Watch The Nanny

The Nanny is a psychological thriller movie from the year 1965, directed by Seth Holt. It stars Bette Davis, Wendy Craig, and Jill Bennett in the lead roles. The movie marks a change in direction for Bette Davis, who was previously known for playing strong-willed, independent characters, but in The Nanny, she plays a devious, manipulative character.

The story revolves around a young boy named Joey (played by William Dix), who has suffered a traumatic experience in his life. He witnessed the drowning of his younger sister in the bathtub and blames himself for it. The incident has resulted in Joey becoming mute and withdrawn, and his parents (played by Wendy Craig and James Villiers) have hired a nanny to take care of him.

The nanny in question is Bette Davis, who plays the character of Nanny, a strict and controlling woman with a hidden agenda. Nanny quickly gains the trust of the boy's mother, Virginia, but Joey is hesitant to accept her. However, as the days go by, Joey begins to warm up to Nanny and starts to communicate with her using non-verbal means.

But as the relationship between Joey and Nanny grows stronger, strange things start happening around the house. Virginia starts to suspect that Nanny may not be who she appears to be and suspects that she may be manipulating the boy for her own benefit.

The movie is a slow-burning thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the end. The tension is palpable between the characters, and the dialogue is crisp and sharp. Bette Davis delivers a masterful performance as Nanny, perfectly portraying the character's manipulative nature and hidden agenda.

The Nanny is a movie that delves deep into the psyche of the characters and explores themes of trust, manipulation, and trauma. The movie is shot in a way that creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, with most of the action taking place within the confines of the family's home. The cinematography and music add to the overall tension and unease of the movie.

Wendy Craig also delivers a standout performance as Virginia, the mother who is struggling to come to terms with her daughter's death and the trauma that her son has suffered. She is torn between her desire to trust Nanny and her suspicions that something is not quite right.

Jill Bennett plays the role of Aunt Pen, Virginia's sister, who is the only one who is openly suspicious of Nanny from the beginning. She provides a much-needed voice of reason in the midst of the chaos and paranoia that surrounds the family.

Overall, The Nanny is a classic psychological thriller that is as compelling today as it was when it was first released. The movie is a testament to the talent of Bette Davis, who was able to create a memorable character that is both chilling and fascinating. The film is a must-watch for fans of the genre and for anyone who appreciates great acting and storytelling.