What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice?

What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice? is a captivating, suspense-filled horror-thriller from the timeless cinematic year of 1969. The movie boasts a talented, standout cast featuring award-winning actresses Geraldine Page and Ruth Gordon. Directed by Lee H. Katzin and Bernard Girard in an era when Hollywood was replete with suspense and horror, the film effectively rides on the wave of the genre's popularity and is executed in a manner that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. It is a film not strictly confined to its genre but subtly explores themes associated with the human condition such as greed, desperation, deception, and the psychology of fear.

The story revolves around the character of Claire Marrable (Page), a wealthy and elite widow who has recently lost her husband. Following his death, she discovers that all her anticipated wealth has been squandered on various unspecified ventures, leaving her penniless and desperately seeking a method to uphold her extravagant lifestyle. Her character is effortlessly portrayed by the talented Geraldine Page, lending a touch of authenticity to the disturbed psyche of the bereft widow who slides down a road of desperation and immorality.

In stark contrast to Claire Marrable is the character of Alice Dimmock (Gordon), a hardy housekeeper seeking answers about the sudden disappearance of her close friend and previous Marrable housekeeper, Edna. Ruth Gordon's stellar performance as Alice offers a balance to Page’s role as the deranged widow. Gordon, well-seasoned in her acting prowess, provides a rich depth to her character, showcasing a tenacious, painstakingly caring woman with an iron will that leaves viewers intrigued and rooting for her.

The movie cleverly employs classic thriller elements such as odd disappearances and suspect actions to build a tense atmosphere that courses through the plotline. The viewers are taken on a ride through an intricate web of deceit and intrigue, built on shifting alliances, hidden motives, and nefarious plans. The charm of this film lies in the dueling strategies of its leading ladies, as one strives to unearth the truth while the other battles to keep her secrets buried.

Adding to the movie's charm, Rosemary Forsyth delivers a commendable performance as Harriet Vaughn, the niece of Claire Marrable. Forsyth’s character serves as a pawn unknowingly stuck between the bitter rivalry of her Aunt Clare and Alice Dimmock. Her innocence and naiveté are brilliantly portrayed, adding another layer to the unfolding plot.

The film also remains noteworthy due to its beautiful shooting locations and its intriguing usage of interior and exterior shots. The scenic landscapes of Arizona set an inviting yet eerie backdrop that further heightens the feeling of suspense and dread. On one hand, the picturesque shots portray an apparent calm and beauty, while the infrequent ominous ones subtly hint at the lurking mystery and menace, acting as a brilliant metaphor for the ongoing narrative.

Overall, 'What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice?' is a hallmark of its genre and time - a film which showcased a masterful blend of suspense, mystery, and horror. It has been masterfully sculpted to provoke emotion with its eeriness, excitement with its suspense, and inquisitiveness with its plot's unpredictability.

With a bursting storyline, a powerhouse performance from Page and Gordon, and stunning cinematography, 'What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice?' is an unforgettable classic that delivers drama and suspense in equal measure. The film's strong narrative and compelling performances establish it as a paragon of the sinister, charged, and thrilling cinema of the 1960s that continues to fascinate its audience over half a century after its release.