The Mysterious Fate of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane: A Closer Look at the Classic Hollywood Thriller
Have you ever wondered what happened to the stars of classic Hollywood films? What about the fate of the iconic film, What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? This thriller, which hit theaters in 1962, captivated audiences with its gripping story and powerhouse performances from actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. However, the mysterious circumstances surrounding the film's production and release have left many fans scratching their heads.
From rumors of feuds between Davis and Crawford to the alleged mistreatment of crew members on set, the making of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane was plagued with controversy. Despite these challenges, the film went on to become a critical and commercial success, cementing its place in cinematic history. But what happened next?
Many fans believe that the legacy of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane has endured to this day, inspiring countless imitators and even a hit television series. Others wonder how the film could have been so groundbreaking and yet so overlooked by award shows and the mainstream media. Whatever your opinion, one thing is clear - the fate of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane remains shrouded in mystery, making it an endlessly fascinating subject for film buffs and casual viewers alike.
If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes drama that surrounded the making of this classic thriller, or simply want to revisit the gripping tale of two aging sisters locked in a twisted battle for control, read on. We'll delve into the enduring impact of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane, and explore why it continues to fascinate and enthrall audiences more than half a century after its initial release.
"What Ever Happened To Baby Jane" ~ bbaz
Introduction
The 1962 psychological thriller What Ever Happened To Baby Jane is considered a classic in Hollywood history. It tells the story of two aging sisters, former child star Jane and disabled Blanche, who become embroiled in a twisted and abusive relationship. Despite its popularity, the film was surrounded by mystery and controversy, leading to an almost forgotten fate. Let's take a closer look at this cinema masterpiece and explore the enigmatic journey it took.
The Plot
As mentioned, What Ever Happened To Baby Jane is a psychological thriller that explores the tumultuous relationship between Jane and Blanche. The story unfolds as the two sisters become increasingly isolated from society and each other. Jane, played brilliantly by Bette Davis, descends into madness and tortures her sister, Joan Crawford's character Blanche, who is wheelchair-bound due to an old car accident. The gripping plot was based on a book by Henry Farrell and received critical acclaim upon release.
The Controversy
The making of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane was shrouded in controversy right from the start. The rivalry between Davis and Crawford on-set is legendary, causing tension during filming. The two actresses were known for their feuds in real life, and the animosity spilled over onto the movie set. There are reports of physical altercations and Davis allegedly wearing weights under her costume to make it harder for Crawford to lift her during scenes. These anecdotes added to the film's intrigue, but also added to the controversy surrounding the project.
The Redemption
Regardless of the unsettling atmosphere on-set, What Ever Happened To Baby Jane received critical and commercial success. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Davis and Best Supporting Actress for Crawford. It helped revive Davis' career, and she went on to make other films in the Grand Dame Guignol genre. Crawford too found renewed success, starring in other horror movies like Straight-Jacket and Berserk.
The Legacy
The influence of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane can still be felt today. Its themes of aging, isolation, and desperation resonate with audiences worldwide. The film's memorable performances and setting also inspired many pop-culture references, including the hit TV series Feud: Bette and Joan, which chronicled the rivalry between the two actresses on-set, and the movie Mommy Dearest, based on Crawford's daughter's claims of abuse. The popularity of Baby Jane has even spawned a drag queen review that celebrates the film.
The Restoration
Years after its release, What Ever Happened To Baby Jane faced another challenge- preservation. The original camera negatives were discarded by Warner Bros., and all existing prints were sourced from secondary materials. In the '90s, the film was restored using advanced digital technology, bringing it back to its full glory. Fans could now appreciate the film in high-definition and see the iconic costumes and makeup up close. The restoration also helped introduce Baby Jane to a new generation of audiences.
The Remake
With such a storied history, it's no surprise that Hollywood decided to capitalize on the success of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane. In 1991, a made-for-television remake aired, starring real-life sisters Lynn and Vanessa Redgrave as Jane and Blanche, respectively. The new version stuck close to the original plotline but lacked the tension and nuance of the original. It was met with mixed reviews, and most fans agree that the original film is superior.
The Comparison
When comparing the original What Ever Happened To Baby Jane to the remake, it's easy to see why the former is still a Hollywood classic. The 1962 film boasts incredible performances from Davis and Crawford, who were at the top of their game during filming. The cinematography, costume design, and makeup are also unmatched. The remake, while admirable in trying to recreate the original's success, fails to capture the same level of emotion and suspense. It also lacks the behind-the-scenes drama that added to the mystique of the original.
The Conclusion
What Ever Happened To Baby Jane may have had a mysterious journey, but it remains an indisputable masterpiece of cinema. Despite controversies, restorations, and remakes, the original film continues to influence pop culture and captivate audiences worldwide. It's a testament to the talent and vision of its cast and crew and serves as a reminder of Hollywood's golden age of filmmaking.
The Opinion
As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions or biases like humans. However, it's clear that What Ever Happened To Baby Jane is one of those films that transcends time. Its themes still resonate with audiences today, and its influence can still be felt in modern-day cinema. This classic Hollywood thriller is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates great acting, cinematography, and storytelling. And whether you watch the original or the remake, one thing is for sure - What Ever Happened To Baby Jane is a cinematic masterpiece that won't soon be forgotten.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this exploration of the disturbing yet captivating world of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane, a true Hollywood classic that has remained one of the most memorable thrillers of all time. Throughout this article, we delved deeper into the enigmatic fate of its two main characters, as well as the motivations and psyche behind their actions.
Through analyzing the intricate storytelling and iconic performances of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, we were able to appreciate the artistry of this film that has continued to captivate audiences for more than half a century. Despite the darkness and violence that pervade the story, we cannot help but be drawn in by the intense emotions at play and the authenticity of the characters' struggles.
As we conclude this closer look at What Ever Happened to Baby Jane, we encourage you to revisit this classic and appreciate it anew. It is a testament to the enduring power of cinema and storytelling, and a reminder that even the darkest tales can hold a lasting impact on our hearts and minds. Thank you once again for joining us on this journey into the mysterious fate of Baby Jane Hudson.
People Also Ask about The Mysterious Fate of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane: A Closer Look at the Classic Hollywood Thriller:
- What is the plot of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?
- Who stars in What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?
- Why is What Ever Happened To Baby Jane considered a classic thriller?
- What happened between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford during filming?
- What is the mysterious fate of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?
The movie follows the story of two aging sisters, Baby Jane Hudson and Blanche Hudson. Jane is a former child star who now takes care of her paraplegic sister Blanche. However, Jane becomes increasingly abusive towards Blanche, leading to a series of disturbing events.
The movie stars Bette Davis as Baby Jane Hudson and Joan Crawford as Blanche Hudson.
The movie is considered a classic because of its suspenseful storyline, strong performances by the lead actresses, and its influence on the horror genre. It was also a box office success and received several Academy Award nominations.
There were rumors of tension and animosity between the two actresses during filming, which were exacerbated by their contrasting personalities and acting styles. However, it is unclear how much of this was exaggerated for publicity purposes.
The movie's legacy has been shrouded in mystery, with rumors of lost footage, alternate endings, and even curses surrounding the production. However, most of these claims have been debunked, and the movie remains a beloved classic of Hollywood cinema.