‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ is a captivating psychological thriller that has enthralled audiences for decades. Originally a novel written by Henry Farrell, it was later adapted into a film directed by Robert Aldrich. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing differences between the book and the movie, exploring various aspects such as the story summary, film locations, memorable quotes, and even tips for cosplay. Join me as we unravel the mysteries of ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’.
Summary of the Book
The book ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ takes us on a chilling journey into the lives of two sisters, Baby Jane Hudson and Blanche Hudson. Set in the 1960s, the story unfolds in a decaying mansion where the sisters live together. Baby Jane, once a successful child star, now finds herself overshadowed by her sister’s fame as a renowned actress. As jealousy and resentment consume her, she descends into madness and begins tormenting Blanche, who is confined to a wheelchair. The book delves deep into the psychological turmoil of the sisters, exploring themes of fame, obsession, and the destructive power of sibling rivalry.
Summary of the Movie
The movie adaptation of ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ stays true to the essence of the book while adding its own visual flair. Set in the same time period as the book, the film transports us to the eerie mansion where the story unfolds. Bette Davis delivers a stellar performance as Baby Jane, capturing the character’s unhinged nature and desperation. Joan Crawford portrays Blanche with remarkable poise, perfectly capturing her vulnerability and resilience. The film amplifies the tension and suspense, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. While some elements are condensed or altered for the screen, the movie remains faithful to the book’s haunting narrative.
When and Where the Story Takes Place
‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ takes place in the 1960s, a time of cultural transformation and societal shifts. The story is set in the fictional city of Santa Monica, California, known for its glamorous allure. The decaying mansion where Baby Jane and Blanche reside becomes a character in itself, representing the decay of their lives and the fading glamour of Hollywood. The time and location contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story, adding layers of depth to the characters’ struggles and the narrative’s themes.
Film Locations and Their Significance
The film showcases various locations that play a significant role in the story. The mansion, where the majority of the plot unfolds, is a haunting and dilapidated structure that reflects the deteriorating mental state of the characters. Another notable location is the beachfront, which symbolizes the illusion of beauty and happiness that the characters desperately cling to. These locations serve as visual metaphors, enhancing the story’s themes and adding to the overall cinematic experience.
Exploring the Characters: Who’s Who in the Story
‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ introduces us to a cast of intriguing characters. Baby Jane Hudson, portrayed by Bette Davis, is a former child star who struggles to come to terms with her faded fame. Blanche Hudson, played by Joan Crawford, is Baby Jane’s wheelchair-bound sister, who becomes the target of her sister’s torment. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own motivations and flaws. The performances by Davis and Crawford bring these characters to life, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
Memorable Quotes from the Book and Movie
Both the book and the movie are filled with memorable quotes that capture the essence of the story. One of the most iconic lines from the book is when Baby Jane exclaims, “You mean all this time we could have been friends?” This line showcases the depth of their dysfunctional relationship and the tragedy that unfolds. In the movie, Baby Jane’s haunting words, “But you are, Blanche! You are in that chair!” resonate with audiences, encapsulating the psychological torment inflicted upon Blanche. These quotes stay with viewers, leaving a lasting impression.
The Soundtrack by Frank De Vol: A Bio and Other Notable Works
Frank De Vol, the composer behind the haunting soundtrack of ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’, has a remarkable career in the world of film music. Born in 1911, De Vol began his musical journey at an early age. He went on to compose scores for numerous films, including ‘Pillow Talk’ and ‘Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte.’ His music in ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ perfectly captures the eerie atmosphere of the story, adding another layer of tension to the scenes. De Vol’s talent shines through in this soundtrack, showcasing his ability to enhance the narrative through music.
Curiosities and Behind-the-Scenes Facts about the Book and Movie
Behind the scenes of ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ lie fascinating curiosities and little-known facts. Did you know that Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, who famously had a strained relationship, brought their real-life animosity into their performances, intensifying the on-screen tension? Another interesting fact is that the original novel was inspired by a true story of two sisters who also had a tumultuous relationship. These behind-the-scenes tidbits add an extra layer of intrigue to the already captivating story.
Tips for Cosplay and Dressing up as Baby Jane Hudson and Blanche Hudson
If you’re a fan of ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ and want to bring the characters to life through cosplay, here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect look. For Baby Jane, start with a vintage-style frilly dress, paired with lace gloves and a wide-brimmed hat. Don’t forget her signature makeup with exaggerated red lips and heavy eye makeup. For Blanche, opt for a glamorous 1960s-style dress, accessorized with a faux fur stole and a vintage handbag. Complete the look with a wig styled in a classic updo. Cosplaying as these iconic characters will surely make an impression at any costume event.
The Author behind the Story: Henry Farrell’s Bio and Other Works
Henry Farrell, the mastermind behind ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’, was an accomplished writer in the realm of psychological thrillers. Born in 1920, Farrell published several novels throughout his career, with ‘Baby Jane’ being one of his most notable works. His ability to delve into the depths of human psyche and explore the darker side of humanity made him a pioneer in the genre. Farrell’s other works, such as ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ and ‘What’s the Matter with Helen?’, showcase his talent for creating suspenseful narratives that leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Five Best Works by Henry Farrell
- ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’: This novel catapulted Farrell to fame and remains one of his most enduring works.
- ‘The Haunting of Hill House’: A chilling tale of supernatural occurrences and psychological terror.
- ‘What’s the Matter with Helen?’: Delving into themes of obsession and paranoia, this novel keeps readers guessing until the very end.
- ‘Torch Song’: A gripping story of love, betrayal, and the price of fame.
- ‘The Night of the Hunter’: Collaborating with illustrator Davis Grubb, Farrell crafted a tale of suspense and survival that continues to captivate audiences.
Five Other Media Adaptations by Robert Aldrich
Robert Aldrich, the visionary director behind the film adaptation of ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’, has an impressive resume of other media adaptations. Here are five notable works by Aldrich:
- ‘Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte’ (1964): Another psychological thriller starring Bette Davis, this film showcases Aldrich’s talent for creating tension and suspense.
- ‘The Dirty Dozen’ (1967): A war film featuring an ensemble cast, this movie is an action-packed adventure that keeps audiences engaged.
- ‘Kiss Me Deadly’ (1955): A film noir classic that showcases Aldrich’s ability to craft compelling narratives within the genre.
- ‘The Longest Yard’ (1974): A sports comedy-drama that combines humor with a powerful story of redemption and teamwork.
- ‘Flight of the Phoenix’ (1965): A survival drama set in the desert, this film highlights Aldrich’s skill in creating intense and gripping situations.
Ten Similar Movies to ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’
If you enjoyed the psychological thrills of ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’, here are ten similar movies that you might find intriguing:
- ‘Misery’ (1990): Based on the novel by Stephen King, this chilling tale explores the twisted relationship between an author and his obsessed fan.
- ‘Sunset Boulevard’ (1950): A classic film noir that delves into the dark side of Hollywood and the obsession with fame.
- ‘Black Swan’ (2010): A psychological thriller set in the world of ballet, this film delves into themes of obsession, identity, and the pursuit of perfection.
- ‘Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice?’ (1969): Another suspenseful tale involving a dysfunctional relationship between two women.
- ‘Single White Female’ (1992): A gripping thriller that explores themes of obsession and identity theft.
- ‘Rebecca’ (1940): A gothic tale of mystery and suspense, this film keeps viewers captivated until the very end.
- ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ (1968): A psychological horror film that explores themes of paranoia and the occult.
- ‘Psycho’ (1960): An iconic thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this film is a masterclass in suspense and psychological terror.
- ‘The Others’ (2001): A supernatural thriller that keeps audiences guessing until the shocking twist at the end.
- ‘Gone Girl’ (2014): Based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, this film delves into the complexities of a troubled marriage and the manipulation of truth.
Book Club Discussion Questions for ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’
- How does the dynamic between Baby Jane and Blanche reflect the destructive power of jealousy and sibling rivalry?
- Discuss the role of the decaying mansion as a metaphor for the characters’ deteriorating lives.
- In what ways does the book explore the theme of fame and its impact on the characters’ lives?
- How does the book portray the psychological descent of Baby Jane and its effect on Blanche?
- What elements of the book do you feel were effectively translated to the film adaptation, and which ones were altered or omitted?
Ten Similar Novels to Explore if You Enjoyed ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’
If you found yourself captivated by the psychological suspense of ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’, here are ten similar novels that you might enjoy:
- ‘The Girl on the Train’ by Paula Hawkins: A gripping thriller that explores themes of memory, obsession, and unreliable narrators.
- ‘Sharp Objects’ by Gillian Flynn: Another chilling tale of dysfunctional family dynamics and hidden secrets.
- ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides: A psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a woman who refuses to speak after being accused of murder.
- ‘The Woman in the Window’ by A.J. Finn: A suspenseful novel featuring an agoraphobic woman who witnesses a crime in her neighbor’s house.
- ‘Behind Closed Doors’ by B.A. Paris: A gripping psychological thriller that unravels the dark secrets of a seemingly perfect marriage.
- ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ by Patricia Highsmith: A psychological thriller featuring a charming yet manipulative protagonist.
- ‘The Secret History’ by Donna Tartt: A dark and atmospheric novel that explores the consequences of a group of students’ sinister actions.
- ‘Big Little Lies’ by Liane Moriarty: A suspenseful story of friendship, secrets, and the unraveling of a seemingly perfect community.
- ‘The Wife Between Us’ by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen: A psychological thriller filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
- ‘The Dinner’ by Herman Koch: A thought-provoking novel that takes place during a tense dinner conversation among family members, revealing shocking secrets.
Parent Guide for Watching ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’
‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ is a psychological thriller that contains mature themes and intense scenes. It is recommended for mature audiences due to its depiction of psychological torment, violence, and disturbing content. Parents should exercise discretion when deciding whether to allow their children to watch this film, as it may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Conclusion
‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ is a timeless tale that has left a lasting impact on both literature and film. The book and movie adaptation offer unique experiences, each with its own strengths and nuances. Exploring the differences between the two allows us to delve deeper into the story and appreciate the artistry behind both mediums. Whether you prefer the written word or the silver screen, ‘What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?’ will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.