Conversation Over a Corpse

"Conversation Over a Corpse" is one of the best episodes of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" both because it has a wonderful script and a delightfully dotty performance by Dorothy Stickney as Cissie.

When the story begins, you learn that some time ago, Herbert (Ray Collins) bought an option on the home belonging to two sisters, Cissie and Joanna Enright. However, after taking that money some time ago, the sisters have had second thoughts about selling and now are in a much better situation financially. But Herbert doesn't care....he just wants to demolish the house and build something else on the property. To make it worse, Herbert seems to delight in the prospect of tossing the two elderly women out of the place! What's next? Perhaps, murder!

This is an episode best seen instead of described. You just have to watch Cissie and enjoy her story as it unfolds. Very clever, rather funny and, of course, quite dark!

This is entirely tongue in cheek. It involves a couple of elderly sisters. One of them quite dominating and the other rather passive. Enter a man played by Ray Collins (Lt. Tragg from Perry Mason). He wants their property and won't take no for an answer. They decide that they should kill him. The entire episode is a series of efforts to do away with the man while he sits there and listens. He is paralyzed for much of the episode. As time goes along, the sister that seems like the mouse begins to assert herself. It leads to a satisfying conclusion. It's best if you don't take this one too seriously.

The byplay between the two sisters and Collins' pleading are quite comical. I think a great deal of charm comes from the two women's cold bloodedness. They don't seem to care that they are about to murder someone, only how to do it.

"Conversation Over a Corpse" is the second 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents' episode directed by Jules Bricken. Bricken only directed three episodes, but all three are well worth the look and one in particular is a lot better than some of the episodes directed by the most frequent directors. Bricken may not have been one of the best directors for the series, but deserved more of a chance and didn't get enough of one in my personal view.

Of the three episodes of Bricken's, my vote for the best is "Conversation Over a Corpse". One of the best episodes of an uneven Season 2 and the first great episode of the season. Is it a high point of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents?' No it isn't. But when it comes to entertainment value and atmosphere, "Conversation Over a Corpse" is one of the most entertaining in a dark way and most atmospheric, again in a way that chills in its own way.

It is at its weakest with Hitchcock's contribution in one of the few times of the series where his epilogue wasn't necessary and felt tacked on.

That's the only fault that could be found by me. It's well made, shot and lit with a good deal of atmosphere. It's not opulent as such but again it's not that kind of episode, neither is it cheap or simplistic. The music is some of the best of the series up to this point, the episode has a darkly comic tone and so does the style of the music (so one of the few to be scored perfectly). Bricken directs with a good deal more confidence and distinction, it was not bad at all in the previous episode but there was never anything exceptional whereas while not ground breaking there was nothing to find fault with.

Writing is very clever and darkly funny, as well as deliciously ironic, some of the funniest and most intelligent of the season and one of the main reasons as to why "Conversation Over a Corpse" is one of the standouts of Season 2. While not suspenseful as such perhaps, the story is still incredibly compelling, very atmospheric (especially the darker moments) and never stops entertaining. Cissie is a fascinating character.

Loved the interplay for the characters and other than the writing and the ending, that wasn't expected, the episode is worth seeing for the performance of Dorothy Stickney. Have not seen dottiness this entertaining or unsettling in goodness knows how long.

Summing up, great. 9/10.

If you have two old ladies in an ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS series episode, you certainly have to expect poison element, and here that's just the case. A light hearted crime drama in the pure Agatha Christie style. It is refreshing, fun to watch, though not being a highlight in the show. A rollercoaster in terms of characters relation and dialogues. Very tense, fast paced, and those two delightful old women. It is very worth the view. You also have here a bit of Ernst Lubitsch's touch in terms of directing. I have great pleasure each time I see this episode. Good twist ending that I am sure you will enjoy.

Two spinsters (Carmen Matthews and Dorothy Stickney) and have agreed to sell their house to a property developer (Ray Collins) but, regretting it, plan to kill him.

This episode is a very light hearted black comedy, as is clear from the incidental music. No psychological tension or heart-stopping suspense here, just a fun ride. The pace is maintained throughout - it never drags. The three main actors are all well suited to their roles. Carmen Matthews' part is similar to the one she played 4 episodes earlier (Kill with Kindness), though here she is a little more human, and the story itself is much more satisfying.

I didn't find the story predictable, and there was at least one surprise turn in the plot.

As with many of these episodes, this is one where you really could do without the obligatory "no-one must get away with a crime" epilogues which I dread even before Hitchcock opens his mouth. Still, it's better there than in the story itself.

So, sit back and enjoy...