For those who find the performances in this film to be overdone, it should be noted that this is intended to be an intensely dark, gothic horror film. Bette Davis' character, Charlotte Hollis, is an emotionally unstable woman who is being victimized and manipulated in a way that is exceptionally cruel. Most people in such a desperate situation might have the urge to scream and yell.
Agnes Moorehead's portrayal of Velma the maid is comically over the top to prevent the film's more disturbing scenes from making the movie unpleasant. Olivia de Havilland's Miriam is quite subtle, until a twist in the story requires her to change drastically. Ms. de Havilland handles the dual nature of her role marvelously. Mary Astor as Jewel, is required to be understated and mysterious, which she is. The actors perfectly matched their performances with the roles they played.
Bette Davis makes Charlotte believable right from the beginning credits, using only her eyes to communicate. She has many scenes demanding a wide range of emotions. When she is cruelly deceived later in the film, Bette's horrified and stunned reaction is very real. It's hard to imagine any other actress then or since who could have played Charlotte so magnificently.
.
Agnes Moorehead's portrayal of Velma the maid is comically over the top to prevent the film's more disturbing scenes from making the movie unpleasant. Olivia de Havilland's Miriam is quite subtle, until a twist in the story requires her to change drastically. Ms. de Havilland handles the dual nature of her role marvelously. Mary Astor as Jewel, is required to be understated and mysterious, which she is. The actors perfectly matched their performances with the roles they played.
Bette Davis makes Charlotte believable right from the beginning credits, using only her eyes to communicate. She has many scenes demanding a wide range of emotions. When she is cruelly deceived later in the film, Bette's horrified and stunned reaction is very real. It's hard to imagine any other actress then or since who could have played Charlotte so magnificently.
.