Film Forum

U.S., 1962
Directed by Robert Aldrich
Starring Bette Davis, Joan Crawford
Screenplay by Lukas Heller
Based on the novel of the same name by Henry Farrell
DCP. Approx. 134 min.

Holiday for Freudians, as the screen’s greatest sadist teams up with its greatest masochist: grotesque ex-child star Bette Davis fills those empty hours by tormenting wheelchair-bound ex-screen idol sibling Joan Crawford.

Reviews

“Crawford gives a quiet, remarkably fine interpretation of the crippled Blanche, held in emotionally by the nature and temperament of the role. Physically confined to a wheelchair and bed through the picture, she has to act from the inside and has her best scenes (because she wisely underplays with Davis) with a maid and those she plays alone.”
 – Variety