Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)

This film was made as follow up to Bette Davis' success in Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? Alongside Joan Crawford. The two were going to be reunited for this one too, but Crawford fell 'ill' and dropped out. Olivia De Havilland is better anyway.

In this one Davis plays Charlotte Hollis, who has been a recluse in her mansion for 30 years because of s terrible tragedy (her married lover was murdered). Then de Havilland comes along as her cousin Miriam. A level headed woman to contrast with Charlotte's supposed madness. Things unravel from there. But what we (and Charlotte) want to know is if it's all real or if it's just crazy old Charlotte Hollis.

The performances are standouts, but how can they not be when when we have Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Agnes Moorehead (Endora!!!) and Joseph Cotton? Mary Astor was also in it as Jewel Mayhew, i didn't know it was her at first (i had only seen her in Little Women before this) but yes a nice little tidbit for you. Davis is her usual 'i'll steal this scene even if it kills me' self and de Havilland subtly fights Davis for control, leading to a brilliant clash. Both brought out the best in each other that's for sure.

Personally i think that de Havilland has always been a better actress than Davis (but that's just me) but both are good. One part that i really enjoyed (and believe me there were a lot of parts) was where a police officer is looking over an old newspaper clipping of Charlotte and Miriam's family and mentions that they were 'good looking youngsters.' This made me think of the show Gossip Girl, i don't know why but it did, haha. i guess the whole 'privileged kids with lots of drama' angle.

It took a while for the movie to grow on me (i thought Davis was OTT when i first began it) and the effects are not very good, but the parts with the bodies (in my opinion) wouldn't work if they looked real, maybe they look better but that's about it. The music is okay but overused, instead of adding menace to the scenes it sometimes makes them appear horribly dated. However the theme song is excellent.

In short: Good movie. One of my favourites in my Davis collection (i have 5 of her movies: All About Eve, The Nanny, The Anniversary, The Virgin Queen and this one). Strong performances and an interesting plot keep it from going under. I liked it.

"What do you think i asked you here for? COMPANY?" Jewel Mayhew (Mary Astor) Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte.