13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Re-titled "When Michael Calls..." still packs a punch!, August 15, 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Shattered Silence [VHS] (VHS Tape)
"Shattered Silence" was originally a 1972 ABC Movie-of-the-Week (that's what TV movies used to be called) titled "When Michael Calls...". First let me clear something up: Elizabeth Ashley plays Michael's *aunt*, not his mother. Michael's mother was put into a mental institution and wound up committing suicide 15 years ago. Distraught, Michael ran away from the home of his Aunt Helen (where he and his brother had been sent to live) and wound up perishing in a blizzard. Or did he?
Now "Auntie-my-Helen" (Michael's special name for her) is calling her up and begging for a ride home, because "it's awful cold where I am." Michael's creepily sinister little-boy voice sounds like Freddy the Flute (from HR Pufnstuf) and you'll feel chills go up your spine when during a middle-of-the-night call to his aunt he begins wailing, "Auntie-my-Helen, I'm dead, aren't I? I'm dead, I'm dead!"
Now Helen's got to figure out if someone is playing a joke on her or wants to do her real harm...or is it possible that Michael could somehow still be alive? Lots of twists and turns in the plot, and truly chilling moments distinguish this excellent example of the made-for-TV thriller genre. Why can't they make movies for TV like this any more?
The only reason I'm giving this four stars rather than five is that the print itself is pretty awful...the film is scratched and murky, and the sound isn't so hot, either. Still, what can you expect from a 30 year old telefilm? It's not like AFI is going to be spending a lot of money to restore TV movies, even though they are a part of our pop culture heritage.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This was a great old movie!, July 22, 2002
This review is from: Shattered Silence [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I was in this film and played Michael Douglas's neice. He was great to work with (although it was a long time ago). I would like to get a copy of this film to show my children.
Sincerely, Karen Pearson
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
best horror film ever, October 24, 2000
This review is from: Shattered Silence [VHS] (VHS Tape)
I saw this film as a 10 year old and it scared the heck out of me The suspence is awesome and chilling! I feel this is a must see halloween film and wish the net works would schedule it. Anyone who considers themself a horror movie buff needs to see this totally terrifying film!
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