The Next Reel Film Podcast

Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Bette Davis series with Robert Aldrich’s 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?.

Show Notes

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"I didn’t forget your breakfast. I didn’t bring you breakfast because you didn’t eat your din-din!"

The animosity between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford almost seems the stuff of legend. Looking back from today, it’s hard to say how much there really was or if it was all conjured up by the studios and the press. But after hearing stories of the two and how things went after they collaborated on What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, it’s clear that there really was a... competitive nature, let’s just say, between the two women. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Bette Davis series with Robert Aldrich’s 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?.

We talk about the two actresses and what they bring to the film, notably their iconic personas from the decades of acting previously as well as this catty relationship (not to mention their powerhouse performances). We look at the film and the darkly horrific way it’s made, fitting the bill nicely as a psychological thriller made by auteur Aldrich. We look at Ernest Haller’s gorgeously moody black-and-white cinematography and how well it pairs with Michael Luciano’s taut editing. And we tie up our Davis series by looking at what she brought to all the films we’ve discussed and the iconic status she has. 

It’s a dark film that’s incredibly fun too, in a way, and is certainly worth both watching and discussing. So check it out then tune in!

Film Sundries

  • Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
  • Script Transcript
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • Original poster artwork
  • What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? by Henry Farrell
  • Flickchart
  • Letterboxd
    Trailers of the Week
  • Andy's Trailer: Jackie — "There are a lot of exciting trailers playing right now, but as we finish up our series about a strong actress, I wanted to pick a trailer featuring another strong actress leading what looks to be a very interesting film. We all know the story of JFK but I know next to nothing about his first lady, particularly her time immediately after his death. Natalie Portman looks great and the film looks incredibly compelling. Count me in."
  • Pete's Trailer: Kong: Skull Island — "Yup, this has to go down as one of the most comically terrible trailers I’ve ever seen. I know it’s going to be a big movie, but this thing gives away everything exciting about a monster movie: the damned monsters. All of them. The size and scale, the variety, the colors and sounds, it’s all given up in two minutes. If you know me, you know I’m not one to shy away from getting myself all spoiled. But seriously, Kong: Skull Island … if there’s a worse offender on screen right now, I’d love to see it."

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.