Review of The Anniversary (1968) by Sausages M — 30 Dec 2012

More than just a campfest, this odd little black comedy from the House of Hammer no less, is a wonderful vehicle for the cruel machinations of Bette Davis' character. She plays a fest of Freudian nightmares all rolled into one horrifying parody of the maternal instinct, and absolutely shines in this picture. The supporting players do a good job as her castrated sons, but the women they are attached to, most notably in the form of Shiela Hancock, rather outshine them.

This is like Entertaining Mr. Sloane meets Mommy Dearest, and rises above being a mere campy melodrama because it's just too dark not to. Even with just the one eye, Bette manages to emote up a storm as is her way. There are loads of laugh out loud moments, but don't think too much on the characters or you might cry. Hilarious and rotten in equal measure.