Strait-Jacket Review
This vintage William_Castle shocker draws inspiration from Psycho, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, and old Joan_Crawford melodramas like Mildred_Pierce in equal measure. The result is too derivative to be considered a classic, but its blend of campy thrills and surreal shocks make it a lot of fun. The script, penned by Psycho author Robert_Bloch, hinges upon a "surprise" ending that modern viewers won't find too difficult to guess, but his story line offers enough plot contortions and juicy dialogue to keep things entertaining. The key attraction of Strait-Jacket is Joan_Crawford, who tears into her role with all the vigor her camp devotees would expect. Crawford doesn't just chew the scenery, she outright devours it. Highlights include a scene where a delusional Crawford flirts outrageously with her daughter's fiancé, Michael, and the tantrum she throws when confronted with her asylum-inmate past by Michael's snooty mother. It's Crawford's show all the way, but Diane_Baker provides solid support as her much put-upon daughter and George_Kennedy manages to steal a few scenes as a slovenly hired hand whose attempt at blackmail goes fatally awry. Strait-Jacket also benefits from vigorous direction by William_Castle, who stages the film's murder scenes with gruesome élan and works in some sly moments of humor to keep the melodramatic plot from becoming overripe. In short, Strait-Jacket is likely to disappoint anyone in search of a serious shocker, but will delight anyone who can appreciate chills of the campiest variety. Donald Guarisco, Rovi
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