This past year a limited series ran called FEUD, this time
around focusing on the behind the scenes feud between actresses Bette Davis and
Joan Crawford, a long standing personal battle that resulted in flaring tempers
as the two tried to resuscitate their careers with the film WHATEVER HAPPENED
TO BABY JANE. In the case of Crawford the result found her in some terrible
movies while Davis went on to star in roles on TV and films. At the end of the
series it discussed their reteaming under the same director, Robert Aldrich,
for the film HUSH HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE. Their battle of wills resulted in
Crawford being dismissed from the film and replaced by Olivia de Havilland and
the film being completed. Why mention this? Because it provides an interesting
backdrop when looking at the film now on blu-ray from Twilight Time.
The movie opens in 1927 in the antebellum south with a party
being held by Charlotte Hollis father (Victor Buono). Charlotte has made plans
to elope with her lover John (Bruce Dern) but before this takes place her
father confronts John with the fact that he knows he is already married.
Realizing he can’t leave with Charlotte he breaks off with her. That same night
someone takes a meat cleaver to John and Charlotte is thought to be behind the killing.
The story moves forward to 1964. The grand old house is in
ruins and Charlotte lives their almost alone, an aging spinster with only Velma
(Agnes Moorehead) there to keep her company. Times are worse than Charlotte
realizes with the house set for demolition since a new highway is to be built
here. Charlotte confronts the construction crew armed and after the sheriff
intervenes is given days to move out.
Seeking help Charlotte has convinced her cousin Miriam (de
Havilland) to return and help her. Arriving from New York Miriam does her best,
renewing her romance with local doctor Drew Bayliss (Joseph Cotton) and trying
to help. But as the days pass it seems that Charlotte may have gone mad over
the ensuing years since Miriam left. She sees images of John at night and fears
that her father, the man she thought murdered John all those years ago, is back
as well.
Something isn’t quite right here and we as viewers know it.
Velma does her best to keep Charlotte calm and suspects that something is
amiss. But just who is behind it we’re not sure. Was John really murdered all
those years ago? Did Charlotte actually do it and now is racked with guilt over
her actions? Or is there some other mystery long buried over the years that is
only now playing out?
The film offers a solid gothic style mystery, one where a
number of potential solutions are presented. Davis performance would seem a bit
on the hammy side if it weren’t for the fact that the method she employs here
adds credulity to the character of Charlotte and her eccentric ways. Aldrich,
who moved on to bigger and better films like THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX, THE
DIRTY DOZEN and THE LONGEST YARD does a great job of bringing his cast together
to offer performances that are among their best.
If you read my reviews you may tire of hearing me saying
this but yes, Twilight Time has brought a great looking offering here with a
fantastic looking print. They’ve done a great job with extras this time around
as well which include an isolated score track, audio commentary track with film
historians David Del Vale and Steven Peros, audio commentary track with film
historian Glenn Erickson, HUSH…HUSH, SWEET JOAN: THE MAKING OF CHARLOTTE, BRUCE
DERN REMEMBERS, Wizard Work, TV spots and the original theatrical trailers. As
always it’s limited to just 3,000 copies so if you want one order today.
Click here to order.
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