Nobody Puts Baby In A Corner

Appearing chronologically between Sunset Boulevard’s Norma Desmond and Misery’s Annie Wilkes, Jane Hudson (Bette Davis) is both fallen star and caretaker. Claiming her membership in that special sorority, she’s batshit insane, to boot — a perfect storm of delusion, envy, spite and pent-up rage. But instead of victimizing writers (a welcome reprieve, thank you), Jane keeps it in the family, terrorizing her own wheelchair-bound sister. What can one say of a movie in which Joan Crawford — Mommie Dearest herself — portrays the “normal” sister? One would say that movie could only be 1962’s What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? Robert Aldrich directed Davis to the last of her 11 Oscar nominations in the film, which screens at 7 p.m. at the Lawrence Public Library (707 Vermont, 785-843-3833). Admission is free, and so is the popcorn. Bring your own library-friendly beverages, though. And this Halloween, be thankful for the siblings life dealt you.

— Brent Shepherd

Thu., Oct. 7, 7 p.m.; Thu., Oct. 14, 7 p.m.; Thu., Oct. 21, 7 p.m.; Thu., Oct. 28, 7 p.m., 2010