Conversation Over a Corpse

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.

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!!

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

"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.

Deliciously done black humor. Aging Enright sisters are about to be put out of the family house by greedy wheeler-dealer Brenner (Collins). But despite their genteel appearance, they're not about to go quietly, at least as long as there's poison in the house. Trouble is ditzy Cissie (Stickney) doesn't like either cruel people or cruel deeds. So she gives Brenner only a half-dose. Now the three face-off in the parlor as Brenner hangs on desperately while the ladies decide how to finish the job.

The episode is strongly reminiscent of Kill With Kindness (Oct., 1956), down to feisty Carmen Mathews as the driving force. This entry, however, is more consistently tongue-in-cheek. Collins makes a good Scrooge, while Stickney manages a tricky part well. The upshot's nicely ironic made so by a clever script that eases subtly into the irony. All in all, it's vintage Hitchcock from the series second season.

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...