I gave it a 7.5 out of 10

A lot of fun.

The movie's only flaw is also a virtue: It's jammed with characters, stories, warmth and laughs.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

This is still a must see movie for Bette Davis completists but for anyone wanting a well paced, well acted film, go back 12 years to All About Eve. The much talked of feud between Bette and Joan Crawford is easily imagined in this bitter film of sisters turned enemies. Scenes between the two are often electric but the whole film is poorly directed. So much could have been trimmed to make a faster, scarier flick. Instead we get hammy extras and excessive exposition where none really is needed. It's kinda like the movie makers were worried that the audience wouldn't get it. The result is a classic, but a rusty one. Buyer beware.

Seriously creepy. Bette Davis is extraordinary, and really put herself out there for this film, garish make-up and all. She plays an aging, former childhood star who lives with her sister, played by Joan Crawford, who eclipsed her as they got older to become a star herself back in the 1930's. Three decades later, Davis is still living in the past, craving attention, and dominating Crawford, who is in a wheelchair. Early on, the film includes pictures and brief movie clips from Davis and Crawford when they were younger ('Ex-Lady', and 'Sadie McKee') which is nice. I don't want to give away any of the plot, but will just say there are lots of tingly moments, and director Robert Aldrich did a great job gradually building these to a crescendo. The film is special because of Davis's performance, and because of its extra dimensions. There is of course the horror of being helpless while in an unbalanced person's care, and Crawford turns in a strong performance as well. There is also the horror of becoming irrelevant, of being deluded in holding on to a dream that has long since passed, which has a pathos to it. The 'stories within the story' - Davis and Crawford's real-life antipathy for one another, and their own fading glory - make the movie even more fascinating. Victor Buono is excellent as the pianist who responds to Davis's classified ad, which is her pathetic attempt to revive her act. He's a tragic figure himself, struggling to find work and living with his nagging mother (Marjorie Bennett). There are a few moments which strain credibility, and whether you call them plot holes or not, you may find yourself yelling instructions or warnings out to the screen (perhaps true of many a horror movie). It's on the long side but it flies by, and never feels long. Great movie.

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a melodrama of the grotesque shot in stark black and white.Two ageing actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford play two has beens living in a cycle of hate and vengeance.Blanche Hudson (Joan Crawford) was a glamorous actress in the 1930s crippled in a car accident where her sister was thought to be the driver.'Baby' Jane Hudson (Bette Davis) was a major child star in the beginning of the 20th century. She was spoilt and taunted her sister Blanche who will find fame when she is older. By the 1930s Jane's career declines as she is not as talented as Blanche.In the present days (1960s) both are forgotten and living in gothic mansion. Jane is a drunk, getting madder everyday, being cruel to Blanche and dreaming of a come back on the stage. Blanche is wasting away upstairs in her bedroom, starved and living is despair, gagged and bound.Only their black maid shows concern but Jane gets rid of her, however Jane's madness leads to murder.Bette Davis went to the edge for her unhinged portrayal as Jane, even applying her own makeup. Crawford is more sedate but still manages to get under the skin of her sister when she in in her wheelchair. Both taunt each other unmercilessly because of past slights.It really is a claustrophobic chiller, another cynical film of shattered dreams of Hollywood and fame. Even the subplot about cash strapped pianist Edwin Flagg (Victor Buono) is another player who did not make it in Hollywood.

I've FINALLY seen this movie; I've watched tons of "best of movie lists" thru the years and this is always on them!! I had brief knowledge of Crawford/Davis' real world relationship and it's awesome to see it play out on camera. This movie was much darker than I thought it would be, loved every bit of it. I won't give anything away but let me say the acting in this is spot on: Everyone played their characters wonderfully and the twists r rite on!! Considered a classic for good reasons!!!!!!