Rent The Nanny (1965)

Bad Nanny (slight spoiler). - The Nanny review by Steve

Delicious late career performance from Bette Davis in an uncharacteristically muted production from Hammer studios. Bette isn't understated, but there is a contrast with her gothic horror roles of the sixties. She may be a dependable old school nanny unforgivably persecuted by a maladjusted ten year boy (William Dix) fresh out of rehab...

Or she could be the passive-aggressive psycho-nanny who drowned the little sister of this vulnerable youngster who now fears for his own life! Presumably everyone knows where this is headed but it is tempting to fear the worst for little Billy Dix, so convincing is his portrayal of a pouting, spoiled... little darling.

This is an eerie, dark thriller dominated by the Hollywood star. It's artfully directed by Seth Holt, mostly within the single space of an upmarket London apartment, and stylishly photographed in black and white. It's as close as Hammer ever got to a straight drama.

But Davis does still get to expose the faithful retainer's suppressed psychosis in the later scenes. The tone is playful without becoming comical. It's intriguing to contemplate if this may disturb the buried experiences of those who actually had a nanny! It is a curious British addition to the cult of Bette Davis.