What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (novel)
A Gothic tale of two sisters in a decaying Hollywood mansion.
Henry Farrell's 1960 psychological horror novel What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? was released by Rinehart & Company. It developed a cult following and saw two film adaptations, in 1962 and 1991. The story is rumored to draw from the Janes sisters, born in Aurora, Illinois, who later ran a school in Hollywood for the children of silent-film stars.
Quick Facts
- Author
- Henry Farrell
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Subject
- Gothic fiction
- Genre
- Horror, thriller
- Publisher
- Rinehart & Company
- Published
- March 3, 1960
- Format
- Hardcover, paperback
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Jane, a former child star of early vaudeville known as 'Baby Jane', was doted upon by her father due to her stage success while Blanche lived in her shadow, neglected. After their parents' death, both moved to Los Angeles to live with an aunt. Blanche, favored by directors for her blonde hair and regal beauty, pursued a successful film career, becoming a star while a string of flops cost Jane her fame. Blanche kept her sister's career alive by having a clause in her contract stipulating Jane have a role in every film, but these were always minor parts. The story shifts to the present, where Jane, still dressing as if she were 10, and Blanche, disabled after a mysterious car accident, are aging spinsters in Blanche's crumbling estate. Jane resents her forgotten career compared to Blanche's television revival, and hates caring for her sister. Blanche has kept her good looks while Jane's appearance is ravaged by years of alcoholism.
1962 film
In 1962, the psychological thriller-horror film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? hit theaters. Directed and produced by Robert Aldrich, it starred Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The story follows an aging actress who keeps her paraplegic sister locked up in their decaying Hollywood mansion. Lukas Heller wrote the screenplay. The movie earned widespread praise from critics and audiences, snagging five Academy Award nominations and winning one for Best Costume Design in Black and White. Publicized reports of a fierce on-set feud between Davis and Crawford boosted its popularity and revived both stars' sagging careers. Over time, critics praised its dark comedy, campy tone, and role in creating the psycho-biddy genre. Its shocking, then-unprecedented plot led to an X rating in the United Kingdom upon release.
1991 film
In 1991, a television movie called What Ever Happened to... aired in America. David Greene directed it, and Brian Taggert wrote the script for the small screen. It draws from Henry Farrell's novel and the famous 1962 film. Real-life sisters Lynn and Vanessa Redgrave played Baby Jane and Blanche Hudson, taking over the roles made famous by Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The story was updated to a contemporary setting. Blanche's film career peaked in the 1960s rather than the 1930s, and her movies were rediscovered through home video, not TV reruns. Jane had been a child film star instead of a vaudeville performer, but her own films were unavailable, which fueled her jealousy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (novel) published?
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? was published on March 3, 1960.
How many pages is What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (novel)?
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? has 304 pages.
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