Tag Archives: shelley winters

Video of the Week: “What’s the Matter with Helen?” trailer

Posted by Marisa on

This week’s video is the trailer for Curtis Harrington‘s favorite of all of his films, What’s the Matter with Helen? (1971). Timothy is briefly glimpsed as the panhandling bum who gives Debbie Reynolds quite a scare.

Also featured are Shelley Winters, Dennis Weaver, Pamelyn Ferdin (quintessential child star of the ’60s and ’70s and the voice of Lucy in most of the early Charlie Brown television specials), and the flamboyant Irish theatrical powerhouse Micheál MacLiammóir. Harrington was a proud Careyphile and spoke highly of Tim in his autobiography. Enjoy!

Pic of the Day: “What’s the Matter with Helen?” revisited

Posted by Marisa on

Our pic of the day revisits Curtis Harrington‘s What’s the Matter with Helen? (1971), the enjoyable creep-fest starring Debbie Reynolds and Shelley Winters. Timothy has a memorable cameo as a shabby bum begging for a handout in Depression-era Los Angeles. When Reynolds opens the door, this is the first thing she sees. Yikes!!

Tim had appeared previously with Reynolds in The Second Time Around (1961). It was during the making of that film that he met young Frank Zappa and hired him to write the score for The World’s Greatest Sinner (1962). You know the rest!

 

Pic of the Day: “What’s the Matter with Helen?” revisited

Posted by Marisa on

Our pic for today (you know about clicking for embiggening, right?) revisits the great Curtis Harrington‘s What’s the Matter with Helen? (1971), starring Debbie Reynolds and Shelley Winters as two friends with a tragic past trying to get back on their feet in Depression-era Hollywood. Tim has a small but memorable role as a scruffy tramp depending on the kindness of Reynolds and her rich suitor Dennis Weaver.

Harrington was a fascinating character on the Hollywood scene. He began his career in association with the notorious Kenneth Anger, starting an independent film distribution company with him in the late 1940’s and appearing in Anger’s amazing short film Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome (1954). He went on to direct such cult classics as Night Tide (1961), Queen of Blood (1966), Games (1967), How Awful About Allan (1970), Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? (1972) (which you can find on a double DVD with Helen), The Dead Don’t Die (1975), Ruby (1977) and Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell (1978). He directed Timothy again in the Baretta episode “Set Up City” (1975). He retained a lifelong interest in magic and mysticism. A Harrington biography would be most welcome; it’s long overdue.