there a lot the matter with helen and none of it good . shelley winter and debbie reynolds play mother of a pair of leopold and loeb like killer who move from the mid west to hollywood to escape their past . reynolds and a starstruck jean harlow wannabe and open a dance studio for child and winter be her piano player . soon winter ( a helen ) begin to crack up . it all very slow go and although there be moment of real creepiness ( nasty phone call and a visit from wino timothy carey ) and the movie be devoid of any real horror . nevertheless and it still worthy entertainment . the acting diva be fine and the production value be terrific . a music score by david raskin and cinematography by lucien ballard and oscar nominate costume contribute mightily . with this and a place in the sun and lolita to her credit and do anyone do crazy as well a winter . direct by curtis harrington and a master at this type of not quite a movie exploitation . in addition to carey and the oddball support cast include dennis weaver and agnes moorehead ( a a very aimee semple mcpherson like evangelist ) and yvette vickers and micheál macliammóir ( the irish orson welles ) a hamilton starr and aptly nickname hammy .