Unlocking the Mystery: Where to Watch ‘Whatever Happened to Baby Jane’ and Uncover Its Dark Secrets
It’s been over five decades since the iconic thriller film “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” first graced the silver screen, and yet its chilling storyline continues to captivate audiences today. Starring Hollywood legends Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, this psychological drama left audiences on the edge of their seats with its twisted tale of sibling rivalry and betrayal. But for those eager to relive this classic film or discover it for the first time, the question remains: where can you watch “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?” Look no further, as we dive into all the ways you can experience this timeless masterpiece.
What is Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is a 1962 psychological thriller film directed by Robert Aldrich. It tells the story of two sisters, Baby Jane and Blanche Hudson, who were once famous child stars. As adults, Baby Jane is still trying to relive her past glory while Blanche has become an invalid after a mysterious car accident. The film features stellar performances from legendary actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.
The Plot of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
The film begins with a flashback to the peak of their stardom when the Hudson sisters were known as “The Two Little Darlings”. As they grew older, Baby Jane’s fame faded while Blanche continued to have success in Hollywood.
Years later, we see the Hudson sisters living together in an old mansion in Hollywood. Blanche is confined to a wheelchair after an unsolved car accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. She depends on her sister for care but little does she know, Baby Jane resents her for her success and constantly torments her with sadistic games.
As Blanche attempts to get help by contacting their doctor and former maid, Elvira Stitt, she becomes suspicious that something is not right. Meanwhile, Baby Jane secretly collects money from Blanche’s bank account under false pretenses.
The tension between the sisters reaches a boiling point when it is revealed that Blanche had actually been driven off the road by Baby Jane in an attempt to kill her and regain her own fame. The final act sees a dramatic showdown between the two sisters as Baby Jane attempts to permanently silence her sister.
Behind the Scenes of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
The production of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? was plagued with rumors of a fierce rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Davis had always been resentful of Crawford’s success and saw this film as an opportunity to outshine her. Crawford, on the other hand, was determined to prove that she was still a bankable actress despite her age.
The two actresses barely spoke to each other during filming, leading to a tense on-set atmosphere. Allegedly, Davis would purposefully change her lines or react differently in scenes than what was expected, in order to throw Crawford off. This animosity even extended off-screen with Davis reportedly imitating Crawford’s walk in a costume test and causing her to cry.
Despite their feud, both actresses gave mesmerizing performances that earned them critical acclaim and cemented their legacy as Hollywood legends.
The Impact of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? was a commercial success, but more importantly, it changed the landscape of Hollywood by proving that older actresses could still carry a film. This opened up opportunities for older actresses who were often pushed into retirement once they reached a certain age.
The film also sparked a resurgence in the “psycho-biddy” genre of psychological thrillers focused on older women. Films like Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte and What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice? followed in its footsteps and became cult classics.
Where Can You Watch Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is available for streaming on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, and YouTube. It is also available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.
Why Should You Watch Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is a must-watch for any fan of classic films or psychological thrillers. The tension between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford is palpable on screen and makes for an unforgettable viewing experience. The film also has a strong commentary on the toxic nature of sibling rivalry and the destructive effects of fame.
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is a timeless film that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences over 50 years after its initial release. Its impact on Hollywood cannot be denied, and it remains a must-watch for any cinephile. So, if you haven’t watched it yet, grab some popcorn and get ready for a thrilling ride through the twisted world of Baby Jane and Blanche Hudson.
Overview of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane
Hailed as a masterpiece of psychological horror and suspense, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane is a classic 1962 American thriller film directed and produced by Robert Aldrich. Starring the legendary actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, the film tells the story of two former child stars turned aging sisters who live in isolation and bitterness, haunted by their troubled past. The film received critical acclaim for its script, direction, performances, and cinematography, making it a cult favorite among audiences and critics alike.
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane is based on the novel of the same name by Henry Farrell. The plot follows the deteriorating relationship between Baby Jane Hudson (Bette Davis) and her sister Blanche (Joan Crawford), two former vaudeville stars from Hollywood’s golden era. As Blanche becomes paralyzed after a car accident orchestrated by Jane, their relationship becomes more strained as Jane spirals into madness. The intense psychological battle between the sisters ultimately reveals a shocking twist that solidifies Whatever Happened to Baby Jane’s place in cinema history.
The film’s success had an immense impact on pop culture and inspired multiple parodies, references in other films, remakes, TV adaptations, musicals, and even merchandise. It also influenced other filmmakers with its themes of jealousy, revenge and aging in Hollywood. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane remains an iconic piece of cinema that continues to intrigue audiences with its dark tale of sibling rivalry.
The Controversial Production
While Whatever Happened to Baby Jane might have been a box office hit and hailed as one of the best thrillers ever made now – it was not smooth sailing during its production stage back in 1962. The casting process alone was filled with drama as both Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were well-known feuding rivals stemming from their careers in Hollywood’s Golden Age. Davis and Crawford both had a reputation for being temperamental and difficult, making the filming process challenging for director Robert Aldrich.
However, the real conflict on set began when Davis found out that Crawford had negotiated for a larger salary and better dressing room facilities. This led to Davis’ retaliation by placing weights in her pockets during a scene where she has to drag Crawford’s character across the floor, leading to Crawford suffering back pain. The tension between the two actresses created an electric atmosphere on screen, which contributed to the film’s success.
The Impact of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane has been cited as one of the most influential films in pop culture, paving the way for more psychological thrillers that revolve around female leads. The character of Baby Jane herself has become synonymous with horror icons such as Norman Bates and Freddy Krueger.
The film also challenged societal norms at that time. It questioned how society perceives aging women in Hollywood – something that is still relevant today. With Bette Davis’ groundbreaking and unhinged performance as Baby Jane, she broke barriers and shattered the idea of an ideal leading lady on screen.
Moreover, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane established director Robert Aldrich’s reputation as a master of suspenseful storytelling. The film showcased his unique vision for creating atmospheric tension and gave him recognition worldwide.
The Legacy of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane
With its lasting impact on pop culture, it is no surprise that Whatever Happened to Baby Jane has inspired numerous adaptations over the years. In 1991, Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman even directed a stage production of the film starring Liv Ullmann and Harriet Andersson as Blanche and Baby Jane respectively.
In 2020, a TV series adaptation titled “Feud: Bette and Joan” starring Jessica Lange as Joan Crawford and Susan Sarandon as Bette Davis was released, focusing on the behind-the-scenes drama during the making of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. The series was critically acclaimed and received multiple Emmy nominations.
The film also sparked a trend of aging actresses starring in horror films, with psychological thrillers such as Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964) and Strait-Jacket (1964) following in its footsteps.
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane’s influence has stood the test of time, making it a must-watch for all cinema lovers. Its exploration of sibling rivalry, aging in Hollywood and mental instability remains relevant to this day and continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Q: Where can I watch the movie “Whatever Happened To Baby Jane”?
A: You can stream the movie on popular online platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Netflix. It is also available for rental or purchase on iTunes, Google Play, and YouTube.
Q: Is “Whatever Happened To Baby Jane” available on any streaming services for free?
A: No, the movie is not currently available for free on any streaming services. However, you may be able to access it with a trial or subscription to certain streaming platforms.
Q: Can I watch “Whatever Happened To Baby Jane” in theaters?
A: The movie was released in 1962 and is no longer in theaters. However, it may be screened at special events or film festivals.
Q: Is “Whatever Happened To Baby Jane” available on DVD or Blu-ray?
A: Yes, the movie is available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray. It may also be included in various movie collections or box sets.
Q: Is closed captioning or subtitles available while watching “Whatever Happened To Baby Jane”?
A: Closed captioning and subtitles may vary depending on the platform you are watching the movie on. Most online streaming services offer closed captioning options that you can turn on through your device settings.
Q: How can I find out if “Whatever Happened To Baby Jane” is playing at a theater near me?
A: You can use websites such as Fandango or IMDb to search for local screenings of the movie. You can also check your local theater’s schedule directly to see if they will be showing it.
In conclusion, the cult classic film ‘Whatever Happened To Baby Jane’ continues to captivate audiences over five decades after its release. Its gripping plot, stellar performances, and exploration of themes such as jealousy, fear, and mental illness have made it a timeless masterpiece. The movie has become a cultural phenomenon and has been referenced numerous times in popular media.
As we have discussed, there are several platforms where you can watch ‘Whatever Happened To Baby Jane’. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video offer the film for online viewing. DVD and Blu-ray versions are also easily available for purchase. Additionally, it is often screened at film festivals and screenings around the world.
The enduring popularity of ‘Whatever Happened To Baby Jane’ is a testament to its impact on cinema and pop culture. The performances of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford are unforgettable, leaving viewers with a mix of fear, sympathy, and admiration for their characters.
Aside from being an enthralling thriller, the film also presents important themes that are still relevant in today’s society. The rivalry between siblings fueled by jealousy and resentment, the consequences of chasing fame at any cost, and the damaging effects of untreated mental illness all serve as cautionary tales for viewers.
Ultimately, ‘Whatever Happened