Customer Reviews

El Merced del Odio (The Nanny, Spanish Language Version) [Region 2]

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an excellent psychological thriller in which Bette Davis plays the part of a nanny in a household where a little girl, one of her charges, drowned in the bathtub and her older brother was blamed, even though he claimed that the nanny did it. After two years time spent in a therapeutic setting, the boy returns home, only to find the despised nanny still there. A cat and mouse game ensues between the two, and when his mother is poisoned, all eyes turn to him, though he once again insists that the nanny did it.

Deftly directed, with a well written, intelligent screenplay by Jimmy Sancster, who also wrote the screenplay for the Bette Davis vehicle, "The Anniversary", this is an engrossing film with a twist at the end that is sure to catch the viewer by surprise. The black and white cinematography adds to the atmosphere of suspense. Bette Davis is first rate as the nanny, and fine performances by the supporting cast contribute to its overall success.

This is a film that fans of Bette Davis are sure to enjoy, as will all those who like well done, psychological thrillers.

This is a Bette Davis film that you don't see very often anywhere. In fact it's been years since I've seen it and I can't even remember where. Ten year old Joey has a new nanny, Bette Davis. I don't think she even had a name in this one, just "the nanny". Nobody believes disturbed Joey when he claims that the nanny is evil and wants to kill him - she's such a sweet old lady. You know where this one is probably going from the start, but it's interesting to watch it play out. However, there is some very disturbing stuff in this one, so note that it might be difficult to watch. It takes real advantage of the fact that Davis could play anything from the sweetest to the most evil person in the world, and turn on a dime at either end of the scale.

This film is being released separately and also as part of the Bette Davis Centenary Collection from Fox in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Davis' birth. This DVD contains no extras besides some trailers, a photo gallery, and a before/after split screen showing the video restoration results.

After doing "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" and the equally terrific "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte", Bette Davis went to England to do a thriller for Hammer Productions that was quieter than "Jane/Charlotte" (and much lesser-known today) but very effective, and may be her last genuinely good movie-role.

Playing a maid to a disturbed 10-year old a couple of years after his sister dies in a suspicious accident, Davis gives a taut, subtle performance that ranks right up there with her best--- the film's direction and co-stars matching her scene for scene. It's as poignant as it is suspenseful, and far above the level of other sub-par thrillers and dramas Miss Davis would be forced to take over the the next couple of decades of her career.

Don't miss this often overlooked gem.

This is a great thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. William Dix gives as good a performance as any actor has ever given, let alone a ten year old. All the acting was perfect, as was the direction.

Bette Davis and all supporting players are astounding in this creepy well-made psychological thriller. Davis gives an awesome performance as does the intelligent child actors. The direction is keen as is the black and white cinematography. If you thought Davis was great in Baby Jane and Charlotte, you'll love this mature, disciplined character study as well. The end will leave you shocked and in awe of the brilliant screenplay. Don't see this one alone!!!

A family favourite. Ms. Davis stilla pleasure to watch in her latter years. The young star Seth Holt a splendid and powerful actor.

looking for great acting at older age?
watch this dvd,ashame it does not have international subtitles

Oh, wow. You definitely DO NOT want to miss Bette Davis as The Nanny! Fran Drescher and Julie Andrews, eat your ... hearts out! Bette is the real deal, 100% "proper" and willing to go that extra distance to help out her charges. And if that includes killing a few people here and there, well, hey, so be it! Seriously, The Nanny is high-octane entertainment, fueled by a truly frightening (and intense) Davis performance. This film came at a time when our Bette was enjoying a comeback, thanks to Baby Jane and Dead Ringer. She'd just made another hit, Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte, and then took off for England and Hammer Studios. The Nanny offered her a different kind of character. Gone were the bombastics, the wild-eyed theatrics. Instead, she chose to approach the role cautiously, meticulously, and it's a believable, touching characterization. Sure, she's completely insane, and you certainly don't want her around when you're in "the bath." But given the circumstances, you can understand why The Nanny went bonkers. Could happen to anyone...even you! Stylish direction from Seth Holt, able, competent supporting performances, and an absolutely stunning turn by 10 year old William Dix as "Master Joey." Whatever happened to him, anyway? He more than holds his own and deserved a grand career. Don't miss Pamela (The Innocents) Franklin as a "mod" upstairs neighbor. Nanny says "it's bathtime!"

It was a great shame that director Seth Holt passed away only a few years after The Nanny, for he showed great promise here. He directs atmospherically from a script by Hammer veteran Jimmy Sangster, based on the novel by Evelyn Piper. Production values are superior, with camerawork by Harry Waxman and a musical score by Richard Rodney Bennett that descends delightfully into Psycho-esque frenzy at just the right moments.

The story has 10-year-old Joey battling his sinister nanny, whom he blames for the drowning of his younger sister a couple of years previously, but for which he was blamed. Events spiral into a kind of psychological face-off between the two. The climax is chilling.

A fine cast includes child actor William Dix (who reappeared a few years later alongside Rex Harrison in Dr Dolittle), Wendy Craig, Jill Bennett and James Villiers as the austere and ever so British father. Import Bette Davis has often been accused of really hamming it up in the title role, but I think she plays it just right.

The Nanny is certainly the finest in a string of psychological thrillers produced by Hammer Studios in the sixties, and overall one of the most memorable efforts of their heyday.

I have always thought that this film was ahead of it's time with talk of abortion and child murder. Given the times we live in now with the Susan Smiths of the world, it gives one pause to watch this film as an omen. Child care, latch key children, the Muenchhausen by proxy theory and countless other issues this film raises were perhaps TOO controversial for it's day. Today, just another headline.
I hate to see this film lumped in with quick paced horror/slasher films. It simply doesn't warrant that dismissal.
Not to mention this is arguably Ms. Davis' most restrained film performance of it's day.
Watch, learn and respect a little gem in cinema that I think has been unfairly dismissed as a "guilty pleasure"