I first saw this film 'The Hand That Rocks The Cradle' around 10 years ago when I purchased it from a video club I was a member of. Its a Thriller / Drama genre and does have you hooked from the start. Its very cleverly written and directed a thouroughly enjoyable creepy film.

☼ CAST:

Annabella Sciorra .... Claire Bartel
Madeline Zima .... Emma Bartel
Matt McCoy .... Michael Bartel
Rebecca De Mornay .... Peyton Flanders/ Mrs.Mott
John de Lancie .... Dr. Victor Mott
Ernie Hudson .... Solomon
Julianne Moore .... Marlene Craven

☼ PLOT:

Claire (Annabella Sciorra) is happily married and pregnant. Her Doctor (John De Lancie) assaults her during a gynaecological examination.
Following this, Clare goes public with the case, the Doctor commits suicide and his wife (Rebecca de Mornay / Peyton) has a miscarriage. Several months later, 'Peyton Flanders' turns up on Clare Bartel and and husband Michael's doorstep, as the perfect nanny for the new-born child...Seemingly sweet and helpful, Peyton slowly worms her way into the family’s life and world. Once she has gained their trust, she begins to wreak havoc in their lives. Peyton wants the child very badly, to replace the one she lost. Peyton doesn't launch an obvious assault on Clare. No that would be too simple, instead she's schemes to get into the family and then to kill Clare by posing as a nanny. Turning husband and daughter against mother, and getting rid of anyone she perceives as a threat.This is achieved by carefully contrived efforts by Peyton.

☼ ACTING:

Rebecca De Mornay was fabulous as Peyton. She expressed the role as a twisted physco rather well. Her scheming, manipulating, great acting was assisted by her fantastic range of facial expressions and butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. A beautiful lady filling an ugly role. I think this is one of her best performances a highly talented actress.

Annabella Sciorra was very well cast as Clare, the beautiful, but somewhat dim at times Mother. She is an obviously talented actress. She played out her horror scenes well and the tortured soul act was very good. When she was supposedly loosing her marbles she was excellent. Not too sure about the Astma scene though, but I guess thats a tough one if your not Asthmatic.

Madeline Zima who played the daughter was a real cutie. She was believable even at such a young age. One to watch for the future I think.

Matt McCoy played the part of husband Michael Bartel. He did a good job in this role. Not the best as some of his scenes made you want to shout wake up man! I know he was portraying a man being duped but he seemed a little doscile or was that just me?

Ernie Hudson had the part of the mentally impared gardener / handyman, Solomon. He was very good. I found his acting to be spot on for this role. You could relate to his character and his frustrations. He portrayed his character very well and was believable.

Julianne Moore played out the part of best friend to Clare, Marlene Craven. She was an excellent choice for the role. She was amusing and witty and stole some of the scenes I felt. She played her part of a jealous, suspicious friend extremely well. Her acting I found was one of the best in the film.

☼ MINOR FAULTS:

The only fault I found with this film is the fact that there were so many reasons why it doesnt seem realistic.

• An example being Peyton is hired to be the nanny even though, she admits she wasn't sent by a nanny agency. That would have to ring alarm bells with anyone.
• She doesn't have clear cut references.
• Marlena Craven (Clare's friend) doesn't like her one bit.But Clare doesn't see that Peyton is responsible despite the warnings from Marlena.
  * The obvious advances Peyton is making toward Michael. Anyone else would have given her a right hook and her marching orders!
• Also the other person who doesn't believe Peyton's a real nanny and is suspicious, is Solomon. Solomon is a black man who is mentally challenged, He plays a great character and is very lovable. Solomon has the intelligence to realize Peyton is a complete fruit cake. However, Peyton before Solomon has a chance to discuss his suspicions of her, gets rid of him, thus leaving the Bartel family once again an easy target for her.
  Any one of these factor would normally make anyone stop and think but it doesnt seem to phase Clare, this is what makes it somewhat unbelievable.
  But these facts didn't spoil the film, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

☼ BEST SCENES:

One of the best scenes I feel was Peyton rigging the families greenhouse... supposedly for Clare but instead Marlena cops for it. Very grisly and gory but what an imagination.A very well set up and thought out scene.
Another is the Breast Feeding, when Solomon catches Peyton breast feeding the baby, alarm bells do ring. But this is really creepy and its when you truly realise what Peyton is up to.
Another is Clare has a history of asthma and she must take her inhaler. Well one day, husband Michael must deliver an important proposal to his company. Clare volunteers to do it, but when her back is turned, Peyton hides the proposal thus ensuring some problems in the marriage of the Bartels. The stress caused on Clare causes her to have several asthma attacks.Peyton is seen emptying Clare's inhalers so she is put into grave danger.Being Asthmatic myself thats scary stuff!

☼ FILM DETAILS:

Made in: USA
Year: 1992
Length of film: 110 minutes
Directed by: Curtis Hanson
Written By: Amanda Silver
Genre: Thriller / Drama
Rating: 15
Price: £9.99 On Video

This film might be an oldie but if you havent seen it do so... Its great entertainment and I really enjoyed it. I have watched it several times.