FILM: Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (12A)

Sisters, such demented sisters...

Robert Aldrich’s seminal 1962 psychological thriller, based on the novel by Henry Farrell, is a wicked delight.

Bette Davis and Joan Crawford shoot murderous glares at each other as sisters Jane and Blanche Hudson, both former film stars, whose sibling rivalry mushrooms to deadly extremes in the claustrophobic confines of their shared residence.

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Artfully scripted tensions between the two actresses reportedly continued off camera with rumours of Davis kicking Crawford in the head.

On screen, at least, the enmity and betrayal is masterfully orchestrated by Aldrich, building to a haunting crescendo and Jane’s lament, “You mean all this time we could have been friends?”

Released: December 14 (UK, selected cinemas), 132 mins