What's the Matter with Helen?

What's the Matter with Helen? is a 1971 horror film packed with intrigue, suspense and psychological terror. With direction from Curtis Harrington and a star-studded cast featuring Debbie Reynolds, Shelley Winters, and Dennis Weaver, this horror-thriller takes viewers on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of fear, paranoia, and insidious secrets.

Set smack in the middle of the Great Depression era Hollywood, two middle-aged women find themselves linked by an unfortunate string of closely-connected murders. Adelle (Debbie Reynolds), a vivacious spirit with a knack for tap-dancing, and Helen (Shelley Winters), a fragile and mentally unstable woman with a troubled past, are mothers of infamous murderers. Their sons, tried and convicted for gruesome crimes, force Adelle and Helen to bear the brunt of public disdain.

In an attempt to escape the public shaming, the duo move to Hollywood from their midwestern home. Adelle, the ever-optimist, starts a dance school for young girls hoping to make it big in Hollywood, while Helen, the paranoid one, is terrified of being identified as mother to a murderer, and deals with constant layers of dread. Helen starts bearing the brunt of anonymous calls that prey on her guilt and paranoia, directly referencing the crimes committed by their children. Is their past catching up with them? Are they in danger? Who is triggering Helen’s descent into madness?

Debbie Reynolds (Singin' in the Rain) as Adelle delivers an energetic performance peppered with elaborate singing and dancing sequences that provide the movie with cinematic charm. She jumps into the role of a hopeful mother, teasing the Hollywood dream to her doll-faced students, while also being a beacon of hope for her friend, Helen. Her cheerfulness, though, comes in sharp contrast with the psychological terrors breaking loose within her friend/collieauge, Helen.

Shelley Winters (A Touch of Larceny, The Diary of Anne Frank) takes on the role of the hapless Helen. Winters masterfully encapsulates Helen's sheer terror and fear of exposure, her paranoia threatening to derail not just her life, but Adelle's as well. Winters, known for her dramatic performances, does an outstanding job when she portrays Helen's struggle to hold onto her sanity, even as invisible threats seemingly close in on her. She increasingly struggles with the question - is she being stalked, or is it all in her mind?

Dennis Weaver (Gunsmoke, Duel) plays the part of Linc Palmer, Adelle's suitor. With Linc's arrival, a different side of Adelle begins to emerge, which veers away from the comforting and caring woman Helen has come to rely on. This drives her further into her paranoia resulting in an even more gripping storyline.

This is a movie where the era itself becomes atmospheric lore. Hollywood during the Great Depression era is artfully depicted - a city filled with glitz and glamour, offer a stark contrast to the shadowy underbelly of desperate dreams and haunting pasts. The aesthetic cinematography and the set design create a spectacularly gothic stage for the film's intense narrative.

The tension in What's The Matter with Helen? is constructed layer upon layer, each event contributing to increased fear, anxiety and madness. With triggered paranoia, committed performances by a stellar cast, intricate storytelling, and period-specific aesthetics, this horror-thriller leaves viewers engrossed till the very end.

Curtis Harrington's directorial talents come to the fore, as he slowly unfolds a devastating narrative of horror, paranoia and psychological terror. It's an exceptional blend of the crime and horror genres, supported by a keen attention to detail and notable performances. What's the Matter with Helen? is more than a horror movie - it's a chilling narrative of two women escaping a haunting past that might not be willing to let go.

In essence, What's The Matter with Helen? is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the horrors of guilt, and paranoia with keen depth. A haunting tale of unspeakable crimes and inescapable pasts, it leaves viewers pondering the weight of secrets, the terror of anonymity, and the specter of a past that refuses to be buried. Rife with excellent performances, haunting cinematography, and a chilling plot, this movie is a must-watch for any fans of classic thrillers and psychological horror.