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 Aunt Alice? "chilling". "The Guardian" said it was one of the author's best should be "read it one sitting". Film rights were bought by Robert Aldrich who had produced two successful horror films , "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" (1962) and "Hush… Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (1964). Both films dealt with aged women who become scheming or demented, resorting to violence and murder. In September 1967 Aldrich announced he would make the film under the title "Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice?" It would be made by his production company, The Associates and Aldrich. In October Aldrich announced the film would be part