Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)

An aging, reclusive southern belle, plagued by a horrifying family secret, descends into madness after the arrival of a lost relative.

Director:

Robert Aldrich

Writers:

Henry Farrell (screenplay), Lukas Heller (screenplay),

Stars:

Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Joseph Cotten

Nominated for 7 Oscars. Another 5 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bette Davis	...	Charlotte
Olivia de Havilland	...	Miriam
Joseph Cotten	...	Drew
Agnes Moorehead	...	Velma
Cecil Kellaway	...	Harry
Victor Buono	...	Big Sam
Mary Astor	...	Jewel
Wesley Addy	...	Sheriff
William Campbell	...	Paul Marchand
Bruce Dern	...	John Mayhew
Frank Ferguson	...	Editor
George Kennedy	...	Foreman
Dave Willock	...	Taxi Driver
Michel Petit	...	Gang Leader (as Michael Petit)
John Megna	...	New Boy

Storyline

Charlotte Hollis, an aging recluse deluded into a state of dementia by horrible memories and hallucinations, lives in a secluded house where, thirty-seven years before, John Mayhew her married lover, was beheaded and mutilated by an unknown assailant.

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Plot Keywords:

murder | house | guilt | recluse | southern belle | 

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Taglines:

Don't Tell Anyone What Happened In The Summer House!

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Genres:

Drama | Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 December 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

What Ever Happened to Cousin Charlotte?

Filming Locations:

Greystone Park & Mansion - 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,235,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Associates & Aldrich Company, The

Technical Specs

Runtime:

133 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Joan Crawford would always say 'Good Morning' when she walked onto the set. Bette Davis however would seldom answer her. Three hours later she might say 'Hi,' prompting Crawford to look around to see if she was addressing her or someone else.

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Goofs

Throughout the film, Charlotte and Miriam keep on referring to the "county commissioner". Louisiana is one of two states in the U.S. that's not divided into counties, the other being Alaska.

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Quotes

Charlotte: Get out, Luke Standish! You smirkin' Judas!

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Connections

References Diabolique (1955)

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Soundtracks

"Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte"
Lyrics by Mack David
Music by Frank De Vol (as Frank DeVol)
Sung by Al Martino

User Reviews

Top-Notch Performances

They don't make 'em like this anymore, and, sad to say, we Americans don't have as many actors and actresses of this caliber anymore today, either. Nevertheless, despite its spotty campiness, unintentional funny moments, borderline flashback sequences, storyline holes and generally predictable plot, this is a spectacular film, especially considering the era in which it was made.

All the performances are strong, intense and excellent. Perhaps the best ones, however, are given by Olivia de Havilland and Agnes Moorehead, who have been more or less associated or stereotyped in other venues. Yes, this is the same Agnes Moorehead who is probably best known as Endora from "Bewitched," but it only serves as testimony that she was one actress who could steal thunder with any role.

Overall, the story is a good one, and realistic to the location given. The story would absolutely not work, for example, in a large urban area. The film is great fun, and knowing how the whole story plays out is an excellent reason to watch it again, as you know what the characters know. Sit back and enjoy the brillant acting on all counts!