Hammer. Director Roy Ward Baker; Producer Jimmy Sangster; Writer Jimmy Sangster; Camera Harry Waxman Editor Peter Wetherley; Music Philip Martell
Bette Davis
Sheila Hancock
Jack Hedley
James Cossins
Elaine Taylor
Christian Roberts
Derived from Bill McIllwraith's legit original, this was turned into a vehicle for the extravagant tantrums of Bette Davis, in her most ghoulish mood. This, together with its modish black-comedy lines and bold situation, is its chief asset.
Because it skates near the bone of family relationships, it rouses plenty of understanding yocks, but the exaggeration of the concept doesn't wear as well on film as it did on stage. It is a highly theatrical piece, and needs remoteness, rather than closeups, for its bitter characterizations not to come across as caricature.
Davis gets her teeth into the role of the ultra-possessive ma and hurls it out with splendid panache and flamboyance, but some might find her outsize portrayal too stark to carry the conviction. She bosses it over a family of three sons, all of whom are in an advanced stage of spinelessness.
The action, which little attempt has been made to transfer into the wider visual terms of a feature pic, takes place on the anniversary of Davis husband's death, and the family gathers to do him honor.
(Color) Available on VHS. Extract of a review from 1968. Running time: 95 MIN.
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