Good, Great or Excellent?

Alright, fellow VHS collectors and horror hounds, let’s talk about a tape that deserves a place of honor on any serious collector’s shelf: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? This 1962 masterpiece isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural artifact, a testament to the power of old Hollywood, and a chilling reminder of the darkness that can fester within family. And on VHS? It’s a whole other level of creepy.

Now, you might have seen this film on streaming, or maybe you’ve caught a pristine Blu-ray version. But trust me, nothing beats the experience of watching Baby Jane on a well-worn VHS tape. The grainy picture, the slightly distorted sound, the tracking lines that flicker across the screen – it all adds to the film’s gothic atmosphere, making it feel even more like a forgotten relic from a bygone era.

For those who don’t know, Baby Jane stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as two aging sisters, former child star “Baby Jane” Hudson and her wheelchair-bound sister Blanche. Their real-life rivalry was legendary, and it bleeds into every frame of this film. Jane, now a washed-up has-been, psychologically tortures Blanche, serving her dead parakeets and rats while clinging to the delusions of her past glory. It’s a dark, twisted tale of jealousy, madness, and the destructive power of resentment.

This movie wasn’t just a hit; it was a phenomenon. It revived both Davis’s and Crawford’s careers, spawned the “psycho-biddy” subgenre (think deranged older women in horror), and even got an X rating in the UK for its “sadistic horror.” It’s a film that pushed boundaries, that dared to show the darker side of Hollywood, and that continues to resonate with audiences today.

And let’s talk about the behind-the-scenes drama, because it’s as juicy as the film itself. Bette Davis designed Jane’s iconic “broken doll” makeup herself, and that dead parakeet? Real deal. Crawford’s screams? Authentic. And the story about Crawford putting weights in her pockets to make Davis struggle while dragging her? Pure Hollywood gold.

But beyond the gossip and the camp, Baby Jane is a deeply unsettling film. It explores themes of aging, fame, and the toxic dynamics of sibling rivalry with a psychological sharpness that still feels relevant today. It’s a film that has influenced countless movies and TV shows, from Family Guy to American Horror Story.

On VHS, Baby Jane takes on a whole new dimension. It’s not just a movie; it’s a piece of history, a reminder of a time when Hollywood was both glamorous and grimy, when rivalries were legendary, and when horror could be both campy and deeply disturbing. So, if you’re a collector of classic horror, a fan of old Hollywood, or just someone who appreciates a good dose of vintage creepiness, grab a copy of Baby Jane on VHS. You won’t regret it. Just be prepared to be haunted by the image of Bette Davis’s painted-on smile and the sound of Joan Crawford’s screams. It’s a cinematic experience you won’t soon forget.