What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1991)

In a decaying mansion, an alcoholic and mentally unstable ex-child star (Lynn Redgrave) takes care of her wheelchair bound sister (Vanessa Redgrave), a famous film actress until an accident paralyzed her. Based on the novel by Henry Farrell (previously filmed in 1962) and directed by David Greene (GRAY LADY DOWN). This misguided remake alters both the 1960 novel and 1962 movie by updating it and not for the better. Lynn Redgrave's Jane Hudson isn't the monster Bette Davis was in the 1962 film, she's more pathetic and sympathetic. Victor Buono's mama's boy in the 1962 film is now a seedy drag queen played by John Glover. Rather than set the story in the 1960s, it's brought up to date to the 90s so Baby Jane isn't an ex-vaudeville star but an ex-child movie star. Part of the dynamics of the 62 film was the potent pairing of two iconic stars of the Golden Age, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford with a well known dislike of each other. That's gone and what we have are two famous actresses from an acting dynasty with a rare opportunity to act opposite each other. There's nothing to fault in their performances, they're quite good but the material lets them down. The film lacks the cruel wit of the Robert Aldrich film as when Crawford complains that Davis wouldn't abuse her if she weren't confined to a wheelchair and Davis responds with glee, "But you are, Blanche. You are in a wheelchair". This production could have used some of that. It takes itself too seriously. For fans of the Redgrave sisters only. With Barry Dennen and Amy Steel.