Customer Reviews

Shattered Silence [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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.

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

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!

I saw this movie for the first time the other nite-it sure kept me in suspense. My eyes were glued to the tv till the end. I thought it was a very good movie and have even watched it couple times since.

This movie gave me the creeps when I first saw it as a child (under the title "When Michael Calls"), and still manages to make me shudder! The phone calls from Michael, presumed dead, really make the hair stand up on your neck - just the voice is enough to make you want to hang up and take the phone off the hook! Lots of suspence and atmosphere - the Halloween carnival scene is horrifying! A great thriller!

It just is one of the most interesting movie. It has mystery in it. I cant seem to stop watching this movie. I have been watching this movie for 5 yrs. Anyone, who would like to chat or comment about this movie with me contact me at jdm807@hotmail.com

This movie was a above average tv thriller. It had a great spookiness about it and excellent acting from everyone involved. This is not a gore fest though and is more of a mystery film. Mystery fans should enjoy this one the fact that's taking place in the 70's with those dial phones adds to it. Ben Gazzara is a very likeable lead in this one but he has alot of talent backing him up too. The prints looks pretty good and the movies plot is believable and interesting. It moves pretty quickly and was quite a decent tv movie. I saw this on tv back in the 80's as it was replayed even then.

I can remember being about 13 years old and my sister and I watching this on t.v. (the ABC "Movie of the Week!") and how wonderfully scared we were! I think we watched it every time it came on. I thought it was kind of unbelievable, but if you just watch it without taking it too seriously you will enjoy it. I think this film has a real kind of "campy" following. One of the best t.v. thrillers, that's for sure!

Even though this film has a lot of big name stars, it is Karen Pearson in the role of Peggy who make the film work. Karen adds so much personality to her role that without her this movie would not be as strong.

Just for the general information file....
I found this movie on DVD and have already ordered it. Thought that it might be of interest for those of you who, like me, love the movie and would like it on a different format.

Enjoy!!