The Nanny, 1965, is a British suspense thriller directed by Seth Holt and stars Bette Davis as an apparently devoted and loving nanny, caring for the young boy of an upperclass family, who has recently been discharged from a facility for disturbed children. Predictably, Nanny in no Mary Poppins.
Unlike her other roles, Davis delivers a low key performance whilst maintaining a threatening , chilling screen presence. Her saccharin sweet words mask an underlying stone cold darkness, with a single glance, she sends shivers down the spine.
The movie allows the audience a glimpse into Nanny's troubled life and the opportunity to potentially sympathise with what could have led to her psychotic, deranged later life. As Nanny's strong persona weakens when confronting her dark past, Davis portrays a broken, weeping woman with poignant intensity. Harrowing flashbacks are effectively used to view Nanny's unhinged mind.
This is an extremely creepy movie that is suspenseful and entertaining to the very end. It will likely remain with you long after viewing.