Rating: 
Summary: Questions, Questions!
Review: "What's the Matter ...?" Movie: ***** DVD Quality: ***** DVD Extras: ***
"Whoever Slew ...?" Movie: **** DVD Quality: ***** DVD Extras: ***
Here's a supremely entertaining double feature sure to please mystery, horror, and suspense fans. Both movies include top-notch casts; lavish art direction and set decorations; great costumes; are effectively edited; and are expertly directed by Curtis Harrington. In "What's the Matter ...?", Debbie Reynolds and Shelley Winters star as the mothers of two convicted murderers who move to Hollywood circa 1934 to start their lives over. However, it soon becomes apparent that someone connected with their pasts has pursued them and is out for revenge ... or could it be that one of them is cracking up? Guessing at the solution is great fun, and in addition to masterful performances by Reynolds and Winters, the film also includes solid work by Dennis Weaver as Reynolds' wealthy beau, the wonderfully acidic Agnes Moorehead as a religious charlatan, and a character actor named Micheal MacLiammour in a wickedly funny turn that calls to mind a deranged version of Sydney Greenstreet in "The Maltese Falcon". In "Whoever Slew ...?", Shelley Winters returns in the role of a grieving American mother who opens her English home to a group of orphaned and destitute children for the Christmas holiday. Already a bit unbalanced, she becomes obsessed with one little girl who reminds her of her dead daughter; the girl's older brother (Mark Lester) becomes convinced that Winters is the real life incarnation of the witch from "Hansel and Gretel" and intends them harm. Soon enough the crazed Winters and the crafty Lester are engaged in a deadly game of cat and mouse ... but which is the cat and which is the mouse? The cast also features Sir Ralph Richardson, Oscar-winner Hugh Griffith ("Ben-Hur"), and the delightfully droll Rosalie Crutchley (housekeeper Mrs. Dudley from the 1963 version of "The Haunting") as the sour head of the local orphanage.
The MGM "Midnite Movies" DVD features excellent video and audio transfers of each film, both of which are presented in their original widescreen aspect ratios. The only extras included are the Original Theatrical Trailers for each film, not such a disappointment when you stop to consider that you're getting two great little "B" films for the price of one. Highly recommended to fans of the genre and to all those who admirer the various highly talented cast members.
Rating:
Summary: Camp classics, both of them
Review: Aaah, you just gotta love these MGM double feature discs. Regarding their DVD releases, MGM always leaves out a whole lot in terms of special features. All you usually get is a trailer and maybe a widescreen transfer, but these amazing double dipper discs resurrect films you never thought would see the light of day. "What's the Matter with Helen?" and "Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?" are excellent examples of two films that taken on their own would probably never show up on DVD. Or if they did, some seedy outfit looking to make a quick buck on a grainy, cropped release would peddle them. Yet here they are with gloriously clean transfers in all their wacky, over the top splendor. I can't say I've ever been a Shelley Winters fan, excepting her outrageously campy performance in "The Poseidon Adventure," but I must say I have a newfound respect for the aging thespian after watching these two knee slappers. What can I say? I love schlocky cinema, and "What's the Matter with Helen?" and "Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?" are prime examples of films so slathered in cheese that your cholesterol level will skyrocket within minutes of popping the disc into your player.Of the two films, "What's the Matter with Helen" is by far the best. Shelley Winters and Debbie Reynolds play Helen Hill and Adelle Bruckner, two women who flee to California during the Depression to escape the media frenzy after their sons go to prison for murder. Fortunately, Helen knows how to play the piano and Adelle knows how to dance, so the two women open up a dance studio for the precocious offspring of Hollywood parents. Things start to go downhill when Helen begins breaking down psychologically because of her son's crimes. She worries that the threatening phone call the two women received back home, which served as one impetus to head west, is coming back to haunt the two. As Hill plumbs the depths of insanity, Adelle's fortunes are looking up. Her dance studio puts on a recital that is the talk of the town, and she's finally met a nice guy by the name of Lincoln Palmer (Dennis Weaver) who seems interested in a long-term relationship. Bruckner's success severely strains the already fragile bond between the two gals, leading to a truly memorable series of events culminating in a quite shocking-and endlessly humorous-conclusion. "What's the Matter with Helen?" gives you Shelley sticking her hand in a fan, lots of rabbits, Agnes Moorehead slumming as an Aimee Simple McPherson type preacher, and Reynolds hoofing it up in a series of tacky platinum blonde wigs. "Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?" finds Shelley Winters hamming it up in a schlocky take on "Hansel and Gretel." The story unfolds in England during the 1920s, where an eccentric, wealthy old woman named Rosie Forrest (Winters) plays host to a select bunch of tots from the local orphanage during the Christmas holidays. A brother and sister, Christopher and Katy, who aren't invited to the shindig, trick their way into the house anyway at which point Forrest takes a real shine to Katy. Why? Turns out that Rosie's own daughter passed away in a tragic banister sliding accident years before. The old woman never recovered from the disaster, and spends most of her time attempting to contact her deceased child with the help of flaky spiritualist Mr. Benson (Ralph Richardson taking one on the chin for a paycheck) and her sinister butler. With the arrival of Katy, however, Rosie thinks she can return to the halcyon days of yesteryear by adopting the adorable tike. Christopher, sensing something horribly wrong with Forrest's disposition, throws a bunch of wrenches in the old woman's well-laid plans. Lot's of surprises in this story, as Winters eventually goes completely off her rocker when Katy and Christopher refuse to play ball. Perhaps the biggest surprise in "What's the Matter with Helen?" is the wonderful Debbie Reynolds. Not only does she tear up the dance floor in several memorable scenes (ahem), her platinum blonde look suits her well in a sort of sleazy yet incredibly attractive way. I'm not sure what the film was trying to say exactly, but Reynolds and Winters have good chemistry together onscreen. Another surprise is the somewhat authentic looking 1930's attire and scenery, surprising because low budget sludge like this usually doesn't pay much attention to props. As for "Whoever Slew Auntie Roo," Winters takes center stage and holds onto it with both meaty hands. Even as a laughed at the ridiculous scenarios unfolding on the television, I couldn't help but notice that I actually felt sorry for Shelley's character even as she engaged in odious activities. I've seen so many low budget films that can't achieve any sort of dimension to their characters that to actually see one that does is shocking. Further reflection after the viewing experience led me to conclude that all the credit should go to the acting chops of Shelley Winters. Sure, she hams it up, but that she can ham it up and still convey other emotions is quite an accomplishment. If you're worried about watching two films starring Shelley Winters, don't. To watch Shelley Winters here is to love Shelley Winters. Of course, if you don't like schlock you won't like anything about these two films no matter what I say. Again, kudos goes to MGM for releasing these two classics on one DVD with a great picture transfer. While neither film is particularly scary or graphically gory, they are entertaining in terms of hilarity and general kookiness. I am eternally grateful I stumbled over these two classics, and you might be too if you give them a chance. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Psychological Thrillers Finally Get Their Due!!!
Review: As a fan of Debbie Reynolds as a child (via her t.v. show in 1969), my mother's interest was jarred when "What's The Matter With Helen?" was released in 1971. I knew of Shelley Winters, but only from her older films played on t.v.
So, me, at age 9, went with mom to see a double-feature. "Wait Until Dark", and "What's The Matter With Helen?". Seems "Helen" didn't play well in my area so the theater double billed it. "Wait Until Dark" was in my eyes a well-acted thriller that after watching the finale HAD to be seen in a theater to get the most impact.
"Helen" on the other hand started out as a black and white newsreel, that suddenly came to life in color. I asked mom if we were seeing the right film. As the film progressed, i came to realize why Shelley and Debbie were acting legends. Why the critics hated the film at the time puzzled me, but the climax of the film was first rate (scared me half to death for a 9 year old), and the subdued violence kept the film from being too exploitative, as the story was more important.
Like Harrington's comment on the publicity of the film, the poster killed the film's success, as the so-called surprise ending was revealed.
To the film buffs, "Helen" was nominated for an Academy Award for best Costume Design. As a time period film, the re-creation of the 1930's was dead-on. Tho I agree this film includes Shelley's best performance, who can deny that there were no stiff actors, as each character was fully explained, rare for a horror film.
"Whoever Slew Auntie Roo" was a film i didn't get to see in the theaters. It came and went to quickly at the local drive-in. I did finally see it on video, and tho Shelley's performance was over the top, the story had too many loose ends. Considering the publicity of the film, you would think Shelley was a child killer, when in fact, she is not. Troubled yes, killer, no. It's a well-acted film, and again, another time-piece setting, but you HAVE to like Shelley to enjoy this one.
I rate the dvd package 5 out of 5, only for the fact that the quality of the films are gorgeous, and hoping new fans will appreciate these films as much as i have.
Rating:
Summary: Nobody does it to you like Shelley!
Review: Curtis Harrington has been one of my favorite Directors since I first saw the 1967 movie GAMES with Katherine Ross at the theater. (I was 9 years old and it scared me to death.) I also greatly admired NIGHT TIDE with Dennis Hopper while watching it on late night television in the late 60's. Then along came WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH HELEN? and WHOEVER SLEW AUNTIE ROO? in 1971. That same year I had seen a Made-for-T.V. movie titled REVENGE with Shelley Winters. Her over-the-top, intense performance in that film had such an impact on me that I couldn't wait to see WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH HELEN? When I realized that Curtis Harrington had directed the film I knew I was in for a treat. Little did I know that HELEN would become one of my favorite horror movies. Once again, Shelley did not disappoint this 13 year old who was sitting there not embarrased to be clutching his mother's arm. Harrington's deft direction and ability to create a moody atmosphere in the tradition of Grand Guignol combined with Shelley Winters' brilliant performance makes this film a 5 star effort. Then, to add icing on the cake, Harrington paired with Winters once again that year with WHOEVER SLEW AUNTIE ROO? A very clever update of the Hanzel and Gretel fairy tale. Not as scary as HELEN but just as atmospheric. This time around, Shelley secured her clawhold as Hollywood's "grande-dame" ghoul. (With orange hair to boot!) I love both of these movies and recommend them to those of you who like your "horror" mixed with a little gothic and nostalgia. Also check out THE DEVIL'S DAUGHTER made-for-T.V. 1972 with Shelley Winters and THE KILLING KIND 1973 directed by Curtis Harrington. (His most disturbing work.)
Rating:
Summary: Shelley Gets Her Due!!
Review: Finally, in hopes that Debbie makes some money from the 'Helen' picture, and the younger generation may finally appreciate how good of an actress Shelley Winters really is! Both films are good on many counts, mainly that it shouldn't take alot of gore to have a good picture.
"What's The Matter With Helen" was coupled with "Wait Until Dark" when i first saw it. Both films scared me senseless (I was 9 years old). I did learn to appreciate Debbie Reynolds and Shelley Winters as a pair of good actors whom actually played well together, tension and all. It has been rumoured that the film was supposed to be more violent as was shot. That probably gives an answer as to why at the near end of the film one of the characters seemed to just vanish, with no explaination. It was toned down only for the reason that NBC had half interest in the film, and the extra violence would make TV viewing a non-family event. Pity, since NBC cut out most of the violence anyway, and made it somewhat incomprehensible at times. It's a good film that sad to say wasn't the big box office hit it should have been. At the time of release, Transamerica, an insurance company who both owned United Artists and Liberty Records didn't know quite what to do with the many projects going on, so the promotion of the film was rather sparse. Also, whoever made the poster should have been fired, as it gave away the end result to one of the main characters. Nominated for an Academy Award, it's a set piece of the 30's that is rather fetching for the eyes.
"Whoever Slew Auntie Roo" gave Shelley a part to sink her teeth into. She's hardly out of the camera's eye, and with some good character development, the film pushes rather quickly to it's climax. Again, this film was to be a little more violent than intended, as 2 characters seem to vanish near the end of the film (the butler and the maid), and Shelley's ex-husband could have been explained a little clearer than was put onscreen.
I recommend both films, and for the price, it's worth owning 2 films that include some good performances, and a little bit of nastalgia also, since both films are based in the 1930's.
Rating:
Summary: "WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH HELEN"- WHERE DID MGM FIND THIS?
Review: I haven't seen this SHOCKER since I was a kid. A truely terrifying character study about a dowdy religious woman who goes psycho. I remember seeing this when I was 11 years old with my cousin. We'd go to the Saturday Afternoon Double Feature and if the first film was good we'd sit through it twice. Needless to say we sat through this ONE twice and then went to see it again then the following week. Shelley Winters scared the BEEJEEZUS out of us. Ahhh, the good ol' days. Good Horror Movies should give little kids nightmares and I can tell you I had them for weeks after seeing this GREAT MOVIE. I agree with a previous reviewer. This one stands alone. I haven't seen WHO SLEW so I can't comment on it. I also remember staying up late as a kid to watch this by myself. Alone. So Midnite Movie is a great title. Does anyone still show old movies late at night? I don't have cable. God, I miss the LATE SHOW. Where did they find this? MGM IS THE BEST!! They put out great old catalog stuff that probably doesn't make them much money. That's refreshing. At least someone is preserving some great old cult favorites. I haven't seen this in probably 25 years. Can anyone tell me if the scene with the plow that graphically runs over Shelley Winter's father's face is still in this flick? That scene was horrifying!! I GOTTA GET THIS!!
Rating:
Summary: Curtis Harrington...both sides of the coin...same year(?)
Review: I just got this DVD, having never seen "Helen". Well, aside from having Shelley Winters in common, both were directed by Curtis Harrington. It's a good lesson in what studio and budget can do for a film. "What's the Matter with Helen" is pure studio (United Artists) with high production values (Oscar nominated Costumes), true 30's period sets and a wonderful narrative written by Henry Farrell ("Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?"). Shelley has never been better and Debbie Reynolds is absolutely marvelous, as the two play mothers of teen-age sons sent to jail and escape together to Hollywood. Debbie dances and Shelley plays piano; Debbie wants to be a Jean Harlow type, while Shelley slowly descends into her Bible study. I won't blab away any plot points, but there is a great cameo by Agnes Moorehead, and Dennis Weaver is quite fine as a rich "McCloud"-type. There is real suspense that kept me guessing, a few twists, which all add up to a great period piece that's loads of fun and craziness. There's also a wonderful performance by Michael MacLiammoir whose sinister presence adds to the suspense. "Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?" (released in America as "Who Slew Auntie Roo?"), on the other hand, was a quickie by Harrington, with lower production values and filmed in England. They were also capitalizing on young Mark Lester (from "Oliver!"). Shelley, in this one, overacts shamelessly, though with this type of film, it's appropriate. It's basically a re-telling of "Hansel and Gretel" with obvious modern twists. It's no less entertaining than "Helen", but as released by American-International, no other distributor would touch it. There are wonderful performances by the likes of Sir Ralph Richardson, Lionel Jeffries and Hugh Griffith, but it's super-campy (very "70's") and did well at the box-office. Shelley went on to receive the last of her many Oscar nominations the following year (1972) for her over-the-top hammy performance in "The Poseidon Adventure". Perhaps it was the Academy's way of rewarding her for the great performance in "Helen". In 1961, movies centering on evil old women seemed to thrive ("Baby Jane", "Strait Jacket", "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte", etc.), and, though "Helen" could stand on its own as classy entertainment, "Auntie Roo" kinda killed that genre. With its modest price and loads of the wonderful Shelley, this would be a welcome addition to your DVD library.
Rating:
Summary: MACABRE DELIGHT
Review: I saw "Helen" on it's release in 1971 and it's been one of my favorite films ever since. On the surface, it's a delicious send up of 30's Hollywood---colorful and expertly crafted. Underneath, it's a bizarre case study of obsessive pyschosis---one woman over another. The two women are polar opposites who are bound together by tragedy and circumstances. One is dowdy and Bible-spouting(Winters) while the other is smart and sexy(i.e "sinful") played by Reynolds. Reynolds' character is the strong one-although she gives that credit(wrongly) to Winters' character. But they, together, forge ahead with their lives as two equally strong survivors despite their obvious differences. While all the while fate begins rearing it's ugly head. Winter's character-Helen-is obsessive and jealous in her relationship with Adele(Reynolds) and begins to crack up -threatening Adele's security and success. Note the scene where Helen sniffs Adele's lingerie! Fate finally arrives one dark and stormy night and the two are bound anew by yet another grisly circumstance-giving Helen another uncomfortable edge over Adele. Adele is finally reduced begrudgingly to Helen's caretaker as Helen has gone nuts (as only Winters can) and things get even uglier as twists and turns lead this tale to it's inevitable conclusion. Played with gusto by everyone involved, "Helen",to me, is a one-of-kind film with a once-in-a-lifetime cast. Reynolds gets to show off quite a bit---she's thin and beautiful---and Winters matches her with her frumpy,frustrated neurosis turning deadly. The costumes are gorgeous and the whole thing has a wonderful nostalgic feel to it. Curtis Harrington does wonders with this piece and it shows in every frame. I recommend this for buffs everywhere. However, I have one quibble--I wish this had been released solo instead of on a double bill with "Auntie Roo" (more Winters) which I had no desire to see then AND STILL DON'T. But that's show business! Nonetheless, for the price, "Helen" alone is well worth it and I would have paid more. It's a keeper!
Rating:
Summary: fantastic Shelley Winters double-bill!
Review: MGM Midnite Movies delivers the goods again with this fantastic Shelley Winters double feature! WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH HELEN? was directed by Curtis Harrington and released in 1971. The story concerns Adelle Bruckner (Debbie Reynolds) and Helen Hill (Shelley Winters), the mothers of two convicted murderers who soon become the targets of hate-crimes and prank phonecalls. Adelle decides to re-locate her kiddy's dance school to Hollywood, and invites Helen to come along as her pianist. Just when it seems that the past is just a painful memory, Helen's sanity slowly slips away. Debbie looks gorgeous in the 1930's period setting, and Shelley makes the most out of her role; there is a certain campy charm about this little number, a horror film which has elements of musical-comedy and romance. The film was nominated for a Best Art Directed Academy Award. WHOEVER SLEW AUNTIE ROO? was also directed by Curtis Harrington and was released in 1972. The story concerns Roo Forrest (Shelley Winters), a rich woman still grieving the death of her young daughter Katharine. Every Christmas, she hosts a party for 10 chosen children from the city's orphanage. This year, two unruly children have tagged along - Christopher (Mark Lester - OLIVER!) and his little sister Katy (Chloe Franks - A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC). Roo takes a shying to Katy, who bears a haunting resemblance to the dead Katharine. When Katy fails to appear when the children are due to go back to the orphanage, Christopher fears the worst. Originally conceived as a horror-movie version of "Hansel and Gretel", ROO? is a charming film, shot entirely on location in England, and Shelley looks fabulous as the twisted "Auntie Mame"-esque character. The film also features Ralph Richardson as a medium and Judy Cornwell (TV's "Keeping Up Appearances") as Roo's sneaky maid. The trailers for both films are also included. (Double-sided, single-layer disc).
Rating:
Summary: fantastic Shelley Winters double-bill!
Review: MGM Midnite Movies delivers the goods again with this fantastic Shelley Winters double feature! WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH HELEN? was directed by Curtis Harrington and released in 1971. The story concerns Adelle Bruckner (Debbie Reynolds) and Helen Hill (Shelley Winters), the mothers of two convicted murderers who soon become the targets of hate-crimes and prank phonecalls. Adelle decides to re-locate her kiddy's dance school to Hollywood, and invites Helen to come along as her pianist. Just when it seems that the past is just a painful memory, Helen's sanity slowly slips away. Debbie looks gorgeous in the 1930's period setting, and Shelley makes the most out of her role; there is a certain campy charm about this little number, a horror film which has elements of musical-comedy and romance. The film was nominated for a Best Art Directed Academy Award. WHOEVER SLEW AUNTIE ROO? was also directed by Curtis Harrington and was released in 1972. The story concerns Roo Forrest (Shelley Winters), a rich woman still grieving the death of her young daughter Katharine. Every Christmas, she hosts a party for 10 chosen children from the city's orphanage. This year, two unruly children have tagged along - Christopher (Mark Lester - OLIVER!) and his little sister Katy (Chloe Franks - A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC). Roo takes a shying to Katy, who bears a haunting resemblance to the dead Katharine. When Katy fails to appear when the children are due to go back to the orphanage, Christopher fears the worst. Originally conceived as a horror-movie version of "Hansel and Gretel", ROO? is a charming film, shot entirely on location in England, and Shelley looks fabulous as the twisted "Auntie Mame"-esque character. The film also features Ralph Richardson as a medium and Judy Cornwell (TV's "Keeping Up Appearances") as Roo's sneaky maid. The trailers for both films are also included. (Double-sided, single-layer disc).
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