Review of Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964) by Alberto M — 17 Jun 2011

You aren't going to have my home or my child. I created both and I'm going to keep them.

A married gentleman approaches a rich sharecropper in Louisiana to inform him he has fallen in love with his daughter and they plan to elope. The father tells the young man to go upstairs and tell his daughter, Charlotte, immediately that he has changed his mind. Charlotte is so upset by the news she picks up a meat clever and kills the young man. The rich family covers up the crime and Charlotte lives a secluded life in shame. Forty years after the incident, Charlotte's half sister approaches Charlotte about passing the family house and residence onto her when she passes away. How will Charlotte, in her fragile state, handle the request?

"You are a vile, sour, little bitch.".

Robert Aldrich, director of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane, The Dirty Dozen, The Flight of the Phoenix, The Frisco Kid, 4 for Texas, The Angry Hills, and Apache (1954), delivers Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte. The storyline for this picture is very intricate and on par with Alfred Hitchcock pictures from this era. The acting is brilliant and Oscar worthy and the cast includes Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, and Joseph Cotton.

"You can't keep hogs away from the troth.".

I came across this film while writing the review for Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. Since I loved that movie, I decided to give this picture a shot. I can tell you this is a very smart and well written film. Bette Davis is outstanding in the lead role and the conclusion is epic. I strongly recommend seeing this movie if you are a fan of murder mysteries.

"Chop, Chop till he's dead.".

Grade: A+.