Michael O'Keefe MAD ROOM is based on the 1941 classic LADIES IN RETIREMENT. Ellen Hardy(Stella Stevens)is an assistant and companion to a wealthy, but a bit psychotic old widow Gladys Armstrong(Shelley Winters), who just so happens to be Ellen's future mother-in-law. Ellen is deeply in love with her fiancé Sam(Skip Ward), but there are secrets yet to be told. Ellen's teenage brother and sister are released from a mental institution where they were put after being suspected of slaughtering their parents. Miss Hardy believes she is the only witness, but her memory is very confusing. The teens need a place to go, and Ellen has to conger a reason to have them come to Mrs. Armstrong's ever expanding home. Ellen will have to be devious in convincing the old widow that sharing her home will not interfere with anyone's lifestyle.Suspense will thicken. The two teens still believe that the other committed the gory murders. Lies upon lies will be amplified when a horrid event takes place. Now suspicion and a cover-up will have to be crafted. This psychological drama also features: Michael Burns, Carol Cole, Barbara Sammeth, Severn Darden and Beverly Garland.

Hoohawnaynay Stella Stevens (always great) works for loony bitch Shelly WInters in a huge estate. What Shelly doesn't know is that Stellas siblings are coming to stay and they are just released from a nut house after killing their parents years before. Once they get there weird things start happening. I won't give away the plot, there are some twists. Stella gives an understated performance here, Shelly is over the top as always. Beverly Garland has a memorable cameo here, appearing drunk at a party (she was pregnant in real life) and utters one of the greatest one liners in movie history (I am married to a male whore)! She then creates a bloody mess in the bathroom by slashing her wrists. After talking to Stella a few years ago I found out this movie had director/producer problems and could have been much better. I think it is great the way it is but I see where some of the directing and editing could have been improved upon. I wish they would release this on DVD as Stella never looked more beautiful and Shelly is always fun to watch.

Lovetvshows From the opening credits this film gives off a creepy feeling. You are never quite sure which character is trustworthy. Stella Stevens gives the right amount of instability in her performance of a woman who is unsure of her future. The younger siblings, played by Michael Burns and Barbara Sammeth, are equally as creepy. This is a must have film for people who like suspenseful movies with minimal gore. As another reviewer noted I am surprised that this movie has not been released on DVD. It would be interesting to have a commentary by Stella Stevens. PS: The writers of To Die For with Nicole Kidman must have been fans of this film, since the opening credits are similar to The Mad Room's credits.

grantch This engrossing film has a wonderful premise ... and terrific acting. Shelley Winters as a cranky, self-indulgent whiny control freak is so memorable that I am shocked her fans ave not picketed to have The Mad Room made available on DVD. Stella Stevens turns in a truly remarkable performance becoming more and more unhinged as hidden secrets begin to emerge from the proverbial closet. This movie, like Return from the Ashes, has so many twists and turns you will never be bored.Possible SPOILER (?):Thre is so much wry humor mixed in with the thrills, you will really appreciate. In Othello, plot spoilers say "Watch the handkerchief." In this movie you should "Watch the dog", who surely should have received an award for lending a paw to the proceedings.When and if you see this movie (which seems to, like Return from the Ashes and Four Flies on Grey Velvet, have disappeared from the face of the earth), your admiration of both Winters and Stevens is bound to increase. After viewing, you may require your own Mad Room.