Strait-Jacket (1964)

Considering campy horror masterpiece Strait-Jacket turns sixty this month (it was released on 19 January 1964), it’s only fitting that it’s the first Lobotomy Room presentation of the New Year!

Call it “hagsploitation” or “psycho-biddy”, Strait-Jacket (directed by low-budget trash maestro William Castle – one of John Waters’ primary influences) is a stark, vicious little b-movie featuring a truly berserk and mesmerizing performance from bitch goddess extraordinaire (and perennial Lobotomy Room favourite) Joan Crawford as a deranged ax murderess! If you liked What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) or Hush … Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964), you’ll LOVE Strait-Jacket! In fact – and I appreciate this is a controversial opinion – I’d argue Strait-Jacket is the superior film. Join us at Fontaine’s on Thursday 18 January and I’ll explain why over cocktails! But take note – as the original poster exclaimed, “Warning! Strait-Jacket vividly depicts ax murders!” Spaces are limited, so reserve your seat via the venue now! (Phone 07718000546 or email [email protected]). Full putrid details.

STRAIT-JACKET (1964)

Director: William Castle Cinematography: Arthur E. Arling

Strait-Jacket (1964)

Strait-Jacket (1964) dir. William Castle

«Sixty years ago this week, a double dose of William Castle mayhem crept into Chicagoland movie theaters and drive-ins when Joan Crawford's hag-horror thriller Strait-Jacket shared a double bill with the remake The Old Dark House.»

Strait-Jacket was released on January 19, 1964(wide).

#horror #thriller

Decapitated Columbia. The outro screen from the movie Strait-Jacket (1964) starring Joan Crawford.

Everything is fine

“After seeing What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) fifteen times, [William] Castle dreamed of hitting the big time, of working with stars like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. One evening at a party in Beverly Hills, he had the good fortune to be introduced to Crawford. “He almost fell at her feet,” said writer Hector Arce. “He told her he had a script that he had written specifically for her. It was called Strait-Jacket. It was written by the man who wrote the Hitchcock classic Psycho. “I’m listening, Mr. Castle,” said Joan … After Crawford read Strait-Jacket, she called the director. The woman was supposed to age from thirty to fifty. Joan wanted to make the character younger, to lop off five years at each end. Castle agreed. He also said yes to her salary, percentage and contract demands.”

/ From Bette & Joan: The Divine Feud (1989) by Shaun Considine /

Yes! See 59-year-old Joan Crawford portray a woman of 25 in the opening moments of Strait-Jacket on Thursday 18 January when the FREE monthly Lobotomy Room cinema club devoted to Bad Movies for Bad People presents the 1964 William Castle b-movie shocker at Fontaine’s bar in Dalston! Numbers are limited, so reserve now: via the website. Phone 07718000546 or email [email protected]. Full putrid details here.

From Baby Jane to Auntie Roo and beyond! This week, Peaches and Michael unveil a special episode dissecting one of horror’s most “Sainted Subgenres” – HAGSPLOITATION (aka “Psycho Biddies”)! In addition to discussing the many luminous women who brought these movies to life, our hosts tackle the oft problematic labeling of this particular avenue of fright. Joining the conversation is award-winning historian/author/host David Del Valle, who provides insight and personal stories about the era of Hollywood that birthed these films. Additionally, David digs into why these deliciously devilish dames connect with a whole generation of queer folks. Bette! Joan! Olivia! Oh my! This episode has it all! Go! 

Strait-Jacket (dir. William Castle; 1964)

On August 18, 2015 The William Castle Horror Collection was released. Here's some fan art inspired by 13 Frightened Girls, 13 Ghosts, Homicidal, Strait-Jacket, Mr. Sardonicus, The Tingler and Zotz! to celebrate!