Like Jezebel, the relationship of the characters to the setting and the people who serve them... is complicated - in problematic ways but in challenging, subversive ways too.

even a bad Davis movie where she's hamming and mugging and even humiliating herself is more fun than practically no Bette at all.

This might be one of Bette Davis' least sympathetic parts, which is saying something.

Expert direction, splendid performances and an amazing score combine to make this somber picture one of the most satisfying film experiences of the year.