WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO AUNT ALICE? is the unofficial follow-up to the Robert Aldrich two-fer WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE? and HUSH, HUSH...SWEET CHARLOTTE. Oddly, it feels a bit more dated than either of those films, probably because it's in colour rather than classy black and white. The quality of the script isn't quite up there either; this is predictable and a little drawn out, although the premise is still irresistable. Geraldine Page makes for a thoroughly despicable villainess from the outset, while Ruth Gordon is unusually cast as the heroine of the hour and excels in the role. The film is a slow burner that builds to an expected but satisfying twist climax; overall, it reminded me of an extended COLUMBO episode.
