The Next Lobotomy Room Film Club: Lady in a Cage (1964) on 20 July 2023

 

“Help! I am trapped in a small private elevator!” Seriously - don’t you just hate it when that happens? That’s the dilemma that befalls genteel, affluent widowed poetess Cornelia Hilyard (Olivia de Havilland). She’s recuperating from a broken hip; her son is away for the weekend – and the small private elevator in question malfunctions, leaving her trapped between floors. And just then, when Cornelia is at her most vulnerable, a gang of feral delinquents break into her home …

Berserk 1964 thriller Lady in a Cage is firmly in the post-Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? hagsploitation tradition (interestingly, the lead role was originally offered to Joan Crawford.  And the same year de Havilland co-starred opposite Bette Davis in that other hagsploitation classic, Hush … Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)). Won’t you join us on Thursday 20 July when the free monthly Lobotomy Room cinema club (devoted to Bad Movies for Bad People) presents Lady in a Cage? But take note of the leading lady’s warning: “Do Not See Lady in a Cage Alone! It is a shocking picture with a terrifying theme! No holds are barred in Lady in a Cage. So, take somebody along and hold onto them – for dear life!” There will be safety in numbers downstairs at Fontaine’s cocktail lounge – and stiff cocktails to steady your nerves!

 

Lobotomy Room Goes to the Movies is the FREE monthly film club devoted to cinematic perversity! Third Thursday night of every month downstairs at Fontaine’s cocktail lounge in Dalston! Numbers are limited, so reserving in advance via Fontaine’s website is essential. Alternatively, phone 07718000546 or email bookings@fontaines.bar to avoid disappointment! The film starts at 8:30 pm. Doors to the basement Bamboo Lounge open at 8:00 pm. To ensure everyone is seated and cocktails are ordered on time, please arrive by 8:15 pm at the latest.

Facebook event page.

/ Below: the truly nutty original trailer for Lady in a Cage / 

Reflections on ... The Dark Mirror (1946)

Recently watched: The Dark Mirror (1946). Tagline: “Twins! One who loves … and one who loves to kill!” 

A nice way to remember the great Olivia de Havilland (who died last month aged 104): the BBC recently screened the 1946 psychological thriller The Dark Mirror in tribute (it might still be on the iPlayer – check! It’s also viewable on YouTube). The Dark Mirror is a real potboiler (albeit artfully directed by film noir maestro Robert Siodmak), hardly one of the Golden Age Hollywood star’s most prestigious films and I’m probably alone here, but this is my favourite performance by de Havilland. 

Or should I say “performances”? She portrays identical twins Terry and Ruth Collins who are suspected of murder. Inevitably, one sister is good and one evil. (This was a popular scenario at the time. De Havilland’s friend and peer Bette Davis starred in not one but two variations of this theme). Terry and Ruth aren’t just identical twins: even as adults, they also always wear identical outfits and coiffures. (No one comments on how dysfunctional this is). Helpfully, their choices in accessories occasionally distinguishes the sisters. They sometimes wear necklaces that spell-out “Terry” or “Ruth” (anticipating the “Carrie” one Sarah Jessica Parker used to wear on Sex in the City) or brooches in the shape of “R” or “T”.  But of course, this jewelry can be used to mislead! 

Anyway, de Havilland specialized in playing virtuous women so it’s fascinating when (as the psycho killer twin) she uses her familiar purring honeyed tones to gaslight, manipulate and spread malice, and to see her serenely beautiful face twisted in rage. She’s so good it makes you wish de Havilland played unsympathetic roles more often. She wouldn’t get another opportunity again until Hush … Hush, Sweet Charlotte in 1964.