Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? (Original title)The Gingerbread House (Working title)Who Slew Auntie Roo? (Alternative title)Whoever Slew Auntie Roo (Help search title)Who Slew Auntie Roo (Help search title)
Date: 1971 (Copyright)Country: United KingdomDirected by: Curtis Harrington
Synopsis: Horror thriller, updating the story of 'Hansel and Gretel'. Every Christmas, Rosie Forrest (aka Auntie Roo), the widow of a stage magician, invites ten of the best-behaved children from the local orphanage to stay at her rambling country house, Forrest Grange. One year, two extra children (older brother Christopher and his sister Katy) sneak in after hiding in the boot of Inspector Willoughby's car, in which the partygoers are transported. Mrs Forrest welcomes them too, and takes a particular shine to Katy, who reminds her of her late daughter. When the celebrations are over and the guests go home, Katy and Christopher find themselves trapped in the house, and they learn of a horrible secret Mrs Forrest is hiding. Taking her for a witch who plans to cook them in a pie, they try to effect a daring escape, with grisly consequences.
Genre: Horror
Subjects: Orphans, Christmas, Dead bodies, Spiritualism, Magic (entertainment), Bereavement
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(2)
Film materials(2)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: AcetateSound: CombinedLength: 8266 FeetBFI identifier: C-786604
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm PositiveBFI identifier: C-193789
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status
Date: 1971 (Copyright)Country: United KingdomDirected by: Curtis Harrington
Synopsis: Horror thriller, updating the story of 'Hansel and Gretel'. Every Christmas, Rosie Forrest (aka Auntie Roo), the widow of a stage magician, invites ten of the best-behaved children from the local orphanage to stay at her rambling country house, Forrest Grange. One year, two extra children (older brother Christopher and his sister Katy) sneak in after hiding in the boot of Inspector Willoughby's car, in which the partygoers are transported. Mrs Forrest welcomes them too, and takes a particular shine to Katy, who reminds her of her late daughter. When the celebrations are over and the guests go home, Katy and Christopher find themselves trapped in the house, and they learn of a horrible secret Mrs Forrest is hiding. Taking her for a witch who plans to cook them in a pie, they try to effect a daring escape, with grisly consequences.
Genre: Horror
Subjects: Orphans, Christmas, Dead bodies, Spiritualism, Magic (entertainment), Bereavement
Film, Video or Digital materials held in BFI National Archive(2)
Film materials(2)
Description: 35mm Colour PositiveBase: AcetateSound: CombinedLength: 8266 FeetBFI identifier: C-786604
Status: Master - Restricted access to preserved film
Description: 35mm PositiveBFI identifier: C-193789
Status: Status pending - Material requires inspection to determine preservation or access status