The Caretakers (Borderlines) (1963)

26% of users liked it
(90 ratings)

A "bad movie" with a fervent fan following, The Caretakers is set in a bleak mental institution. Joan Crawford plays the hard-bitten head nurse (we first see her taking a karate lesson!) who is dead set against the progressive theories of new doctor Robert Stack. After a few minutes' exposure to the… More A "bad movie" with a fervent fan following, The Caretakers is set in a bleak mental institution. Joan Crawford plays the hard-bitten head nurse (we first see her taking a karate lesson!) who is dead set against the progressive theories of new doctor Robert Stack. After a few minutes' exposure to the inmates, half the audience has sided with Crawford. The most disturbed individual in the place is Polly Bergen, who never speaks when screaming will do. But thanks to the compassionate treatment of Dr. Stack, it is Bergen who saves the day by preventing fellow inmate Barbara Barrie from burning the institution to the ground. Virtually every scene in The Caretakers is a gem of glorious excess, including the obligatory shock-treatment vignette. The film strives to avoid subtlety, but its fans wouldn't have it any other way. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Hall Bartlett
Written By: Henry F. Greenberg, Hall Bartlett
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Aug 21, 1963 Wide
On DVD: May 28, 1996
Studio: MGM

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
An unintentionally funny overwrought melodrama.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

I watched this one on Netflix Instant View. I picked this one from a list of MGM limited editions. I've watch a number of films from this list and this is the first one that I didn't enjoy. Some good actors and Actresses. Robert Stack plays the modern Doctor, Joan Crawford… More
I watched this one on Netflix Instant View. I picked this one from a list of MGM limited editions. I've watch a number of films from this list and this is the first one that I didn't enjoy. Some good actors and Actresses. Robert Stack plays the modern Doctor, Joan Crawford who has always creeped me out plays the old school, shock them ways in mental treatment. The beautiful Susan Oliver plays the Nurse Cathy Clark. A black and white film that I'm not sure who the audience was in 1963. 2 1/2 stars.
jay n

If you're looking for a serious exploration of mental illness this IS NOT the movie for you, but if you're looking for a hoot and a half you've found the answer!! Wait for the scene where Robert Stack wants to talk to Joan Crawford " man to man"! Camp of a… More
If you're looking for a serious exploration of mental illness this IS NOT the movie for you, but if you're looking for a hoot and a half you've found the answer!! Wait for the scene where Robert Stack wants to talk to Joan Crawford " man to man"! Camp of a high order.