Released in 1962, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a psychological thriller directed by Robert Aldrich. The movie stars Bette Davis as Jane Hudson and Joan Crawford as Blanche Hudson, two sisters who were once successful actresses during the golden age of Hollywood.
While Jane was a famous child star, Blanche shone in her later years, winning critical acclaim for her performances. However, a car accident years earlier left Blanche paralyzed from the waist down, and she has since become reliant on Jane for her care.
The mansion where they live is a decaying relic of their former glory days, and the sisters are reclusive, left alone with their fading memories and forgotten pasts. The tension between the two sisters is palpable, with Jane's resentment towards Blanche's career and Blanche's clear fear of her sister's instability fueling their conflicted relationship.
As the movie progresses, darker secrets are revealed, and Jane's mental health deteriorates rapidly. She becomes increasingly unhinged and violent towards Blanche, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful climax. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a classic tale of sibling rivalry, envy, and ultimately, revenge, and it was critically acclaimed for its powerful performances by Davis and Crawford.