What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

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Let’s talk about What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, a film that’s as famous for its on-screen drama as it is for the legendary feud between its two stars, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Now, was their rivalry real? In my research, I found this truth. These two didn’t exactly exchange friendship bracelets on set. But was it blown out of proportion for the sake of publicity? I think so. Either way, the tension between them is the secret sauce that makes this movie so unforgettable. Their performances are electric, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine anyone else pulling off these roles with the same level of brilliance.

The story is a twisted tale of sibling rivalry, fame, and madness. Baby Jane Hudson (Davis) was a child star who peaked way too early, while her sister, Blanche (Crawford), became a glamorous movie actress later in life. But after a mysterious car accident leaves Blanche paralyzed, Jane becomes her caretaker—or, more accurately, her tormentor. Jane’s bitterness and jealousy boil over into full-blown cruelty, and the film takes us on a slow, unsettling descent into psychological horror. By the time the shocking ending rolls around, you’re left questioning everything you thought you knew about these sisters.

Now, let’s talk performances, because this is where the magic happens. Bette Davis goes all in as Baby Jane. She’s grotesque, unhinged, and mesmerizing. That makeup alone deserves an award. Davis doesn’t just play Jane; she becomes her, and it’s impossible to look away. On the flip side, Joan Crawford brings this quiet, heartbreaking vulnerability to Blanche. She’s the perfect counterbalance to Davis’s over-the-top energy, and together, they create a dynamic that’s pure cinematic gold.

Behind the scenes, director Robert Aldrich knew what he was doing. The mansion where the sisters live is practically a character in itself. Ernest Haller’s black-and-white cinematography enhances the film’s eerie, gothic atmosphere. At the same time, the screenplay, adapted from Henry Farrell’s novel, delivers tension and unexpected twists that keep viewers engaged from start to finish.

When the film premiered in 1962, it was a huge success. Made on a shoestring budget of $980,000, it raked in $9 million at the box office—a huge success for a movie starring two actresses who, at the time, were considered past their prime. Bette Davis earned an Oscar nomination for her performance, though she lost to Anne Bancroft for The Miracle Worker. The film also snagged a nomination for Best Costume Design. Joan Crawford didn’t get an Oscar nod, but let’s be real—her performance has aged like fine wine and is now considered one of her best.

The legacy of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is massive. It not only revived the careers of Davis and Crawford but also kicked off a whole subgenre of “psycho-biddy” films—basically, movies where older actresses got to play unhinged, larger-than-life characters.

So, was the feud real? Who cares? What matters is that it gave us one of the most iconic films of all time. Davis and Crawford were both at the top of their game, and their performances are nothing short of legendary. If you haven’t seen What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, do yourself a favor and watch it. Just be prepared—it’s creepy, it’s unsettling, and it’s unforgettable.

Frank Gaimari is an author, film reviewer, and actor based in Seattle, Washington. He lives with his husband and their two golden retrievers. Learn more about his work at http://FrankGaimari.com.