Whoever Slew Auntie Roo?
- Director: Curtis Harrington
- Writer: David D. Osborn; Robert Blees
- Producer: Samuel Z. Arkoff; Louis M. Heyward
CGiii Comment
Harrington's career was a strange affair...not unlike this film.
A spoof (yes, spoof - it cannot be taken seriously) on Hansel & Gretel...unfortunately, the little girl who plays Gretel must have been the producer's daughter - the kid can't act. The rest of the cast don't do much better...preferring ham, demonstrating camp.
The writing is uninspired and the ending is as satisfying as a failed orgasm.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
A retelling of the old tale of Hansel and Gretel, but set in 1920's England. To the children and staff at the orphanage, Auntie Roo is a kindly American widow who gives them a lavish Christmas party each year in her mansion, Forrest Grange. In reality, she's a severely disturbed woman, who keeps the mummified remains of her little daughter in a nursery in the attic. One Christmas, her eye fall upon a little girl who reminds her of her daughter and she imprisons her in her attic. Nobody believes her brother, Christopher, when he tells them what's happened, so he goes to rescue her.
Cast & Characters
Shelley Winters as Mrs. Forrest;
Mark Lester as Christopher Coombs;
Chloe Franks as Katy Coombs;
Ralph Richardson as Mr. Benton;
Lionel Jeffries as Inspector Ralph Willoughby;
Hugh Griffith as Mr. Harrison;
Rosalie Crutchley as Miss Henley;
Pat Heywood as Dr. Mason;
Judy Cornwell as Clarine;
Michael Gothard as Albie