Conversation Over a Corpse

The ultra cynical Alfred Hitchcock on introducing the upcoming episode already gives a hint what comes next in dealing with mini-laboratory mixing chemical elements in test tubes, the story is about two sexagenarian old ladies that previously sold their old property to a real state buyer that intent to demolish the old house aiming for property appreciation in near future, oddly enough both are regretting for accepted the business, so the old ladies planning invite the buyer for a tea to poison the older profiteer.

Actually has something underneath concerning the two old ladies, it won't as expose at first glance, the older one Cissie Enright (Dorothy Stickney) seems faltering and rambling, instead the younger one Joanna Enright (Carmen Mathews) that holds the firm purpose to poison the il-fated buyer Mr. Herbert (Ray Collins), the unexpected coming on closing episode, while back with Hitchcock final comments alleging that there's no actors available to play dead people, so he suggests to audience offers themselves for these death's roles, oh my God!!

Thanks for reading.

Resume:

First watch: 2025 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5.

A pair of sisters decide to play a devious game when the man who bought their house arrives for a visit. They serve up something extra special in their tea and cookies, in order to keep their home in the family.

Enjoyable black comedy that benefits from the three characters. Their acting is great. There's no murder, well only an attempted poisoning, but it's a change from a serious tone.

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.

Another fine episode by Frances Cockrell, who also brought lots of imagination and homicide to BATMAN a decade later.

Carmen Matthews and Dorothy Stickney, two superior stage and film actresses, are appropriately cast as the Enright sisters, about to lose the old homestead. In steps heartless, calculating Mr. Brenner (Ray Collins, just before his PERRY MASON days), ready to take control of the place and literally throw them into the street.

What to do? In the usual Hitchcock style, MURDER 101. He deserved it anyway, right? The thing Hitch must have recommended time again to his writers was to ALWAYS end an arguement with cold blooded murder. At least it spiced things up.

The two spinsters begin deliberations as to the best way to eliminate their guest, and eventually Brenner is sitting paralyzed and at their mercy. Didn't he like the tea and cookies?

Carmen Matthews, a Hitchcock favorite, much like Robert H. Harris, is again perfectly cast as the warm and gentle villain, and the brains of the outfit who is quite the cook. Wait for the ending...

Jules Bricken did a very good job directing this talented trio, and with experience; he also directed several episodes of Boris Karloff's macabre series, THRILLER. In the 60s Bricken produced one of the greatest WW II films ever, THE TRAIN, starring Burt Lancaster.

Best of SEASON 2, remastered Universal dvd box set (2006). These box sets are wonderful, usually containing 4 dvds.

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...