TV & Film News

Walter Hill will terrify us all over again, Hollywood gothic style

By Derek Hill July 16, 2012

Director Walter Hill, best known for gritty action movies like The Driver, The Warriors, and 48 Hours, looks to be helming a remake of the 1962 psychological thriller What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? The original movie starred Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as elderly rival sisters whose acting days had seen better days. The two live in a decrepit Hollywood mansion, playing a cat-and-mouse game that grows more dangerous with each passing day. The movie is noted for its campy Hollywood gothic feel and for its two meaty, over-the-top performances from Davis and Crawford, who allegedly hated each other in real life.

Hill isn't known for his campy sensibilities, so it will be interesting to see how he approaches the material. He's partnering with Adell Aldrich on the project, who will serve as a producer. Her father, the great Robert Aldrich, directed the original movie.

No word yet on casting, though the possible powerhouse star combinations are intriguing to ponder. How about Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren? Or Kathy Bates and Glenn Close? Maybe Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon? Keep your eyes on this one as it develops.  

TAGS: campy, classic, film, gothic, horror, melodrama, remake, thriller,

Bette Davis, Joan Crawford: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?