Jane is shunned by the studios.
Blanche's career is ruined when she becomes paralyzed in an auto accident that Jane is blamed for. But Blanche (Crawford) and Jane (Davis) continue to live together in the now decaying mansion of their youth. Blanche arranges to sell the mansion, and to place the unstable Jane in an institution. Jane's response is to isolate and terrorize Blanche. Meanwhile, Jane seeks a pathetic revival of her career with impoverished pianist Edwin (Victor Buono).
The best part of "Baby Jane" are the opening scenes, when Jane is a child. Her wretched, maudlin singing voice is a perfect send-up of manipulated (and manipulative) child stars. Perhaps someday there will be a prequel to "Baby Jane", further exploring this character.
Bette Davis looks awful. Although only 54 at the time, her pasty white makeup makes her appear grotesque and much older. Crawford, as the gentle victim of Davis' bizzare cruelty, suffers many indignities. Gossip about "Baby Jane" centers on the two star's dislike of each other. Supposedly, for the scene where Davis drags Crawford, Joan hid weights under her dress, helping to injure Davis' back. Campy and malevolent, Davis was perfectly cast for the role of Jane; the baddest of all the 'bad girl' roles of her career.
Buono, a memorable character actor, makes his film debut in "Baby Jane". He earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance. Davis was nominated for Best Actress, and Ernest Haller was nominated for the cinematography.
kollers@mpsi.net http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html
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