Review of Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964) by Keenan S — 20 Jan 2014

It's a shame so few people know about this brilliant follow-up to the 1962 classic, What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? But, then again, it's a shame so few people watch black and white films anymore because they're "too old" along with other stupid reasons.

While What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? is an excellent film, I enjoyed this one more because it was a darker, more sinister, and more terrifying horror/thriller. The plot itself is simple on paper: years earlier a girl named Charlotte was accused of murdering her lover and her father helped her escape prosecution.

Now Charlotte lives alone in her decaying Louisiana estate, taunted by people over the tragedy and now the state wishes to destroy her mansion so that a bridge can be built through her land. So, she calls upon her cousin, Miriam, to help her try and keep the mansion.

But all doesn't seem well in the household, as Charlotte is constantly tormented by her horrific memories and strange things begin to happen around her. Is she crazy, or is someone else causing these troubles? See, the plot seems simple, but this film has many tricks up its sleeve, even as it reveals itself, it pulls out more surprises.

It's a superbly acted, brilliantly written, terrifying, gripping, and engaging film from start to finish. I think it's a masterpiece not only of classic films, but also of the horror genre. If you love a good classic film, this one is a must-see.