Behind the Locked Door

This plot will be reasonably familiar to anyone who ever read "Washington Square," featuring a plain heiress and a dominating parent. In this case, the parent is Gloria Swanson, reprising her role as Norma Desmond with a touch of Malificent. Swanson is a scary lady -- I once spoke with her on the phone and she was scary even in that benign conversation. What charms she may once have had that made her a silent screen star remain mysterious. She would most likely have scared away any other suitor than James MacArthur, who reminds us that he was once a handsome and viable leading man. Lynne Loring plays a "plain" girl who is no plainer than anyone else, and whose bouffant hair styles and frosted lips do nothing to further that illusion. Once the two lovers are secretly married, the plot gets rickety, involving the fact that the bride is under age and the mother makes an unlikely offer to pay off the groom by funding his education in exchange for an annulment. Further complications involve a trust fund, which only slows down the story. The most annoying plot point comes late in the tale and involves a faked suicide that is foolish beyond redemption. The titular "locked door" turns out to be a looming presence that does little to enhance the plot, but makes for a Gothic ending.

This is the worst episode of the whole Alfred Hitchcock Hour and Alfred Hitchcock Presents series. Not only is the plot boring and predictable (don't worry; unlike others I will NOT write a detail-by-detail summary of the entire episode), but the worst part is the leading female's voice. From the beginning of talkies until now, Hollywood has never seemed to be able to understand that teenager girls are not grown women talking in fake squeaky high-pitched nasal voices. The voice is so unbearable, I'm halfway through the episode as I type this, and I don't know if I can stand to finish it. I just can't stand the squeaky nasally voice anymore.

I agree with the last reviewer, there's a touch of gothic attached to Gloria Swanson's performance in this mystery, similar in style to the dark material Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were doing at the time. In short, Swanson displays her ominous side, drawing you right in.

Incidentally, Hitch's famous mood music is a contributing factor in spades.

Lynn Loring plays Bonnie, heir to a fortune, who wishes to marry a young gentleman... with ideas? James MacArthur, in a very good early role, plays Dave, Bonnie's struggling fiancee who is locked in a battle of wits with her domineering mother, Mrs. Daniels (played by Swanson). She's a tough cookie who doubts Dave's sincerity, believing it's all about the inheritence.

Watching this all unfold is simply mesmerizing, topped by a marvelous performance by Miss Swanson, one of the few silent film stars who successfully graduated to sound and, later tv, aging gracefully at that. Still very beautiful, and making the most of her role.

The ending is an absolute macabre knockout.

Swanson at the time considered herself retired, however was in demand on tv. This may be her best dramatic role for television, which should have earned her an Emmy nomination.

Excellent direction by Robert Douglas, an actor himself, who mastered several episodes for Hitch.

Another gem written by series writer Joel Murcott, from a story by Henry Sleser, who wrote for the EDGE OF NIGHT for years.

Also a salute to Lynn Loring, who passed in 2023.

Loring was a soap opera actor, appearing regularly in SEARCH FOR TOMORROW. Most of us cop show fans recognize her from the FBI, playing Barbara Erskine.

SEASON 2 EPISODE 22 remastered. The dvd box set, according to Amazon, was produced in Europe and may not play on American made players. Always check with the seller.

I advise you not to read the summary of this episode, as I did, because it pretty much IS the entire episode...including the twist.

When the story begins, Bonnie has just married Dave (James MacArthur) and they are visiting her childhood home, which has been shuttered for some time. However, her mother is apparently there and she confronts the two lovers. Unbeknownst to Dave, Bonnie is underage...and the marriage is not valid. The mother (Gloria Swanson) announces she's having the marriage annulled, as she thinks Dave is only interested in Bonnie because of her fortune. However, she can't stop Bonnie once she hits 18...but she can keep the money in trust until she's 25...and she assumes Dave will not be willing to wait. What's next and what is the locked door? See the show and find out for yourself.

Considering what a godawful person Dave turns out to be, the finale of this episode is quite satisfying and makes this one worth seeing. A dark and well deserved finale and solid acting make this one worth seeing. However, and I really HATE this, in the epilogue, Hitchcock gives yet another 'crime doesn't pay' speech---even though it's doubtful a crime was committed. For this, I had to knock off a point.

Bonnie marries Dave (James MacArthur) and while visiting her childhood home, which has been closed for some time, her mother arrives, confronting the two lovers. Unbeknownst to Dave, Bonnie is underage...so the mother (Gloria Swanson) announces she's having the marriage annulled, as she thinks Dave is only interested in Bonnie because of her fortune. However, she can't stop Bonnie once she hits 18...but she can keep the money in trust until she's 25...and she assumes Dave will not be willing to wait. What's next and what is the locked door?

This is quite a tense, melodramatic thriller with a good performance from James MacArthur as Dave, a poor guy. You're not quite sure whether he's genuine in his love for Bonnie. But you do sense something is off with him. Lynn Loring is sweet and perfect as the naive Bonnie. But, of course, Gloria Swanson ( every guy's dream mother-in-law) totally steals the scene, and that last scene is quite chilling as she shuts the door.