What's the Matter with Helen?

1971
R
1h 41m

IMDb RATING

6.3/10

2.4K

YOUR RATING

Debbie Reynolds and Shelley Winters in What's the Matter with Helen? (1971)

Two middle-aged women move to Hollywood, California after their sons are convicted of a notorious murder and open a dance school for children eager to tap their way to stardom.

Play trailer2:06

3 Videos

58 Photos

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Two middle-aged women move to Hollywood, California after their sons are convicted of a notorious murder and open a dance school for children eager to tap their way to stardom.Two middle-aged women move to Hollywood, California after their sons are convicted of a notorious murder and open a dance school for children eager to tap their way to stardom.Two middle-aged women move to Hollywood, California after their sons are convicted of a notorious murder and open a dance school for children eager to tap their way to stardom.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.3/10

2.4K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 1 nomination total

Videos3

Trailer 2:06

Trailer

Clip 3:09

What's The Matter With Helen: Showtime!

Clip 3:09

What's The Matter With Helen: Showtime!

Clip 1:48

What's The Matter With Helen: The Call

Photos58

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Storyline

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Trivia
According to Debbie Reynolds, Shelley Winters' psychiatrist advised her not to portray a woman having a nervous breakdown because, at the time, she was actually having a nervous breakdown. "She's the kind of actress who becomes the part she's playing..." said Reynolds, "so all through the film she drove all of us insane!"

Goofs
The second time Linc drives Adelle home, he reaches down with his right hand to turn the key off. In the next scene, his right arm is firmly wrapped behind Adelle's shoulder.

Quotes
Sister Alma: I offered you my blessing, but you refused it. Now move along.

Connections
Featured in The 80th Annual Academy Awards (2008)

Soundtracks
Did You Ever See a Dream Walking?
(uncredited)
Written by Harry Revel & Mack Gordon
Performed by Debbie Reynolds

User reviews44

Featured review

A childhood nightmare revisited

It has taken me 24 years to find the courage to see this film again. Like another reviewer here, I was too young when I first saw this movie back in 1971 at the tender age of 7 (what were my parents thinking?!), and it's disturbing visuals have haunted me all of my life. This is a gory, gruesome film, all things considered, with quick, effective shots of mangled bodies and cute furry creatures. And that ending! Seeing Debbie's face again in the finale after all these years conjured up my repressed childhood chills once again.

Overall, a very effective film with a "Tales from the Crypt-esque" ending and some superb acting.