Classic Movie Review: "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte"

When I was little, I hated my name. Charlotte was old fashioned and stuffy to me. I wanted something that better suited my personality. My father nicknamed me "Charlie" because he said it was light, bright, and frisky like me. I don't know about that but the nickname has stuck with me all these years.

In 1964 a movie and song came out with my formal name in it. It was called "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte." My boyfriend at the time said the song reminded him of me - - sweet but lethal. I took offense to the "lethal" part but he explained what he meant was that I wouldn't take crap from anybody. He was right about that.

"Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte" starred Betty Davis in the title role. It also co-starred Olivia de Havilland, Joseph Cotten, Agnes Moorehead, Victor Buono, Cecil Kellaway, Mary Astor, William Campbell and a very young Bruce Dern.

The movie begins with Charlotte's Father (Buono) questioning his daughter's married lover, John (Dern) about their relationship. He suspects that John is only out for his money and really doesn't care about his daughter at all.

He was, it seems, very wrong because it was John who supposedly wrote the love song entitled "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte." He even had it made into a music box for her.

Nonetheless, Big Sam (Charlotte's father) convinces John to break up with his daughter with threats and innuendo. Heartbroken, John complies at a party being held the next night.

Charlotte flees the summerhouse after her lover breaks up with her and disappears for quite some time. When she finally does reappear, her white party dress is covered in blood.

Shortly after, the body of John is found. Well, at least most of it. His head and one hand were missing, obviously having been severed with an ax.

The next we see of Charlotte is about 35 years later. She is still living in her father's home; mostly alone, sad, and reclusive. Everyone in town believes that she killed her lover those many years ago.

When the state takes her property for the purposes of building a new road, she tries to fight the issue by refusing to leave her home. However, nothing works and she is told that she has one week to vacate the premises.

Frightened, alone, and obviously mentally disturbed she asks her cousin, Miriam (de Havilland) to help her. Miriam comes to help her pack, of course, but insists there is nothing that can be done to save the home.

Charlotte's behavior grows increasingly erratic after Miriam arrives. Neither her lifelong servant, Velma (Moorehead), nor her doctor and friend Drew (Cotton) can do anything to calm her down.

She and Miriam fight constantly and strange things begin to happen. Charlotte is, of course, certain that Jewel Mayhew (her lover's wife) is responsible for everything that is happening to her. I can't tell you whether or not she is correct in that assumption because it would spoil the movie.

Davis was tailored made for the role of Charlotte. Her big, soulful eyes draw the audience in, making them feel sorry for her. Of course, it didn't hurt that this amazing actress could turn from sweet and docile to a threatening harpy on the turn of a dime.

Ms. De Havilland is equally good as the gentile southern lady. She matches Davis head to head without blinking an eye. It was sort of like watching the clash of the titans.

Cotten was suave and charming as Miriam's old lover, Drew. He comes across as the perfect southern gentleman.

Dern is actually memorable as well, even though he is only on the screen for a few minutes. You can almost believe his ghost remains in the mansion to be near his true love.

Astor, as Jewel Mayhew, is hard, cold, and unyielding. One could certainly see why John might have fled from her all those years ago.

The one who almost manages to steal the movie right out from under the two divas, Davis and de Havilland, is Agnes Moorehead. Her character is multi-layered, fiercely loyal, and relentless.

The screenplay penned by Harry Farrell and Lucas Heller is a brilliant piece of work. It is unique, mysterious and frightening, while still managing to remain charming. Their screenplay set the standard for movies of this type for many years to come.

Director Robert Aldrich was able to get amazing performances out of all of his actors. Not one of them failed to deliver and deliver big!

Obviously, the music was good; anchored by the title song. "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte," which became a cult hit for Al Martino. It has even managed to withstand the test of time. Play just a few strains of it and almost everyone can identify the title.

I didn't see this movie when it first came out. I'd heard that Davis played an ax murderer and I resented having my name linked with such a horrendous act. It wasn't until after I married my husband that I finally broke down and agreed to see it. I'm glad that I did.

I love this movie. It has so many layers and so much mystery. The actors truly bring each character to life in a way that we don't always see in today's films. For that reason, I'm giving "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte" three and one-half stars out of five.

RATING SCALE USED:
0 = A stinker. Don't waste the money!
1 = Bad. Rent it at your own risk.
2 = Below average. See only if you have time to kill.
2.5 = Average. A toss up.
3 = Good. Worth a looksee.
3.5 = Very Good. I recommend it.
4 = Excellent. Don't miss it!
4.5 = Outstanding. What are you waiting for?
5 = Destined to become a classic. You will be sorry if you don't see it.