Robert Aldrich Hudson, made for Douglas' company at Universal. Aldrich tried to make "Cross of Iron" with John Mills but could not get finance. Aldrich then went back to Italy where he directed a Biblical spectacular, "Sodom and Gomorrah" (1962) for Joseph E. Levine. Aldrich disparaged the final film, which ended up costing $6 million. Aldrich rejuvenated his career by optioning the novel "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" (1962) for the Associates and Aldrich Company. He signed Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as stars, got Lukas Heller to write the script, and raised finance through Warner Bros. The film was a
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962 film) While Jane is at the bank cashing a cheque, Elvira returns to the house because she is suspicious. Unable to find Blanche, Elvira attempts to open the locked door of her bedroom by removing its hinges with a hammer and screwdriver. When Jane returns, Mrs. Bates tells her she saw Elvira go into the house. Jane confronts Elvira, who threatens to call the police. After Jane reluctantly gives Elvira the key to Blanche's bedroom, she finds Blanche bound-and-gagged and weak from starvation. Shocked, Elvira fails to notice Jane sneak up behind her with the hammer. Jane beats Elvira to death