The Anniversary, (1968) an adapted stage play, is a wickedly funny Hammer House production that is often overlooked. Davis stars as Mrs Taggart, a wealthy acid tongued matriarch who holds a gathering each year to celebrate her wedding anniversary to her dead husband. Her three sons join her; a father of five, a timid cross-dresser and a secretly engaged youngster. The gathering sees Davis dominate and manipulate her hapless sons with razor sharp wit.
The Anniversary is classic Bette Davis, impeccable delivery of cutting comments, spectacularly powerful screen presence, all styled to perfection with her costumes and colour coordinated eye patch, producing a look which is both stylish and monstrous in equal measures. Davis is a sheer delight, cruel, callus, psychologically intimidating her family with effortless spite.
If you are a fan of Bette Davis and great comedy, this movie is a must! Sheila Hancock also stars, providing the perfect sparring partner for the nasty one eyed Mrs Taggart.