Whoever Slew Auntie Roo? (1972) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

• Amazon Prime Video Stream · HD
• Amazon Prime Video with Ads Stream · HD
• fuboTV Stream · HD
• MGM Plus Stream · HD
• MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel Stream · HD
• MGM+ Amazon Channel Stream · HD
• Philo Stream · HD
• Tubi TV Free with ads · SD

Streaming availability powered by

1. 1

   Christmas Party at Auntie Roo's Mansion

   Every year Auntie Roo hosts a lavish overnight Christmas party for ten well-mannered orphans in her mansion. Her warm demeanor masks a deranged state and the macabre secret she keeps in the attic—the mummified remains of her daughter Katharine. The festive setting foreshadows the danger lurking behind the party's gleaming surface.

   When

   Christmas night

   Where

   Auntie Roo's mansion

2. 2

   Séances in the Attic

   Roo conducts regular séances to contact her dead daughter Katharine, with the help of the phony medium Mr. Benton who shares fees with the butler Albie. Clarine the maid also participates, using the dumbwaiter shaft to mimic Katharine's voice. The attic/nursery room serves as the stage for these deceptive encounters.

   When

   During the party

   Where

   Attic / nursery room

3. 3

   Christopher and Katy Sneak In

   Christopher and Katy, two orphans, sneak into the party and are warmly welcomed by Auntie Roo when she notices Katy resembles Katharine. Roo's apparent kindness masks her fixation on replacing Katharine. The siblings become entangled in the mansion's dark affair.

   When

   During the party

   Where

   Mansion

4. 4

   Katy Abducted by Auntie Roo

   After the party, Auntie Roo abducts Katy with the intention of using her as a substitute for Katharine. Christopher believes Roo is a witch who intends to devour him and his sister. His suspicion sets off a desperate bid to warn others.

   When

   After the party

   Where

   Mansion

5. 5

   Christopher’s Warning Fails

   Christopher tries to warn the other residents about Auntie Roo's plans, but no one believes him. Left with little support, he returns to the mansion to rescue Katy on his own.

   When

   Later that night

   Where

   Mansion

6. 6

   New Year Dinner Preparations

   Roo begins preparing a New Year's Eve dinner, continuing her ritualistic routines. Christopher helps by gathering firewood, unwittingly aiding in the later attempt to trap Roo. The tension inside the mansion escalates as the clock nears midnight.

   When

   Night, before midnight

   Where

   Mansion / grounds

7. 7

   The Jewelry Heist and Teddy Bear

   Christopher and Katy steal Auntie Roo's jewelry and hide it inside an old teddy bear that belonged to Katharine. The stolen treasure becomes a potential future leverage for the children. Roo remains oblivious to the loss as she focuses on her next steps.

   When

   Earlier in the night

   Where

   Mansion

8. 8

   Escape Attempt Ends in Pantry

   The siblings try to escape through the basement kitchen door but Auntie Roo locks them in the pantry. The claustrophobic confinement heightens the danger as Roo's attention returns to her abducted daughter.

   When

   Night

   Where

   Basement kitchen / pantry

9. 9

   Nursery Visit and the Skull Crumbles

   Roo goes to the nursery to visit Katharine's mummy once more; this time the skull crumbles in her hands, shattering her fragile sanity. The moment underscores the futility of her obsession and its consequences.

   When

   Just before midnight

   Where

   Nursery

10. 10

    Call to Roo: The Trick Works

    Remembering what she overheard during the séance, Christopher has Katy call to Auntie Roo in Katharine's voice, which diverts her attention toward the pantry. This ruse buys a critical window for them to act.

    When

    Moment after skull crumble

    Where

    Kitchen / Pantry

11. 11

    Roo Is Trapped

    Christopher hides on the top shelf and knocks cans onto Auntie Roo, toppling her to the floor. The siblings quickly lock the pantry door and seal it, turning the kitchen into a trap for Roo.

    When

    Immediately after the ruse

    Where

    Pantry

12. 12

    Fire, Escape, and Treasure

    They place firewood around the pantry, douse it with paraffin, and set it on fire to ensure Roo cannot escape. They retrieve Katharine's teddy bear with the jewels and make their exit from the burning mansion.

    When

    Seconds after trapping

    Where

    Pantry to outside

13. 13

    Piglet Incident and Fire Brigade

    Outside, Mr. Harrison the butcher arrives with a piglet, sees the smoke, and drives off to call the fire brigade. Katy realizes Auntie Roo was intended to cook the pig, while Christopher reveals they were to be eaten after the pig.

    When

    Soon after the fire starts

    Where

    Outside mansion

14. 14

    Resolution at the Orphanage

    The fire brigade arrives but cannot rescue Auntie Roo, and Inspector Willoughby takes the children back to the orphanage. Christopher and Katy exchange relieved smiles, and the jewelry becomes their 'wicked witch's treasure' to secure a hopeful future.

    When

    Morning after

    Where

    Orphanage