Watch Strait-Jacket

Strait-Jacket is a psychological thriller from 1964 directed by William Castle and starring the legendary Joan Crawford in the lead role. The film also features Diane Baker and Leif Erickson in pivotal roles. The movie revolves around Lucy Harbin (Joan Crawford), who is sent to a mental institution after being convicted of axe-murdering her adulterous husband and his mistress in a fit of rage. Twenty years later, Lucy is declared sane and released into the custody of her daughter, Carol (Diane Baker), who was just a child when her mother was incarcerated.

Lucy struggles to adjust to life outside the hospital and is haunted by memories of the brutal murders that brought her to the institution. Her fragile mental state is tested when she discovers that her daughter is now engaged to Michael Fields (Leif Erickson), a wealthy businessman. Lucy's jealousy and suspicions about Michael's intentions lead to a series of disturbing events that threaten to push her over the edge once again.

As the tension builds, Lucy's past is slowly revealed through flashbacks that shed light on her turbulent marriage and the events that led up to the gruesome murders. The audience is left guessing until the end about who the real killer is, as there are several possible suspects and numerous red herrings.

One of the most impressive things about the film is Crawford's performance, which is powerful and intense. She captures the nuances and complexities of a woman who has suffered trauma, loss and institutionalisation, and brings a depth to the character that few other actresses could.

The film is also notable for its innovative use of promotional gimmicks, a signature of director Castle's work. For example, upon entering the theatre, each member of the audience was given a cardboard axe to wave during the film's climactic scene, adding a sense of excitement and interactivity to the viewing experience.

Overall, Strait-Jacket is a gripping thriller that showcases the talents of Joan Crawford and the skills of director William Castle. It is a suspenseful and atmospheric film that explores the dark side of human nature, and remains a favourite among fans of classic horror cinema.

Strait-Jacket is a 1964 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.