Special Delivery

'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' "Special Delivery" (1959)

Opening thoughts: Norman Lloyd directed nineteen 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episodes, was a producer for most of the series' run and even acted in five episodes (his biggest role being in "Design for Loving"). His output was very up and down, but not unwatchable. That "Special Delivery" was an adaptation of the great Ray Bradbury was a major selling point, the premise sounds odd on paper but the story is actually creepy and suspenseful in distinctive Bradbury fashion.

"Special Delivery" is a very good and entertaining 'Twilight Zone'-like episode, every bit as entertaining, wonderfully strange and atmospheric as the source. It's not the first time Bradbury was adapted on 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', in fact the fourth. It's not as good as the outstanding "And So Died Riabouchinska", but it is much better than the underwhelming "Shopping for Death" (which didn't feel like Bradbury) and on the same level as "Design for Loving". Not one of the best episodes of Season 5, also not one of the worst even if it won't be for all tastes.

Bad things: There is not much wrong here, but maybe it could have been longer to flesh some motivations out more. With such a meaty story, this could have been at least 45 minutes easily.

Not all the acting is quite there, with Peter Lazar trying too hard.

Good things: Actually thought however that enough of it was decent, though none of the performances will make it on the list of best performances of the series. Didn't have that much of an issue with Steve Dunne. The production values suitably eerie and the theme tune is typically haunting. Hitchcock's bookending is amusingly ironic.

Furthermore, "Special Delivery" benefits hugely from the very intriguing and atmospheric script from Bradbury, which is not too talky and the human psychology is thoughtful. As well as Lloyd's direction, which is some of his best, most imaginative and slickest. Enjoyed also the very suspenseful and creepy story, especially the ending. Anybody who doesn't like mushrooms in the first place (like me, have a thing about textures) will find nothing here to change their minds for the better.

Closing thoughts: Overall, very good.

8/10.

This seemed more like a Twilight Zone episode with it's sci-fi premise. I love Ray Bradbury though and it was a good story. The acting though--kind of cringeworthy, especially the father and son. With decent actors I would have given this 8 stars.

This was a decent story, but it was right up to the line of science fiction. I image back in the days it aired first it would have left many puzzled. I did want to see monsters, but this felt like the morality and societal discussion was the best of the story.

I think reviewers need to remember we are seeing these for the first time, or again after 50 years! The acting was fresh even if it wasn't always great.

TV was still pretty new. My family didn't have a tv until 1963! So when I watch these classic shows, I look at them not weigh today's eyes, but with what was being seen on TV back THEN.

Yes, what a strange episode, a plot destined to youngest audiences, at least over thirteen but under nineteen. Nothing to do with anything you could watch before. I admit that this kind of stuff - mushrooms - is not my stuff at all. I prefer mushroom with oignon and garlic with my pasta, that's all. This episode, very weird material, left me puzzled, but why not? Just try. Yes,I prefer garlic....

Terrific episode for those who don't mind a dash of sci-fi in their Hitchcock. Young entrepreneur Peter Lazar sends away for a mushroom deal that promises quick profits by growing them in your own home. He's excited, and so are his Ozzie and Harriet parents. The next day a neighbor darkly summons Dad with incredible stories about people disappearing for no reason. Dad is unsettled since the neighbor seems so convincing, but then he becomes alarmed when the neighbor too inexplicably drops out of sight. What's going on? The final scene is one of the spookiest of all the Hitchcock entries.

Ray Bradbury did the script, accounting for why the details add up so effectively and the suspense builds so nicely. The lines including the voice-overs are especially literate and unsettling. In fact, this is one of those typically 50's productions that implies a sense of mounting unease beneath an outwardly calm and composed suburbia that might at any moment be invaded by an insidious enemy. Also, notice how in crossing the street early on, Dad has to suddenly stop for a honking car. It's a clever touch like this suggesting unseen danger (likely director Norman Lloyd's touch) that separates outstanding half-hours from merely good ones. Never mind that the idea here bears a distinct resemblance to the classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. This one is so well done you'll hardly notice.