"What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" is a 1962 American psychological horror thriller film directed by Robert Aldrich, based on the 1960 novel by Henry Farrell. The story centers on two aging sisters who were both former film stars. Baby Jane Hudson, once a famous child vaudeville star, has become a mentally unstable alcoholic, while her older sister Blanche, who became a successful Hollywood actress, is now paraplegic after a mysterious car accident. Jane torments Blanche in their decaying Hollywood mansion, driven by jealousy and bitterness over their reversed fortunes
. The film stars Bette Davis as Baby Jane and Joan Crawford as Blanche Hudson. It was critically acclaimed, a box office success, and revitalized both actresses' careers. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards and won for Best Costume Design. It has since become a cult classic and was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry for its cultural and historical significance
. In the plot, Jane's jealousy and mental decline lead her to abuse Blanche, who is confined to a wheelchair. The story reveals that Blanche's accident was actually caused by herself in an attempt to frame Jane. The film explores themes of sibling rivalry, madness, and the dark side of fame
. Overall, "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" is remembered as a landmark psychological thriller with powerful performances and a chilling portrayal of two sisters trapped in a toxic relationship
