After getting Oscars/nominations for playing over-bearing or genuinely nasty women, it was nice to see Shelley get one for playing a truly caring, loving person. The fact that she is one of the victims is very emotional for everyone there. I can't remember if her death happens before or after Stella Stevens, but if not, even Stella's character must have been horrified, because Shelley never went out of her way to be mean back after Stella made her nasty comments about going first. When Gene starts ranting about "No, not her", I can just imagine an entire theater of people balling their eyes out. The fact that she plays such a kind person really defuses the Jewish mother/grandmother stereotype and makes that sequence twice as heartbreaking.
"Great theater makes you smile. Outstanding theater may make you weep."

Very Funny rtw416 my brothers and I also held our breath during her swim. Hahaha

I held my breath when she went under and then when Nonnie and Martin went under. I remember when I saw this film in the packed theater Christmas of '72 and it seemed like the entire audience took deep breaths with the characters after Belle went in. Amazing experience.
"Thus, we began our longest journey together."
Adult Scout, To Kill A Mockingbird

This message has been deleted.

I adored her character. One of the most memorable I've ever seen.
Amen to that.

I adored her character. One of the most memorable I've ever seen.

I was so sad because I thought her character Mrs. Belle Rosen was going to get through this ordeal and be one of the survivors but instead passed on unexpectedly
.
An excellent film overall ( for 1972 ) especially storyline and memorable all-star cast too
.
Thanks rtw416 for your subject post
.