Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? Is one of those 1970s thrillers that starred middle-aged actresses who couldn't get other roles. Everyone from Bette Davis to Barbra Stanwyck made these movies, but the two I watched with Shelley Winters were far better than the usual of this subgenre. Some might say it's just because I like Shelley, but I'd argue that Bette was my favorite actress of the silver screen. If I were going to cut a bad movie slack, you'd think it would be for her. Shelley maybe just lucked out and picked two good ones, or perhaps her brand of playful brashness worked well in the roles. She seemed to not take herself seriously and yet still have respect for the film. She also didn't play her characters with straight dramatics, so perhaps the audience didn't pity her and think, "How has she sunk this low?" Instead we thought, "She's having fun!" Whatever the reason, give her a shot in Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? And What's the Matter with Helen? And spare yourself from Whatever Happened to Baby Jane.
Shelley plays a rich lady who sponsors an elaborate Christmas party for a group of orphans. She takes a liking to Mark Lester and his sister Chloe Franks and keeps them in her house after the other kids return to the orphanage, and Mark starts noticing similarities between her and the witch from "Hansel and Gretel". Although she is in her dumpy, "Poseidon Adventure" phase, Shelley's personality in the first hour of the movie is different than usual. She's very warm and loving towards the children, providing a bountiful Christmas for them and enjoying their enjoyment of her generosity. Even her tone of voice is softer, especially when she talks to the children. However, this is a thriller, and after the first hour, she does turn back into Shelley Winters.
Personally, I thought Mark overreacted and was a pot-stirring brat - but that, I'll admit, was probably just because I like Shelley. She was mostly nice to them, but there was that business with the hatchet. . . In any case, this is a funny, fun romp that isn't too scary and can be enjoyed with lots of popcorn (or Christmas cookies) on a rainy afternoon.
Shelley plays a rich lady who sponsors an elaborate Christmas party for a group of orphans. She takes a liking to Mark Lester and his sister Chloe Franks and keeps them in her house after the other kids return to the orphanage, and Mark starts noticing similarities between her and the witch from "Hansel and Gretel". Although she is in her dumpy, "Poseidon Adventure" phase, Shelley's personality in the first hour of the movie is different than usual. She's very warm and loving towards the children, providing a bountiful Christmas for them and enjoying their enjoyment of her generosity. Even her tone of voice is softer, especially when she talks to the children. However, this is a thriller, and after the first hour, she does turn back into Shelley Winters.
Personally, I thought Mark overreacted and was a pot-stirring brat - but that, I'll admit, was probably just because I like Shelley. She was mostly nice to them, but there was that business with the hatchet. . . In any case, this is a funny, fun romp that isn't too scary and can be enjoyed with lots of popcorn (or Christmas cookies) on a rainy afternoon.