Wow, where to begin with 'Strait-Jacket'? First of all, people who aren't keen on either Crawford or 60's horror movies shouldn't, and probably wouldn't, bother with this in the first place. That being said, its great fun. Joan Crawford is the film's main - perhaps only - asset. Crawford is considered by many now as a camp icon. This does her a great disservice because it undervalues her talents as an actress. Quite simply, she was the greatest (female) movie star. One of the best - and paradoxically saddest - things about Crawford was that whatever she was in, she always gave maximum efforts to her performance. This is sad because a movie like this isn't really worthy of the depth that she adds to the character. Adding Mildred Pierce-level emotion to 'Strait-Jacket' is almost tragic to watch if you think about how her career had gone. One of the trademarks of a truly great actor is the ability to rise above the material, and Crawford certainly does this here, cranking up the acting-ometer up to 150.
'Strait-Jacket' certainly compares well with others in its genre. Personally, I found it a lot more enjoyable that 'Whatever Happened...' perhaps because Bette Davis wasn't in it. It may not have the subtext of 'Baby Jane' or 'Lady in a Cage' but, no other words to really explain it, it is simply more fun to watch.
'Strait-Jacket' certainly compares well with others in its genre. Personally, I found it a lot more enjoyable that 'Whatever Happened...' perhaps because Bette Davis wasn't in it. It may not have the subtext of 'Baby Jane' or 'Lady in a Cage' but, no other words to really explain it, it is simply more fun to watch.