Watch Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?
- PG
- 1971
- 1 hr 31 min
-
6.1 (2,613)
Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? is a chilling horror movie from 1972 that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The film is directed by Curtis Harrington and stars Shelley Winters, Mark Lester, and Chloe Franks. The movie takes place around Christmas time and follows the story of a wealthy widow named Rosie Forrest, also known as "Auntie Roo" (Shelley Winters). She has lost her daughter and is now living alone in a big mansion in the English countryside. In an attempt to take her mind off the loss of her child, she decides to host a Christmas party for a group of orphans, selecting them based on a resemblance to her deceased daughter.
Among the orphans invited to the party are Christopher (Mark Lester) and Katy (Chloe Franks). Chris is a street-smart boy who's learned to look after himself, while Katy is a shy and fearful girl who has trouble adjusting to new surroundings. Chris persuades Katy to come to the party, even though she's afraid of Auntie Roo.
However, it soon becomes apparent that Auntie Roo has a dark secret. She has kidnapped a little girl named Alice Judson and kept her in a hidden room in the mansion, pretending that she is her daughter. When Katy stumbles upon Alice, Auntie Roo must take drastic measures to keep her quiet.
The tension continues to build throughout the film as the orphans become trapped in the mansion with Auntie Roo and her secrets. As the party progresses, Auntie Roo's true nature is revealed, and the orphans must use all their wits and resources to survive.
The movie is a classic horror story that follows the formula of the "babes in the woods" genre. It's a story of innocence versus evil, with Shelley Winters delivering an electrifying performance as Auntie Roo. Her performance is both chilling and heartbreaking, as she convincingly portrays a woman struggling to cope with loss and mental illness.
Mark Lester, who had previously starred in the musical "Oliver!", brings plenty of energy to his role as Chris. He's a resourceful and brave character who takes control when things start to go wrong. Chloe Franks also delivers a solid performance as the traumatized Katy, who is forced to face her fears to try and survive.
The cinematography and score of the film add to the spooky atmosphere, with the picturesque mansion becoming a character itself. The isolation of the location, coupled with the claustrophobia of the trapped children, raises the stakes and keeps the audience on edge.
Overall, Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? is a spooky and effective horror movie, with a great cast and strong performances. It's a classic tale of good versus evil, with a few twists along the way. If you're a fan of horror movies from the 70s, this is definitely one to check out.
Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? is a 1971 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.