If you're a fan of mysteries, then you're going to love "Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte.” There's no two-ways about it.

This is a creepy story that combines psychological drama, murder mystery, and Southern gothic in a fun and intriguing way. The opening is a lively party in 1927 where Charlotte Hollis (Bette Davis) is having the time of her life until her married lover Jim Mayhue (Bruce Dern) rejects her advances. All of a sudden, he loses his head—and hand, and Charlotte is found holding the bloody ax.

Now, fast forward 35 years or so and we find Charlotte alone and shunned because of the murder of her lover so many years before. She is left a little bit crazy with her maid and sole companion, Velma (Agnes Moorehead). That is, until her cousin Miriam (Olivia DeHavilland) shows up the help out with things at the "big house”. Although Miriam's visit brings peace to Charlotte, she suddenly finds herself haunted by the ghost of her dead lover - strange, very strange.

The entire movie is filmed in black and white. The picture is crisp and clear and the black and white casts a shadowy mood over the entire production befitting the loathsome spirit of the murder that haunts Charlotte—the poor dear.

This movie is lively and spirited and is one of those rare gems with memorable lines, such as:

<p>Jewel Mayhue: "Well, right here on the public street, in the light of day, let me tell you, Miriam Deering, that murder starts in the heart, and its first weapon is a vicious tongue.”

Charlotte: "Get out of here Luke Standish! You smirkin' Judas!”

Harry Willis: "You're my favorite living mystery.”

Charlotte: "Have you ever solved me?”

Charlotte: From where I'm standin', I could spit in your eye!"

So, the very next time you're in the video store and they're out of the new release you want—pick up a copy of "Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte”.

You won't be disappointed.

Genre: Drama

MCAA Rating: NR

Runtime: 133 minutes

Cast: Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Joseph Cotton, Agnes Moorehead, Victor Buono, Mary Astor, Bruce Dern Director: Robert Aldrich

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