What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a 1962 American drama film produced and directed by Robert Aldrich. The screenplay by Lukas Heller is based on the novel of the same name by Henry Farrell. In 2003, the character of Baby Jane Hudson was ranked #44 on the American Film Institute's list of the 50 Best Villains of American Cinema. A lengthy prologue set in 1917 introduces six-year-old Baby Jane Hudson, a highly successful vaudeville performer, and her older sister Blanche, who remains in her shadow. Jane is extremely popular with the audiences and doted on by her father. Blanche resents this... but, out of consideration for their mother, keeps her feelings buried. As the two become adults, in a second prologue set in 1935, Jane fades into obscurity while Blanche becomes a renowned film actress. At the height of her career, Blanche is paralyzed in an automobile accident for which the alcoholic Jane is held responsible. As the years pass, the two become recluses in their decaying mansion, where Jane 'cares' for Blanche.
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| Release date: | October 26, 1962 |
| Directed by: | Robert Aldrich |
| Runtime: | 134 Minutes |
| Producer: | Robert Aldrich |
| Editor: | Michael Luciano |
| Music by: | Frank De Vol |
| Cinematography: | Ernest Haller |
| Screenplay by: | Lukas Heller |
| Estimated budget: | $980,000 |
| Genre: | Thriller |