Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte

Pitched as a directorial follow-up to 'Baby Jane', this film again showcases Bette Davis' talents. Playing Charlotte Hollis, a reclusive spinster haunted by memories of a near 40 year-old murder, her slightly over the top performance manages to convince, albeit aided by the supporting cast. It's surprisingly graphic for its day, and remarkably well written. Olivia de Havilland and Agnes Moorehead perform brilliantly in supporting roles that just keep you guessing as the mysteries unfold. Darker and more violent than its predecessor, but lacking the glamour, it's a more savage horror mystery, but this only serves to make it stand out. [Graham mcIntosh]