What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

In 1917, we meet Baby Jane Hudson, a prodigious child star who captivates audiences with her vaudevillian performances. Surrounded by admirers, her fame leads to the creation of a lavish doll based on her character, showcasing her extraordinary talent at a young age.

As Jane luxuriates in her stardom, her 11-year-old sister, Blanche, watches enviously from the sidelines. Their mother remains disapproving of Jane's indulgent lifestyle, setting the stage for the sisters' increasingly complicated relationship.

By 1935, the dynamic in the Hudson household has shifted dramatically; both sisters are now movie stars. Blanche has become the glamorous, celebrated figure, overshadowing Jane, who battles obscurity and struggles with the failures of her recent films.

In a pivotal moment, Jane and Blanche return home from a party when their car dramatically crashes into the mansion’s gate. This incident symbolizes the turmoil and tension brewing between the two sisters as their relationship deteriorates.

Fast forward to 1962, Jane and Blanche live in a decaying mansion in Los Angeles, with Blanche confined to a wheelchair. Jane, now bitter and erratic, struggles with alcoholism as she grapples with her fading past and neglects her own appearance.

Their kind cleaning lady, Elvira Stitt, grows increasingly worried about Jane's erratic behavior and abusive demeanor towards Blanche. Despite Jane's hostility, Elvira tries to support Blanche while keeping a watchful eye on the family’s disintegrating dynamics.

Caught in her delusions, Jane attempts to revive her past glory by seeking a pianist. She intercepts Blanche’s attempts to call for help, further intensifying their toxic relationship as Jane’s behavior grows more unstable.

In a cruel act of malice, Jane places Blanche's beloved parakeet under her lunch tray. This shocking discovery triggers a wave of despair for Blanche, revealing Jane's deep-seated resentment and their destructive bond.

A young pianist named Edwin Flagg responds to Jane's call for musical support. His presence in the Hudson mansion only escalates the tension, as Jane nostalgically performs her old hit, while Edwin struggles with the disturbing atmosphere.

The tension between Jane and Blanche reaches a boiling point as Jane confronts her sister violently. This shocking sequence of events showcases Jane’s refusal to let Blanche reach out for support, marking a critical moment in their tragic narrative.

Jane's paranoia climaxes in tragedy when she kills Elvira, leading her deeper into isolation and despair. This act not only highlights her unraveling psyche but also seals her fate within the claustrophobic walls of their declining mansion.

As rumors of the sisters' disappearance sweep through the community, police investigations unveil the grim fate of Elvira. The pressure mounts on Jane, whose mind continues to spiral as consequences for her actions loom ever closer.

In a haunting encounter on a deserted beach, Blanche reveals the tragic accident that left her unable to walk. This pivotal moment forces Jane to confront the painful truth about their shared history and the impact of her actions.

As police close in, Jane experiences fleeting moments of joy while performing for a crowd, blissfully unaware of the tragedy that engulfs her. The film culminates in a devastating juxtaposition as Blanche lies motionless—symbolizing the brutal cost of their intertwined fates.

The movie ends with Jane lost in her delusions as she dances, fully disconnected from the harrowing reality surrounding her. The final scenes encapsulate the deep emotional scars left from years of jealousy, bitterness, and betrayal between the sisters.